New RV concrete pad - how long until I can park on it?

valhalla360 wrote:
I used to do concrete design.

Industry standard for full strength is generally assumed at 28 days but by 3-7 days it should be up near 80-90% of full strength.

One thing you can do at this point is try to keep it wet. There is a misconception that concrete solidifies by drying out. It is actually a chemical reaction with the water combining with the cement to form a new substance. When originally poured, you want as little water in the mix as possible (while still allowing it to be worked) but once it's well set, you want to keep it moist so any free cement has water to react with (Back when I did this we had a cure room which had tanks of water and misters to keep samples constantly moist or wet).

For anyone looking at putting in a pad, avoid fast cure options. The concrete doesn't hold up as well. The primary use for it is in road construction where they can't justify
closing a road for longer periods.

I totally agree, obviously vahalla360 knows what he is talking about! 7 days should be fine if you keep it moist, use a sprinkler on a hose to keep it moist!

due to issues beyond your control 2 wks to be on safe side.

Keeping the concrete wet is better than wet and dry etc.
chevman

Keeping the concrete wet is better than wet and dry etc.
chevman

You are in Florida. Normally hot and humid this time of year. And also the rainy season. So keeping it wet should not be a problem. And the warm temp should help with the chemical reaction to cure. As said, probably full cure in a month or so. But parking on it after 7 days should be fine.

I am surprised your contractor didn't talk to you about wetting it down periodically. But maybe he feels the weather will take care of that. But you might want to call him and ask what you should be doing to help things cure properly.

I am not expert. But the above is information I have picked up over the years. Take it for what it is worth.

My contractor told me at least 7 days but 10 would be better. He said to wet it down twice a day. I had lot of money invested so I waited two weeks. It has been 10 years and no cracks so far

I was told 7 days for it to develop full strength. You must keep it wet for that long to get a full cure. which will add about 50% more strength to it. Look on the internet under concrete curing for a good explanation.

B.O.

I always wait a week before parking on a new pad.

Industry standard is 28 days for a full cure. All depends if you are going to be careful and not drag anything. If so 3 days. I would wait a week if you can stand it. I have poured hundreds of yards.

Been there done that. Seven days.