To meet building code, concrete must be at least 2,500 p.s.i., no matter where it is being poured. However, the p.s.i. can be increased at minimal cost and will increase the durability of the concrete and reduce cracking.
Our dry desert is something that needs to be taken into consideration before pouring concrete. Because the ground is so dry, a lot of the moisture and minerals in the concrete are absorbed by the dirt, lowering the p.s.i. during the curing process.
Therefore, we recommend the following.
For footings and sidewalks – 2,500 p.s.i.
For covered concrete – 3,000 p.s.i.
For finished concrete – 3,500 p.s.i.
For driveways – 4,000 p.s.i. in most cases.
For small projects, such as mail boxes, fence post, etc. 2,500 p.s.i. is more than enough.
