Definition of macamite... - ..lafarge seem not to know

[Tony McC]

I have to do a report for a court case and the contractor is claiming he laid "macamite" as the surface (wearing) course on the driveway in question.

Now, back when I was well enough to lay bitmac, macamite was a brand name macadam that used a red binder with red aggregate, usually a red granite. That way, when the binder wore off, the surfacing was still red. You paid a few quid more for it, but we always reckoned it was worth it.

The alleged macamite on this driveway, M'lud, is a light grey limestone in an indifferent red binder. It's only a few months old, but it's already fading to grey.

I've been on to LaFarge and Modern Asphalts, and neither of them seem to be able to find someone who knows about (remembers??) macamite. Is there anyone out there that can offer me a proper spec or do I need to keep pecking away at LaFarge come Monday morning?

[Dave_L]

Surely it would be fairly simple for said contractor to provide delivery advice notes to prove the material used was indeed Macamite?

[Tony McC]

It would if said contractor was being cooperative.

The macamite issue is not the main cause of complaint: it's a side issue, but potentially shows the contractor to be less than honest. The key complaint relates to the failure to install a cable duct as agreed beforehand and as charged for on the invoice.

[Ted]

Is this association likely to be of any use?

http://www.rsda-gb.co.uk/about_us.htm

Otherwise this expert used to work for Tarmac!

http://www.peterwsanders.com/peter.htm

[Dave_L]

Ah - oh dear!

[Tony McC]

Thanks Ted, I'll give them a try.