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-   -   Bad concrete driveway (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=241843)

  • Jul 26, 2008, 08:28 AM
    onedayold
    bad concrete driveway
    I had a driveway of 22'X80'X6" done. On day of pour it was very hot (80 to 90 degrees F.) The day of pour I noticed the surface flaking in several areas, Mostly small 1-2" spots in groups of a few to several. There is one area (that was shaded during pour) which is approx. 8' X 6' and has lost most of the surface due to this flaking. Any help with causes and cures. The contractor is blaming the supplier and of course the supplier is blaming the contractor. What are suggested procedures to correct and what are most likely causes.
    Thanks.
  • Jul 26, 2008, 11:09 AM
    smearcase
    The Portland Cement Association (11 th question on site below) lists too much water in the mix, finishing the surface before bleed water evaporates and lack of air-entrainment, as the most frequent causes of flaking. Since you saw flacking on day of pour we can forget air-entrainment because that would be a longer term problem.
    Since it was a hot day, too much water or finishing surface too early could be the cause(s). One, the other or both in combination could create the conditions, that is high water cement ratio. Either one results in a diluted mix right at the surface.
    Without seeing any other details, I would say it was finishing too early because I wouldn't expect a problem to show up until traffic had been on it, if it was just wetter than it should have been, but finished properly.
    Unless your contactor can prove a problem with the mix (wrong amount or type of cement, too long in the truck, foreign substances in mix, etc) it will be his problem.
    Most drivers ask the contracor foreman how wet they want the mix to be.

    Cement & Concrete FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) | Portland Cement Association (PCA)
  • Jul 26, 2008, 11:19 AM
    ballengerb1
    I agree with Smearcase regarding what may have caused the problem. However, unless you personally bought the concrete, had it delivered and hired the contractor to do the pour it will be his problem either way. If he bought the concrete and it was bad he has to do the fight, not you. Stick to your guns.

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