How long does concrete take to settle to withstand significant weight?

Question

How long does concrete take to settle to withstand significant weight?

Answer 1

If the concrete was poured on a well compacted substrate, it will not settle.  You don't say what the concrete is for.  Is it a footing for a foundation wall?  A sidewalk?  A driveway?  If it's a footing, you can form and pour the foundation the next day.  A sidewalk can be walked on the next day as well.  A driveway needs to cure for a week before you can drive on it.  For exposed concrete, you will want to keep the surface wet for a few days to slow the curing process.  This will keep the surface from flaking or spalling.  Hope this helps.

Answer 2

You need to define significant weight, but typically they say a week to drive on your driveway or a day (maybe two) to start building a house on poured walls.

You can walk on a driveway the same day, just don't drive on it

Answer 3

It depends on the thickness of the concrete.  If it's a few inches, and by significant weight you mean a car, then I would recommend that you wait a week.  The weather also has a big influence on drying time.  If it's warm with dry air, then the concrete will set faster.  If it's very humid outside then the concrete will set slower.

Answer 4

Concrete gets stronger over two weeks but must not be allowed to dry out too quickly.

Cover with tarpaulins to retain the moisture as long as possible.

Answer 5

Significant?  three weeks.