Exposed Aggregate Concrete Repair

I have a 15 year old exposed aggregate driveway that I need to cut a section out to lay a 3 inch pipe under the driveway. Can the section cut out be re-poured to look like the weathered remainder of the driveway?

Thanks.


Probably not.  It is hard enough to match appearance of concrete poured on two days. Another problem to consider is that the new concrete will shrink when it dries, and will not bond securely to the old one.

Would it be possible to insert the pipe under the driveway?  There are companies that can "jack" it through, or use water blast, or dig...

The alternative which I would prefer is to use that as an architectural feature.  Use a concrete cutting saw to create a neat straight line and fill it with a different material.  A good option will be red brick set in a concrete bed.


 I have checked with local contractors about boring under the driveway, but the minimum cost is $1000 because we live in an area that is mainly rock.
You did give me another idea. Is there a problem with making the cut at the expansion joint? I was thinking if I cut the expansion joint and take a 1.5-2 inch section out that I could dig out enough to get the pipe under and fill back with another material as you suggested. In doing this would I create a problem with the driveway heaving or something else?

Thanks for the information.

ELD


There should not be a heave problem unless you undermine the adjacent section.  If it did not heave in 15 years it must be well compacted and stable.  Cutting at the joint is the preferred location since only one cut is required.

I would probably go with a 4" cut and a brick strip.  Using concrete to fill is possible, but you must realize that it will not bond securely to the cut edges.  Besides, you need to keep a joint.