Scruit Posted September 30, 2014 Report Share Posted September 30, 2014 (edited) I'm replacing a short walkway at the back of my house (2' x 20') that was previously just paving stones on dirt. I'm going to dig it out and replace it with 4" limestone gravel and 4" of concrete. Is it worth using the reinforcing mesh on a walkway this short? Will only ever see foot traffic, no vehicle traffic. Edited September 30, 2014 by Scruit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubba Posted September 30, 2014 Report Share Posted September 30, 2014 (edited) Based on your description of how it'll be constructed, the mesh would be superfluous. What mesh and reinforcement rods do is 1) give some additional strength in high traffic areas; and 2) keep the slab in one piece when it cracks….which it inevitably does if subjected to heavy vehicles. You'll be fine unless you plan to put on a ton of weight as you age. EDIT: Be sure to use a groover and put crack/stress reliefs in every 4' or so. For a 4" pour, your relief should be 3/4" to 1" deep. Or saw-cut it after it cures. Edited September 30, 2014 by Bubba Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scruit Posted September 30, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 30, 2014 Based on your description of how it'll be constructed, the mesh would be superfluous. What mesh and reinforcement rods do is 1) give some additional strength in high traffic areas; and 2) keep the slab in one piece when it cracks….which it inevitably does if subjected to heavy vehicles. You'll be fine unless you plan to put on a ton of weight as you age. Cool. Figured it was overkill, even for my fat ass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Butters Posted October 1, 2014 Report Share Posted October 1, 2014 get help if you need it - but whatever you do, make sure to edge while you pour.....saw cutting after it cures looks awful compared to laying proper edges no need for mesh or rebar on foot paths (unless youre tying new concrete into old concrete) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scruit Posted October 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2014 I will be edging & cutting control joints. I'll post before and after pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2talltim Posted October 2, 2014 Report Share Posted October 2, 2014 This is what I had done last spring and basically all we did was a bed of gravel on 4 inches. The problem I had this really cold winter was a crack and lifting at one of the steps, but it settle back into place after the thaw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gump Posted October 2, 2014 Report Share Posted October 2, 2014 Not sure if helpful but I was told adding fiberglass to concrete is a waste of money. Cement sellers like it because they toss the bag in the mix and make a high margin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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