Concrete Volume Reference — Common Australian Projects
| Project Type | Standard Depth | Volume per 100m² | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Footpath / garden path | 75mm | 7.5 m³ | 20 MPa |
| Residential garage slab | 100mm | 10 m³ | 25 MPa |
| Standard car driveway | 100mm | 10 m³ | 25 MPa |
| Caravan / boat trailer driveway | 125mm | 12.5 m³ | 25 MPa |
| Truck or heavy vehicle driveway | 150mm | 15 m³ | 32 MPa |
| House floor slab (waffle pod) | ~100mm (variable) | ~10 m³ | 32 MPa |
Ready-Mix Concrete Prices by Australian State — 2025
| Location | 25 MPa ($/m³) | 32 MPa ($/m³) |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne / Sydney (metro) | $220–$265 | $250–$295 |
| Brisbane / Adelaide (metro) | $200–$245 | $230–$275 |
| Perth (metro) | $210–$255 | $240–$285 |
| Hobart / Canberra | $215–$260 | $245–$290 |
| Darwin / NT regional | $255–$340 | $285–$375 |
| Regional / rural (add to metro) | +$20–$60 | +$20–$60 |
Steel Reinforcement — Australian Standard Requirements
Under Australian Standard AS 3600, reinforced concrete slabs require steel mesh or bar placement. For most residential driveway and floor slabs, SL72 or SL82 steel fabric mesh placed at 40–50mm from the bottom of the slab is standard. Mesh costs approximately $15–$25/m² for supply and placement — a small addition to the overall slab cost that dramatically reduces cracking risk.
Concrete Curing in Australian Conditions
Concrete achieves approximately 70% design strength at 7 days and full (28-day) strength in 28 days. In hot Australian conditions (above 30°C), water evaporates from the concrete surface too quickly before adequate hydration occurs — leading to surface cracking. Keep freshly placed concrete moist with water, wet hessian or curing compounds for at least 7 days. In extreme heat (35°C+), pour early in the morning or use chilled water and ice in the mix.