Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Gravel driveway on a slope
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Etma6
06-18-09, 11:11 AM
Hello All,
I am considering building a gravel driveway and would like to get some tips before I get started. Here are the relevant details
A slope of 3.8%
A driveway length of 7.7m
Driveway width: 3.5m
The builder when he "finished" the foundation excavation job had put in gravel covered with yellow sand. The surface is very firm underfoot - no scuff marks, no indentations etc - but rather rough. It isn't quite straight - there is one point at which it dips quite significantly and will require a refill.
Questions
Can I build a gravel driveway here?
Can I rely on the current gravel/sand layer as a sub base?
If so, what size of gravel should I use?
Am I right in thinking that the steps involved are:
Repairing the subbase - taking care of the dip etc
Laying a sheet of geotextile fabric on top
Laying a layer of coarse gravel
Compacting the lot
Covering with a layer of decorative gravel and putting in ediging to prevent the gravel from travelling
The traffic on the driveway will be very light - one smallish car going up and down it a few times a week. Should the incline be too much for gravel on its own would it help to use plastic grid paving - the kind with octagonal grids to be filled with gravel or earth?
Any advice would be most welcome.
I am considering building a gravel driveway and would like to get some tips before I get started. Here are the relevant details
A slope of 3.8%
A driveway length of 7.7m
Driveway width: 3.5m
The builder when he "finished" the foundation excavation job had put in gravel covered with yellow sand. The surface is very firm underfoot - no scuff marks, no indentations etc - but rather rough. It isn't quite straight - there is one point at which it dips quite significantly and will require a refill.
Questions
Can I build a gravel driveway here?
Can I rely on the current gravel/sand layer as a sub base?
If so, what size of gravel should I use?
Am I right in thinking that the steps involved are:
Repairing the subbase - taking care of the dip etc
Laying a sheet of geotextile fabric on top
Laying a layer of coarse gravel
Compacting the lot
Covering with a layer of decorative gravel and putting in ediging to prevent the gravel from travelling
The traffic on the driveway will be very light - one smallish car going up and down it a few times a week. Should the incline be too much for gravel on its own would it help to use plastic grid paving - the kind with octagonal grids to be filled with gravel or earth?
Any advice would be most welcome.