Hi there paving experts. I have looked in depth at your site for anything relating to my question but as yet have not found what I am looking for (though it could be there, I just haven’t found it yet! I am planning to lay a block paved area approx 28m² Brett Omega 50 in a herringbone pattern, onto which I want to stand a 3.7m diameter above ground pool. This will weigh approx 8 tons, evenly distributed over this area. Are there any special considerations I should bear in mind during the preparation and laying of this area? The sub-soil where I am is Essex clay (It’s a shame I can’t make my own clay pavers out of what I will excavate!) Other considerations are that I would like the centre of the paved area to be the highest point, so that the fall is even in all directions under the pool. I realise that a general slope would be the easiest to produce, but this will affect the overall level of the water in the pool when in place. Assuming the overall area is like a big D shape Approx 22m² (with an extra blended area added on to one side), what will be the easiest way to prepare and lay this area allowing the fall in all directions?
Can anybody recommend any good suppliers of 100x200x50 blocks in the South East Essex area?
I seem to remember Tony telling me that the design load of paving with a 60mm block, 100mm subase and 40mm base is 7 Tonnes.
This is a single point load and not a static load as you propose, so might be an idea to wait for Tony to confirm.
I am only a few miles from you and know what you mean about Essex clay. Have you encountered blue clay yet?
Try BSG on Burnt Mills Industrial Estate, Basildon.
Thanks Steve and Alan for your replies. I will endeavour to work my levels to accommodate a 1:60 fall from the centre of the arc. So far I have only come across the bright orange clay and I hope I won't dig down to the point where it goes blue, but I know it is down there having seen it in other parts of the garden!
I have had some interesting responses from a number of local building merchants visited regarding my planned loading and it's construction and in particular recommending I DON'T need a sub base, just excavate out the top soil and lay sand! Needless to say, I will NOT be following this advise, it seems a recipe for disaster!
I will also need to arrange Hire of the compactor and notice from the various hire shops that the price varies quite a lot. Does anybody know where I can hire the compactor from at the best rates?
I am planning to lay a block paved area approx 28m² Brett Omega 50 in a herringbone pattern, onto which I want to stand a 3.7m diameter above ground pool. This will weigh approx 8 tons, evenly distributed over this area. Are there any special considerations I should bear in mind during the preparation and laying of this area? The sub-soil where I am is Essex clay (It’s a shame I can’t make my own clay pavers out of what I will excavate!) Other considerations are that I would like the centre of the paved area to be the highest point, so that the fall is even in all directions under the pool. I realise that a general slope would be the easiest to produce, but this will affect the overall level of the water in the pool when in place. Assuming the overall area is like a big D shape Approx 22m² (with an extra blended area added on to one side), what will be the easiest way to prepare and lay this area allowing the fall in all directions?