Dumpster Pads

Dumpster Pads

Concrete is the best material to use for dumpster pads for many reasons. Metal dumpsters and trash trucks exert a large amount of downward force on the pavement.
Since concrete is a rigid material, it will not develop dents and dimples in the surface as asphalt does, leading to premature failure.
If wire mesh or metal rebar is introduced into the slab, it will make an extremely strong concrete and steel matrix that will hold up much longer than asphalt under the heavy load of a trash truck.

The concrete dumpster pads should extend out an additional 10 – 15 feet in front of the dumpster. By doing this, the front wheels of the trash truck can sit on the pad, which will absorb this extremely heavy load. Trash trucks are notoriously leaky due to the heavy strain on their hydraulic system, however concrete is not adversely affected by oil. The hydraulic fluid or other oil that leaks from the trash truck will soften asphalt but will not soften the concrete slab.

The Process

  • Lay out and mark the area where the dumpster pad is to be installed.
  • Set up warning barriers to make the work site safe.
  • Jackhammer or saw cut the perimeter of the existing pad or asphalt to produce a smooth and even edge.
  • Excavate the concrete, asphalt, or other material and haul to recycling facility.
  • Pad should be at least 6″ thick, if subgrade conditions are good. If subgrade conditions are poor, the concrete thickness should be increased to 8″ and additional crushed stone should be installed, if necessary.
  • Install 4″ – 8″ of crushed stone, if warranted, and compact thoroughly using a vibratory tamper.
  • Install 6 x 6 #10 welded wire mesh or 1/2″ (#4) rebar to strengthen the slab. Rebar should be placed on a criss-cross pattern and tied with wire. Wire or rebar should be set on “chairs” so it stays in the middle of the slab. Wire or rebar that falls to the bottom of the concrete does not add additional strength to the matrix.
  • Set concrete forms using metal or wood forms. In some instances, the surrounding concrete or asphalt can be used as the form.
  • Pour pad using 3500 psi or 4000 psi air-entrained concrete. Air entrainment is used for exterior concrete only and helps it endure changing weather conditions.
  • Trowel the concrete level and, if necessary, score control joints in the slab. If the slab is rectangular, then control joints can be used to create “squares” of concrete. The control joints are used to “control” cracking of the slab. As expansion and contraction is a natural occurrence for concrete, it will inevitably crack. It is generally accepted that a square pattern is best to reduce the chance of random cracking in the slab and to allow cracks to form within these joints. The largest square should be no more than 15′ x 15′.
  • Expansion joints may be necessary for extremely large slabs or in areas where the surrounding pavement is also concrete. Your Pavement Network professional can make a recommendation on placement of expansion joints.
  • Apply broom finish to the concrete once it is partially set.
  • Once concrete has completely set, strip forms and remove from the site. Any available dirt from on site can be used to backfill the voids where the forms were, if necessary.
  • Remove any remaining trash or debris.
  • Keep a dumpster pad clear of heavy traffic for a minimum of seven days.
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