Guides

Planning, regulation, costs and practical advice for local projects, published by ConcreteBristol.

A shallow excavation in clay soil beside a garden fence on a Bristol plot
Local

Clay, coast and made ground: foundations in Bristol

Ground conditions decide how a Bristol foundation must be designed. Shrinkable clay, trees, groundwater, made ground and sulfates each change the depth and mix, and this guide sets out what to ask before the concrete is ordered.
7 min read
Compacted sub-base and timber edging prepared for a concrete slab in a Bristol back garden
How to

Ground preparation for a Bristol slab or drive

Most failed slabs and drives fail because of the ground beneath them. This guide covers sub-base preparation for a Bristol slab, from excavation and compaction through to the damp-proof membrane and formwork.
8 min read
A concrete pump truck parked at the kerb of a narrow terraced street in Bristol
Local

Terraced streets and concrete deliveries in Bristol

Concrete deliveries to older terraced streets in Bristol need more planning than a new estate. This guide covers parking suspensions, road width and weight, pumping from the road and the neighbour notice that keeps the street on side.
7 min read
Welded steel mesh laid on hardcore inside timber formwork ahead of a domestic slab
Explained

Do you need steel in a Bristol slab or path?

Whether a slab or path needs steel depends on what it must carry and how the ground behaves. This guide compares mesh, rebar and fibres, explains cover and spacers, and sets out the jobs where plain concrete is acceptable.
7 min read
Printed site plan with pencilled dimensions on a workbench for comparing concrete quotes
How to

Checking scope and spec in Bristol concrete quotes

Concrete quotes for the same job often describe different work. This guide shows how to put every quote on a common scope, so excavation, sub-base, thickness, mix and terms of payment can be compared item by item.
8 min read
A lowered dropped kerb and strengthened footway at a residential driveway in Bristol
Rules and permits

Highway permission to cross a pavement in Bristol

A new drive usually means a dropped kerb, and a dropped kerb needs consent from the highway authority. This guide explains section 184 of the Highways Act 1980, the application and inspection, approved contractors and planning on classified roads.
9 min read
A freshly poured garden path covered with damp hessian to protect it while it cures
Explained

How concrete cures and why it matters in Bristol

Concrete curing time in Bristol depends on chemistry, not drying out. Concrete gains strength through a reaction with water, so this guide explains hydration, walk-on and load milestones, and how rain, frost and hot weather affect a pour.
8 min read