Cement questions (concrete and grout)

[Android 07]

I have recently created a cemented slope from my driveway to the pavement for my car. I used cement and sharp sand mixture ( mixing it all with a stick was bloody difficult ) and then shaped it with a trowel. I can now see miniature cracks here and there. How did I mess it up and what can I do to fix it now ?

I also need to level the cement applied to my outdoor conservatory brick wall as the builder who built it didn't bother levelling and it looks uneven. I am after a golden sand to mix with the cement to mimic what I already have. The plan is to apply this paste on top of the current cement and then smoothen it out.
Which sand should I buy?

I also have some slabs in my garden and the cement/grout in between has come off. What should I apply ? Rainwater also accumulates when it rains. Is there a way of making all the water being absorbed by the ground - maybe make holes in between the slabs at a few points ?

 

[mikeey84]

The mix for your slope should have been concrete, and it sounds like you mixed mortar.

You need small stones in it to make it stronger- look for something called ballast in the sheds. You won't feather it to a thin finish, but a car should cope with an inch thick lip (and if you feather it flat, it will crack)

It's cracking probably as it's not strong enough, and you maybe used too much water

It's a lot easier to mix with a spade!