The strength of the slab is not always governed by its thickness. The
greater strength is obtained by properly proportioning the gravel or
crushed stone, sand and Portland cement, so that all the spaces between
the stone are filled with sand and cement.
[Illustration]
The Portland cement, sand and gravel or crushed stone should be mixed
in proportions, if the sand is not very coarse, of 1: 2: 4—which
means, 1 part Portland cement, 2 parts sand, 4 parts gravel or crushed
stone, all passing a ¾-inch mesh and all collected on a ¼-inch mesh. If
the sand is coarse and the crushed stone or gravel well graded in size
of particles, it may be mixed in proportions of 1 part Portland cement,
2½ parts sand, 5 parts gravel or broken stone. All proportions are
measured by volume.
Bank run gravel is often used for sidewalk work, particularly where a
good bank can be found on the farm. It is safer, if this material be
used, to screen out the pebbles, using them as stone, measuring the
quantities of stone and sand as described above. Concrete should not be
laid in freezing weather.
[Illustration]