Concrete drive (fiber or steel?)

avorancher · Mar 17, 2004

I have 2 quotes that are nearly the same in price for a 10,000 sq. ft. driveway.

Company A is quoting 4", 3000psi with rebar on 24" centers. He will also do 6" for quite a bit more $$ (says 5" is not enough difference to make it worth while).

Company B is quoting 5", 3000psi with fiber embedded in mix.

We have no frost to worry about, but do have hot summer sun. The base is compacted DG.

Companies are both reputable and stable. One highly recommends steel, the other highly recommends the fiber. (I could have both, but it gets pricey)

CTyler · Mar 17, 2004

I'll take the rebar everytime. If it cracks it doesn't seperate that same can not be said for fibermesh. Once its broke its broke, nothing to hold it together. I think fibremesh helps and is a good thing just not as good as rebar.

Cliff_Johns · Mar 17, 2004

My impression is that fiber helps while the crete dries, but
is not that useful after that. Perhaps someone else will
correct me on that. You can mix the two (fiber and rebar)
to get optimal and expensive results.

If you don't deal with frost heave, your concrete should
last forever if done correctly. Driveways are usually overbuilt.

Like anything else, preparation is the most important part.
The base has to be well compacted.

Cliff

Durbob · Mar 17, 2004

I wouldn't put nothing less than a #3500 mix on a driveway. It will give a better finish and hold up better. Also make sure you put a good sealer on it right after it cures. You should be able to buy it where you get your concrete.

Bob_In_MN · Mar 17, 2004

I have a client who makes the fiber strands that go into the concrete. He obviously touts the advantages of the fiber and I can't comment on which is better. However, he said the fiber is less expensive because you are not using the labor to put down rebar.

So, all else being equal, the quote using the fiber should be cheaper. Keep in mind this comes from a complete novice in the concrete world.

Bob

budman72 · Mar 17, 2004

I finished the last 120' of my driveway last fall. I went with the fiber fill, plus put down 1/2" rebar to boot. Drive is 12' wide, I put 3 rows down the length, and tied them with a cross piece about every 10'. The fiber was an extra $7 per yard, the rebar was just over $100.

I hired two laborers to help me and had a couple friends. It was definitely hard work /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif, but the cost was about half what a contractor wanted /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif.

BobinCols · Mar 17, 2004

I am with CTyler as I have been researching the rebar-fiberglass strands. My cement company quoted 6 bag mix. They said they could do the fiberglass strands, but if it was his driveway, he would go with the 6x6x10 wire mesh as it would hold the concrete together if and when it cracks.

avorancher · Mar 17, 2004

Not sure why one contractor is opposed to 5" thick. (he recommended 4" or 6") From what I can tell, that extra inch would add quite a bit of strength and well worth the extra $$.

I'm leaning towards the steel rebar although it adds a lot of expense due to the fact that they would have to pump the concrete in. The drive has a steep hillside on one side and a drop-off on the other. They won't be able to drive over the rebar once they set it.

Although it is a residence, the driveway is the only way in and out, so it will have to hold up to my tractor and any truck deliveries, etc. I just ordered 9 yards of sand for a paver project and was glad I don't have the drive started yet.