How to concrete around services?

[mjbennetts]

We're contracting a concreter to pour a slab for a new patio and want to get some advise on what to do around the incoming services up close to the house (power, water, and telco); I want the services to still be accessible for maintenance, and not be affected by any movement/expansion of the concrete. I'm thinking of getting the concreter to form a "box" around the services that we'll fill with sand and later make aesthetically pleasing somehow. I want to avoid expensive problems in the future caused by any of this work. Any suggestions/advice?

Looking straight onFrom aboveWider view

[Noyade]

Hi @mjbennetts 

This is between two driveways. I had the option of having it completely surrounded by concrete - but funds were low at the time. With hindsight - concrete all around it.

Just an opinion.

Cheers.

[JacobZ]

Hi @mjbennetts,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.
 

I suppose there is no reason you couldn't have your concreter form up a section around the services that remains unconcreted. You could fill this boxed section with decorative stones so it is aesthetically pleasing, but the stones can be easily removed if access is required.

The choice is entirely up to you, but I don't feel there is much risk to fully concreting around the access panel as the cables are protected by conduit. You could simply have the concreter install some Abelflex along the wall to allow for the concrete's expansion and contraction.

Let me know what you think and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[mjbennetts]

Hi @JacobZ and @Noyade,

Thank you so much for responding, greatly appreciated! I do like the idea of using decorative stones 🤔

I am mainly concerned with the main water supply (copper pipe), which is between the 2 conduit pipes. This area was perviously paved, and looks like someone removed the insulation/protection from around the copper water pipe when they did the paving, or it has perished over time. I really don't want to have a burst water pipe due to concrete moving/expanding, or even just cracking and slicing into the pipe. So, I am just making sure I do the right things now to hopefully avoid future me having problem 😬

[JacobZ]

Hi @mjbennetts,

It's an understandable concern and future-proofing is always a good idea.

Regardless of the decision you make, I'd advise wrapping the copper pipe in some new pipe insulation to offer a layer of protection from any potential damage.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @mjbennetts 

After breaking up loads of concrete I must admit I am not a fan of concrete right up to services for the reasons you are stating

I like the idea of decorative pebbles or even sand withing a defined area. 

Or how about this, best of both worlds. Use the large concrete pavers or even smaller concrete pavers that match the colour of concrete around the service area and then box it and concrete the rest? That way you get a smooth surface still and also if something goes South the ability to pull up some to repair without having th break up your slab.

Dave

[mjbennetts]

Hi @Dave-1 ,

Thank you, and some great ideas to work on!

Cheers,

Matt