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5 Key Phases of Dallas Concrete Parking Lot Construction

Parking lot construction is a multi-step process that involves more planning and engineering than many realize. Concrete parking lot construction, in particular, requires great attention to detail and substantial preparation work to pull off. Otherwise, the final product may not have the durability and strength to last. Here’s what you need to know about the five key stages of concrete construction in Dallas.

How Important Is Site Work for Parking Lot Construction?

Before any concrete construction can commence, teams spend time preparing the site. Undeveloped land is rarely ready for construction. Generally, site work teams will remove vegetation and debris. More importantly, contractors compact and grade the soil.

The subgrade is the layer of soil that forms part of the pavement’s foundation. To avoid future damage and concrete parking lot repair, experts must ensure the subgrade has the appropriate load-bearing capacity and elevation. That may involve amending the soil to add strength. Then, contractors grade the soil to create the right elevation, ensuring the finished surface has a subtle slope to facilitate effective drainage.

What is Subbase Preparation?

After preparing the site and subgrade, contractors can build up the subbase. The subbase is a layer of aggregate that completes the parking lot’s foundation. It works alongside a well-prepared subgrade to support the concrete above. This step is crucial because it directly impacts the concrete’s stability and strength. Improperly prepared subbase could result in future damage, frequent concrete parking lot repair and early deterioration.

Teams spread a carefully chosen aggregate material to a specified depth before compacting it. When done right, the work performed in this phase will prevent sinking and cracking, mitigating the need for future extensive concrete repair in Dallas.

How Thick Does a Dallas Concrete Parking Lot Need to Be?

Dallas concrete parking lots can have varying depths depending on their intended load. Engineers design flatwork based on the property’s needs, ensuring every part of parking lot construction supports long-term stability and strength. Most standard parking lots built for regular commuter vehicles are about four inches thick. However, surfaces that need to support larger and heavier vehicles require five to six inches or more of thickness.

Getting the thickness right is important. If the pavement isn’t thick enough to accommodate the traffic it receives, the material can crack, buckle and eventually fail, resulting in costly concrete parking lot repairs.

Why Is Drainage Important for Concrete Parking Construction?

Ensuring proper drainage is another important part of concrete construction. Despite its toughness, concrete can suffer damage if water collects on the surface. Pooling water leads to water infiltration and frequent concrete parking lot repair. If the parking lot experiences severe and chronic flooding, soil erosion below can weaken the foundation and cause structural failure.

Most drainage considerations occur in earlier phases of construction. For example, contractors will perfect the subgrade and subbase to avoid drainage problems that lead to concrete repair in Dallas. However, contractors can also implement additional features before pouring the concrete. Depending on the parking lot’s design, experts may recommend catch basins, drains and other infrastructure to keep the pavement dry.

What Are the Final Steps?

Finishing and curing come after contractors build the forms and pour the concrete. Finishing involves smoothing the wet concrete, ensuring it has the proper elevation and perfect smoothness. Some projects also require specific surface textures to improve traction and slip resistance. Teams will create the texture before the material cures too much.

Concrete construction in Dallas requires about a week of curing before the pavement is ready for traffic. Curing is a precise process; teams continually monitor the parking lot to ensure it doesn’t cure too quickly. Otherwise, the surface can shrink and crack, requiring concrete repair in Dallas before it’s even ready for use.

The final step in parking lot construction is jointing. Joins help facilitate expansion and contraction, preventing widespread cracking. Concrete construction companies typically place joints before the surface fully cures.

HI-TEK Paving Services is eager to handle all your parking lot construction needs. We’ve been in business since 2010 and have completed countless projects for clients throughout Dallas and the surrounding areas. When you turn to us, you can expect quality work and impressive customer service at every turn. In addition to constructing Dallas concrete parking lots, we’re available for asphalt paving, repairs, overlays, sealcoating, parking lot maintenance, concrete sidewalks and more.

Contact the HI-TEK Paving team today to learn more about what we can do and receive a free project quote. You can call us at (214)908-9641, email kevin@hi-tekpaving.com or use our online form below.