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Construction Industry/concrete slurry for drive way (barney run?)

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Expert: - 6/30/2008


Question
Is concrete slurry a viable option for my currently gravel driveway?  The drive is sloped and I need something more stable to pull my boat.  Regular concrete or asphalt is overkill.

Thanks,
Matt

Answer
Matt,

Concrete slurry is a watered down cement mixture with little or no aggregate which means it has little compression or impact strength.  Slurry is generally used in crawl spaces or as a temporary means of covering a low or no traffic area.

I think that the weight of a boat and truck or car would cause the slurry to break - or at least crack and look unsightly.  If you live in a cold climate locale, the freeze and thaw cycle will also cause the slurry to fail.

In my area, when concrete is poured, for any reason, a permit and inspections are required along with soil compaction testing, etc.  Perhaps you should check with your local building dept.

Sorry, I don't have a better answer for you but a concrete drive is the best solution while asphalt may be OK.  Interlocking paver bricks work well too but are more costly.

Roger

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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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