minimum concrete thickness?

[r896neo]

My dear old dad has set his heart on redoing his garage floor with a fresh 2 inches of concrete over the top to smooth out the uneven surface as he wheels trolleys about on it. I told him this will not work and will crack up.

The existing concrete floor has been down about 20 years and is dry and solid. What would be the minimum thickness you could get away with? i was thinking a good clean, sbr and 3 1/2 inches? do you reckon it would take ok? Could you get away with 3?

There is never any vehicles in the garage so its really just enough to make sure it doesn't crack up. The area is about 8m x 3.5m

Any advice? Oh and I don't want to screed it. Cheers

 

[Deluks]

3" would do with some rollmesh and fibres for good luck.

Could dump some self levelling compound onto it?

*edit* thinking about it, would be easier to just replace the wheels on the trolleys for better larger ones. Got a major supermarket nearby? Set of 4 rubber wheels for a pound

 

[r896neo]

already got 4 inch castors on them.

 

[jeds]

Problem with 2" of concrete is not so much the structural issue (on good solid surfaces) but that thin layers don't flow well and it can be difficult getting a good level surface. 3" ought to be ok but you will need an additive to improve flow and a vibro plate might be useful as well.

 

[JohnD]

i wonder if quarry tiles set in mortar would give a better-wearing surface? Concrete always wears unevenly and never stops making dust.

 

[Deluks]

Concrete always wears unevenly and never stops making dust.

Could always paint it.

Go on, admit it, you'd like that wouldn't you.

 

[JohnD]

good floor paint for concrete is very expensive

 

[Deluks]

Just use the same stuff you use on the gnomes.

But seriously, the £15 International brand (or equiv) doesn't do a bad job, as long as there are no greasy patches and you pressure wash beforehand. Watery PVA and a single coat and my floor does the trick.

 

[noseall]

Concrete always wears unevenly and never stops making dust.

Not if you powerfloat purpose made readymix. You can achieve a surface like polished granite.

Not my cup of tea though.

 

[r896neo]

I am just planning on floating it roughly by hand, what do the rest of you reckon on the thickness? You think a good wet up 3'' would work?

 

[noseall]

Yes, i do.