Contributed by: Brad Westphall
In order to help avoid cracking when pouring ‘flatwork’ such as sidewalks, driveways and patios, there are a few things that you can do to help minimize the odds of it actually happening. A few of the more common things that can contribute to excessive cracking are improper concrete mix, the concrete has set too long before pouring, loose or unstable soil or ground base on which the concrete will be sitting and excessively high outside temperatures. Make sure that the concrete is poured as soon as possible after the concrete has been mixed properly. You can also continue to wet down the surface of the concrete while it is being ‘finished’ or use a special type of surface oil or retardant that will slow the surface curing process to help avoid surface cracks. I’d say the number one reason for serious cracking (1/8″ or more in width) is due to improper base or correctly compacted soils on which the concrete is being poured. Concrete will settle with time and some reports show that it takes a total of 3-4 weeks before concrete has totally settled and reached its comprehensive strength.
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