What is the maximum length in which to put my expansion joint and the best mix when ordering the concrete?

Question

I'm pouring a driveway in New Jersey which is 9'.6" wide by 32' long x 6' thick with 10guage wire mesh 6x6. I was initally thinking 16' for my 1x6x5quarter presure treating lumber and ordering a 4500psi mix...

Answer 1

We pour with 4500 all the time.It will cure out white.If that's what your looking for.It finishes a little nicer also and is stronger than 4000.I would put expansion along the garage with cap strip on top.When your done pouring the next day rip off the top of the cap strip and fill in with SL 1.Cut your joints every 8 feet either with a saw or a creaser.You don't need one up the middle with it only being 10 feet wide.

Answer 2

4500 is over kill unless ur driving very large trucks or its like....5/4 board is not a good expansion joint either unless u use black board on it too....if ur expansion joints r for the middle of the pour just put in cut joints with a saw....if used when butting something , like the house or another concrete slab, then use black board......the use of expansion joints is for them to be able to "give" when the concrete "moves" and wood will not allow it to move as good as black board and tends to crack the concrete.......

lic. gen. contractor