Beding layer under paving - Beding layer under slab paving 400x400

[DIYStephen]

First of all I got to say that this site is fantastic, however with so much information I am getting confused the more I read various pages not to mention other sites and the advice from various contractors all of whom say different things. So some help on here would be most appreciated.

Picture of work so far

We currently we already have a 4-6 inch solid concrete base and on top of this the contractor is meant to lay Marshalls Argent paving which are 38mm in depth. The DPC will not be compromised in any case so no problems there.

My question is this… How should the contractor be proceeding from here?

Currently he has mixed some dry sand with cement and laid it over the concrete base. I suspect he will lay another layer of dry sand with cement mix and then place the paving on top of this. He calls this dry screed.

What is the ideal depth of the dry sand/cement? Does it matter if it is 3inches or 4inch in place for level matching? Because thats what I think it will be in order for the levels to match up with the outside pavement.

What is the right way to do it? And will this be strong enough to take the weight of a car?

Should he be using wet mix / screed

Do I have to worry about drainage of the bedding layer if he used dry sand with cement?

Any help on this would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Stephen

Picture of work so far

[seanandruby]

if that in the picture is a sand and cement screed then he is putting more on top that is wrong. refer to main index the answers are there. what kind of edging is that? ???

[DIYStephen]

the edging is just as a rough marker...

edging will be gray alpha blocks

He has at the moment put about 4inches of lose dry sand/ cement mix (which has turned dark in colour) and placing slabs on top of this at the moment.

the more i read the more confused i get LOL