After changing jobs and now not having access to vehicle lifts, pits etc. I have been doing all my maintenance on a pea shingle drive, supporting axle stands, and jacks on 10mm steel plate. We are having some work done on the house and. It seems the perfect time to splash out on a concrete pad. I was wondering what spec, depth of concrete I should be asking for to safely take the weight of my p38?
200mm with 6mm rebar mesh should be fine for just about everything.
If you want a piece of advice, future proof the slab and if you think you might get a 2 post lift cheap off the bay or even one of those scissor lifts then put a little something extra in it to give you a head start.
If a 2 post lift then plan it out and dig out a couple of extra holes for the footing cube to go and steel that up too or if you like a scissor lift then get some rough dimensions and cast in a couple of I I beams into the concrete where the roller castors will run for the lift and then you have the best and smoothest surface for your lift and the safest slab to lift on.
Hope that helps.
If you want a piece of advice, future proof the slab and if you think you might get a 2 post lift cheap off the bay or even one of those scissor lifts then put a little something extra in it to give you a head start.
If a 2 post lift then plan it out and dig out a couple of extra holes for the footing cube to go and steel that up too or if you like a scissor lift then get some rough dimensions and cast in a couple of I I beams into the concrete where the roller castors will run for the lift and then you have the best and smoothest surface for your lift and the safest slab to lift on.
Hope that helps.
Many thanks for that. Would love to have a lift, but might get complaints from the neighbours ( it would have to be on a front drive). Good idea about the I beams - would be able to fabricate an removable engine crane. ( have welder, will weld! )
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Many thanks. Would love a lift, but think it may be a little much for the neighbours!
Set the I beams, get one of these.
Completely portable and life changing in terms of being able to sit or stand comfortably whilst working on your own driveway, when you're done just pack it away and lean it against the side of the house, chain it to the wall and drape a tarp over it ready for your next service, wheel bearings, brake pads or even just swapping your wheels around to even out the wear.
Retroanaconda
Well-Known Member
It’s point loads that are the issue when jacking vehicles, so strong concrete is needed with good support underneath. What’s the soil and sub-grade like underneath the drive?
Assuming reasonably good ground, in your situation I would go for 150mm of compacted type 1 sub-base and then 100mm of C35 concrete on top, with reinforcing mesh at half depth. If the ground is soft then I’d up the slab to 150mm thick with two layers of mesh. Float it and you’ll have a lovely smooth surface to work on, though if it’s not under cover it may get a little slippery when wet.
Don’t forget to think about drainage. And SUDS legislation if applicable.
Assuming reasonably good ground, in your situation I would go for 150mm of compacted type 1 sub-base and then 100mm of C35 concrete on top, with reinforcing mesh at half depth. If the ground is soft then I’d up the slab to 150mm thick with two layers of mesh. Float it and you’ll have a lovely smooth surface to work on, though if it’s not under cover it may get a little slippery when wet.
Don’t forget to think about drainage. And SUDS legislation if applicable.
Broke Again
‘Orrible yam yam
150mm well compacted mot
100-150mm c35 concrete with toe around the edge.
will support about 20 ton. Could add a193 mesh if wanted to. Depends on size of pad
100-150mm c35 concrete with toe around the edge.
will support about 20 ton. Could add a193 mesh if wanted to. Depends on size of pad
. Would have saved me typing 
