gravel driveway

[Bcat]

I just had a gravel driveway installed. They put down Mirafi X geotextile and then about 6 inches of 304 on top of it without using any number 2 or 4 underneath. The gravel does not seem to be packing down evenly, how is the best way to compact the gravel for a flat surface? Is the way that it was installed a valid method? Thanks!

 

[Focht3]

Where is your site? Soil conditions?



Please see FAQ731-376 by [blue]VPL[/blue] for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[Bcat]

The driveway runs mostly through a farmed field in Ohio. There is a slope to the drive and it is generally well drained. However in the winter months, some of the ground that the drive is on does not get much sun so it remains damp to soggy. The topsoil is more clay like than sandy. The top organic layer, about 6", was scraped off for the driveway. Right now there is a spongy feel to much of the drive, mainly on the shaded part. I think that the contractor did a good job, but I'm wondering if we should have put some number 2 or 4 down underneath the 304 or under the fabric. Thanks for your help.

 

[wolfhnd]

Agricultural lime (limestone dust) will help consolidate the aggregate. I would apply some Calcium chloride to control dust.

 

[Focht3]

Putting stone under the Mirafi is a bad idea. The geotextile is in the right place. It sounds like your contractor knew how to use the Mirafi -

The sponginess may be a little disconcerting, but don't do anything until spring. I looked up the "304 stone" - it's a crushed rock product. I wouldn't put bigger rock underneath it unless you needed a drainage layer.

Is the spongy feel your only complaint, or are you getting wet spots on the surface, too?

I fully expect the "problem" areas will settle over time. The simplest way to handle this is to add more rock; you may have to do this for 2 or 3 years until the settlement stabilizes.



Please see FAQ731-376 by [blue]VPL[/blue] for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[Bcat]

There are some soft, wet spots on the surface that look like they will need more stone. I've been trying to smooth out the tire ruts with a tractor blade on the soft spots for now. The sponginess in the drier areas was my main concern, some of this looks like it may be starting to firm up a little now.