OT: concrete driveway advise Options

[thomasotten]

I have a problem. My house and driveway is lower than the street level. Usually, when this is the case, they will build a slight rise or berm into the driveway near the street, to keep the street water out. Unfortunately, there is no berm, and when there are heavy rains, I get a lot of street water. I have determined that if I built a berm only 3" high, it would prevent the majority of the street water from entering. So my question is this: Can I build a berm out of concrete directly over my existing driveway? Would it stick, would it break off? Any tips on how to do this so that it lasts? It would very much resemble a speed bump, same proportions.

Thanks,

Thomas

[76-914]

Well, after 30+ years in the plumbing business (20+ in Texas and 3 of those in San Antonio I feel I should put my 2 cents in as well. 1st, locate the easement. DO NOT do any work on the city side of this without proper permits and/or bonds deeperunless you like REAL headaches. This is usually the area from the curb and in 42". Sometimes it is 60"+. I found one that was 25'. Telephone and utility poles will be located in the easements, many times. The city can provide you w/ this info. Secondly, DON'T paste any concrete on top off another pour of concrete. As mentioned above, cut out a strip and replace w/ raised section. If you must paste on your hump, then at least drill 3/8" holes in existing slab and dowell it. At least when it loses it's bond w/ existing slab it will remain in place until the hump itself begins to break into pieces. It will unless you reinforce the hump w/ rebar and do a 4-5 bag pour. BTW, can you still fix a ticket in SA w/ a small bribe? I really miss that!