Site works for flag laying - Sub base preparation

[red-star]

I have read Tonys book and I intend to lay approx 100m2 of 400X400 flags concrete decorative with a lot of curves!!
I have a tarmac drive over an orignal concrete drive and I also need to add the same again on what was the garden, I understand what I need to do for the fresh base, but do I need to take up the old concrete drive or can I lay on the new 100mm of concrete with the slab on top of this bit, levels all ok have checked falls etc.

[Tony McC]

You could lay over it, if levels permitted, Is this just a patio installation?

[matt h]

just watch your dpc levels on the property:p

[red-star]

thanks for the info, DPC levels I am happy with, it is a driveway for cars light vans etc.

I am creating large wave effect thorough driveway to break up, what do you think of the difficulties for a diy job on all the ;curve cutting?

[DeckmanAdam]

What will you be using to cut the flags?

[red-star]

I will be using 9" grinder with diamond blade, or Con saw if it will start for a change.

[Tony McC]

It's not impossible to create a wave, but it will take a lot of patience. I'd recomend creating a template in cardboard: lay that out to get the positioning and scale right, then mark the flags prior to cutting.

A Con Saw is probably a bit on the large size for cutting curves. A smaller diameter blade is easier to 'curve', so in this case, the nangle grinder mmight be a better option.

It's also worth having a read of this page

[lutonlagerlout]

its more hassle then its worth cutting curves(unless you have to)
we end up using a little 4" grinder to get the tight circles but the time spent on it doesn't make sense

stonemarket do a range called "rio" that has curves incorporated
this might be a better option, time wise

cheers LLL

[red-star]

thanks for the info on curve cutting, I had not looked on the site for this as I thought all was covered in the book, waste of money that book!!
I am rethinking the curves as there may be to much work.

Just had the sitemaster in today and dug out old concrete drive with tarmac on top, under is very spongy in a couple of places could be old ditch, would extra attention with the wacker be the thing, using 150mm 804 ish with 100mm concrete on top with 50mm slab laid into concrete.

[red-star]

thanks to luton larger lout I had a look at the rio range with curves and it seems the way to go, I have asked if they have a rep in Ireland so this could be an answer. Looking at the slab is it suitable for cars and light vans on driveway? I will lay into 100mm concrete on 150mm 804

[Tony McC]

Rio, laid on a concrete bed over 804 (what they call Type 2 in Britain) is more than capable of taking the weight of cars, 4x4s and vans, but you ned to be careful about tyre marks. Its textured surface means that its prone to picking up marks very easily, especially if you have power steering and a 'turning-on-the-spot' scenario.

For those unfamiliar with Rio, it's very similar, uncannily so, to Marshalls' Saxon paving.