Sidewalks should be at least 4" (100mm) in thickness. Simple slabs for small foundations, bases, etc., normally 4" to 6" (100mm to150mm) thick, depending on the load they must bear. Slope the walk away from buildings to provide proper drainage.
You need a sidewalk that will last for years, and a thicker slab is the best option. A four inch concrete slab with properly reinforced expansion joints will be strong enough to support foot traffic without cracking or significant damage.
This is a hot topic of debate but the answer is simple: In general, you don't need rebar in residential sidewalks and driveways. It serves no fucntional purpose in these light flatwork applications.
Concrete Thickness
Pavements for foot traffic only (e.g. paths and patios) should have a minimum thickness of 75 mm. Pavements for vehicles less than 3 tonne gross mass should have a minimum thickness of 100 mm.
Typically, 4 to 6 inches is plenty, but you want a concrete base that is durable and strong enough to withstand the weight of your home and everything in it.
Rebar is recommended for concrete slabs that measure 5 – 6 inches in depth, which is about the depth of slab you'd need if you plan to drive on it or use it to house heavy machinery (like a large RV, for example).
Typical Weight Capacity: A well-constructed 4-inch concrete driveway can typically support weights ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 pounds, which is sufficient for most passenger cars and light SUVs.
Sidewalks should be at least 4" (100mm) in thickness. Simple slabs for small foundations, bases, etc., normally 4" to 6" (100mm to150mm) thick, depending on the load they must bear.
Typically, a mix ratio of 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, and 4 parts gravel with water provides a strong and durable sidewalk. This mix offers maximum strength to guarantee the sidewalk can handle heavy loads and resist cracking.
For flat slabs of concrete on the ground that are no more than four to five inches thick, rebar may not be necessary.
If you don't put gravel under concrete, the concrete can crack, sink, bow, or crumble.
If you are wondering if you can get away with not having an underslab vapor barrier plastic underneath the concrete of your building project? The short answer is no; for many reasons, ASTM compliance standards require vapor barrier plastic underneath concrete slabs.
Pouring concrete over existing concrete is possible as long as you do so properly. When the old concrete serves as the foundation for your new pour, it needs to be a solid one.
Most concrete patio professionals suggest a thickness of 4 inches. This also complies with most building codes. Many contractors will automatically assume a concrete slab thickness of 4 inches, which is standard.
Pouring a concrete walkway is one of the most practical projects you can master as a homeowner. Once you've excavated and poured a walkway, you can confidently take on larger concrete projects, such as patios and driveways. Poured concrete sidewalls are practical and extremely durable.
Reinforcing concrete sidewalks with wire mesh helps to bridge over small imperfections in the subgrade. This lessens the likelihood that sinkholes will develop. Concrete sidewalks can be replaced in sections that mesh together nicely, although the color does not always match (few materials do).
QUIKRETE® Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Mix eliminates the need for wire mesh reinforcement. It also offers increased resistance to surface cracking and chipping. QUIKRETE® Concrete Mix is a good general-purpose mix for sidewalk and slab work.
Concrete is consistently known to be cheaper than pavers. There's no doubt about it. However, if you add color staining and stamping, the cost begins to rise quickly to be comparable to pavers. The long-term value of concrete can vary depending on the person living in the home.
Dig path 3" deep (or to firm the dirt ) and 6" wider than finished sidewalk. Level and firmly pack the dirt to avoid the concrete from settling and cracking.
General use sidewalks don't benefit from the addition of rebar. In fact, using rebar in your sidewalk could actually cost you more over time if your sidewalk needs repairs. A typical sidewalk repair is completed by removing and replacing the damaged area. A reinforced sidewalk can complicate repairs.
The thinnest that is usually used when pouring concrete, in general, is about 2 to 2 ½ inches. That also applies to this pouring new concrete over old concrete. Any thinner than 2 inches would be too thin.
Ideal Concrete Strength For Common Structures
So, what is an ideal concrete PSI for common structures? Most residential projects, such as sidewalks and driveways, require 2,500-3,000 PSI. Structural components like beams and footers require a PSI of 3,500-4,000.
A 4"-thick concrete driveway for vehicles or ½-ton trucks does not need hot-rolled steel to last for decades. Thicker concrete, driveways with poor ground support, and driveways that often sustain heavy loads or vehicles should be strengthened. What is rebar?
A general rule of thumb is on cubic yard of concrete will cover the following areas: 4″ thick – covers 81 square feet. 5″ thick – covers 65 square feet. 6″ thick – covers 54 square feet.
If it's just for walking on or sitting, a 4-inch concrete slab should be fine. But if you'll have heavy furniture or lots of people on it, you might need a thicker slab.