what mix for walkway around house?

[karaman]

hallo all,

newbie here - in at deep end - not looking forward to this, scared.

have to make a 1.5 yard walkway around house. three days no rain predicted so hiring cement mixer for the job. was told i need a mix of 6:1 gravel to cement. seems insufficient cement and why no lime? i thought lime was meant to give a certain 'flexibility' to the mix so it can expand/contract. we have hot summers and cold winters.

is the 6:1 ratio OK?

help appreciated.

thanks

karaman
the spirit never dies
+++++++++++++

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

1 : cement
1.5 : sharp sand
2.5 : 20mm aggregate
or
1 :cement
3.5 : all in ballast

 

[karaman]

thank you PrenticeBoyofDerry,

did the 1:3.5 version. thought 1:6 wasnt right. finishing job today.

thanks, much appreciated.

karaman

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Happy to help, after you lay it. I would cover over with poly sheeting for a day. Then it should have set, not quite fit to walk on but get some water over the top of it and sheet back up if you wish. It will help toughen the concrete up.
Good luck with the project.

 

[karaman]

thanks again.

ive had to mix manually as mixer at rental place is broken so work taking lot longer than thought. finishing tomorrow - friday, in sunshine. rain is forecast for saturday. should i cover it up as it will not have set properly?

cheers

karaman

 

[noseall]

6 ballast to 1 cement is the most widely used ratio and is an accepted universal mix. It is plenty strong enough for a concrete path.

3.5:1 is way too rich.

Concrete suppliers would go bust.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Cover it up for at least the first 24 hours, then try keep the surface with soaked with water and cover up again if raining.
1:3.5 will give a good strength and you will be able to add a little more water to mix, to make it more workable, maybe over the top for a walkway, but should not be detrimental to finished product.