Parking area - Parking area with mot under gravel

[GDSO]

Hi,

I've been roped into building a parking area for my father, in an area of his garden that's currently grassed over. I've got a mate who's a builder (haven't we all..) and he suggested instead of concrete I should use crushed hardcore, MOT, then a geotexile and dress with gravel.

I have had a good look around but cannot see any spec's for jobs like this. Is there a rule fo thumb for how thick each layer needs to be? At this point I should mention that I've not used MOT before, but hear it's probably better than concrete for a job like this.

If anyone has any advice then I'd be very grateful, specifically:

- What size should my 'crushed' hardcore be?
- How thick should my hardcore layer be?
- Is MOT the right stuff, and how thick do I lay it?
- Am I right to lay the membrane between the MOT and the gravel? Some people seem to use it between the ground and hte HC, but my ground is very hard and there shouldn't be any HC loss downwards.
- When I use a plate whacker to compress it what sort of % reduction can I expect?
- Any brands of textile good / bad?
- How thick would you lay the gravel to avoid exposing the textile but not so deep the cars get stuck!

Any advice much appreciated.
Many thanks
Greg

[Tony McC]

Answers to ALL of these questions are given on the main website.

[GDSO]

Really? I had a rummage but couldn't find it.
Thanks,
Greg

[Tony McC]

Really?

[Rich H]

http://www.pavingexpert.com/subbase.htm

Look under sub-base type B.

As for the membrane (if you need it at all)

http://www.pavingexpert.com/faqmembr.htm

I've never put one between the MOT and gravel as I like to put the gravel on as thin as is humanly possible and then wacker that as well. This helps reduce migration and 'dunes' and provides less loose material for bird shit to turn into little gardens

[Dave_L]

Here's a good starting area, GSDO.......

http://www.pavingexpert.com/subbase.htm

[GDSO]

Thanks, I'll have a look. Much appreciated.

GDSO.

[DeckmanAdam]

How about using gravel trays mate you will still need your hardcore etc but they will stabilise the area for the car and for walking on it.