This is sort of a follow-up to my question about concrete earlier. As I mentioned in the previous thread, I know a retired concrete engineer. He believes that the streets being built lately are not being built properly.
He indicated that the concrete used around here has a compressive strength of 3000 psi, when he indicates it should be 4500. In addition, a dyed hardener is applied during the curing process to tint the concrete white. (as opposed to using white Portland) According to my acquaintance, this is an unacceptable shortcut in the curing process and, given the winter weather in northeast Kansas, causes the concrete to be more susceptible to pothole formation.
I have to wonder: are the use of dyes and hardeners considered acceptable for use in concrete roads, curbs, and sidewalks? Is a lower strength concrete sufficient? Are our streets being improperly built?