Although concrete is one of the most durable materials used in construction throughout the world, it has its limitations. There are thickness requirements for residential and commercial use and need a structural engineer to determine the proper thickness in applications. For residential construction you can use a minimum thickness for the project; almost everything that results from a concrete slab which will last many years.

Minimum thickness

The minimum thickness for a concrete slab in any environment is 4 inches (10.16 cm). This thickness can be used for slabs of basements, driveways, patios, porches, sidewalks and any other area where great weight is not expected. The only time a slab should be thicker when it will withstand heavy weight of some kind, such as trucks transporting tons of material or other types of heavy equipment.

Resistance requirements

Concrete is similar to other products that have a rating of strength based on the amount of charge that is expected to bear. The strength of the base to a mixture of concrete slab is 3,000 psi. Housing construction is almost never exceeds this number, you do not worry about the construction of a slab of more than 4 inches (10.16 cm) thick in most residential environments.

Driveways                                                                                                                                        

The only area where you may want to consider having more than 4 inches (10.16 cm) thick is on a road with which you plan on placing heavy equipment near it. For example, a concrete truck can weigh between 25 and 35 tons when it contains material if it is located on a plate which is only 4 inches (10.16 cm) thick slab crack. Normal vehicles and trucks, however, do not weigh enough to break a slab of 4 inches (10.16 cm).

Cured

Regardless of the slab thickness is necessary curing time which ensures solidification of the slab. The concrete hardens and continues to solidify and depending on the climate and the situation may take days or weeks to heal. As a rule, the concrete will reach about 500 psi within 72 hours of application, but the excess heat, freezing or insufficient hydration and other factors may change the curing time.