Do i need a binder course - Domestic drive and yard

[mervgib]

I am in the process of arranging to have the drive around my house and yard layed with Asphalt. The area is approx 400 sq mtrs. There will be light vehicular traffic only.
All preparation work, ie levels , manhole covers , gullies will be carried out as necessary,
The existing drive and yard was layed approx 26 yrs ago with clean 10 mm stone added frequently over the years to keep it clean. The surface is rock hard.
I have had a contractor survey the job who recommends a 100 mm Binder Course followed by 25mm SMA finished course.

Another contractor has said that 1 finished course of 50 mm SMA is sufficient since there will not be heavy traffic and the sub base is so compact and firm already.
Please advise if the 1 layer of 50 mm SMA is sufficient as there is a considerable price difference .

[Dave_L]

Firstly, 100mm of binder and 25mm of surface is well OTT, the 100mm is commercial/road buildup!!!

Ultimately, the choice is yours and you really should do the job properly with 50/60mm of binder and 25mm surface course/SMA - I'm not a fan of one coat work but many driveways have been laid like it over the years and are still there, many without problems.

In your best interests, I'd get both contractors to requote on a given specification of 50mm avg. thickness AC20 Binder and 25mm avg. thickness of AC6 surface course - and make your decision from there. (I don't know if your driveway requires SMA - is it steep or is there going to be lots of turning on it?? If not, normal dense surface course will suffice and be cheaper)

Do let us know how you get on?

[Tony McC]

I'm with Dave on this. 100mm binder/base is completely unnecessary and I can't even begin to imnagine why it would be recommended.

Similarly with the single-course construction - yes, it's usually cheaper, but there are sound engineering principles about why we do things the way we do them, and over 100+ years of bound road construction, binder/base with a top-up surface/wearing course has been shown to be the most effective in terms of perfomance and value-for-money.

[Dave_L]

Another OP who posts a question never to be seen again after an informative reply.

Pisses me off no end!! :0

[lutonlagerlout]

dave i have been frustrated and gone on other forums and asked a question about a boiler
the plumber i use has then answered the question
3 years later went back and there were 35 answers and arguments
its human nature mate

LLL

[Tony McC]

Think how I feel about all the emails I get, Dave! Here's two from this week (highly abridged).....


Q - Can I knock down my dry-stone walling and use it as paving for my driveway?

A - I haven't seen the wall or the drive, but it's pretty unlikely

Q - FFS! Thanks for f***ing nothing! Call yourself an expert?



Q - Can you identify the flag in that attached photie?

A - Yes: it's such and such a flag from this manufacturer

Q - No it's not: I spoke with the rep who knows you really well and he says it's not theirs

(Series of emails and phone calls with the manufacturer, at my own expense)

A - I've never heard of that rep but I have spoken with his boss who confirms it is their product and they have stock in the yard

Boss - Dear Q, yes we have that flag, ask for product code #####

A - brrrrrrrr


I'm used to the ingratitude. I don't expect fawning praise or to be offered the hand of their eldest daughter in marriage, but a simple 'Thanks' would be appreciated. However, the insults that get sent back when you tell someone you can't help or that their idea is bobbins, well that's just bloody dis-spiriting and makes me wonder why I bother.

[Bob_A]

Nearly 5 years ago I came on here to ask some questions.
I thought it rude to just bugger off so I hanged around for a while, glad I did as I enjoy the banter.


Lets's give the OP a bit more time. Perhaps he's not an internet junkie like the rest of us and will be back to update and show his appreciation.

Just thought if everyone did hang around the site would be full of full of people like myself giving out advice :p

[mervgib]

Thank you gentlemen for you replies and comments, not only about the Tarmac .
I do appreciate your reply and the time and knowledge expended.
When I opened your replies I wasn't in a position where I could reply and thank you. But now I'm at home and able to read your replies at leisure I would like to show my gratitude and say thanks.Sorry if my reply is a little late , but none the less sincere.
Thanks again Mervyn

[London2012]

All

Sadly more people give out criticism than give praise. It's human nature.

Expect nothing back and be impressed - and grateful - when you get a "Thank you".

Tony....thanks for a great website, valuable constructive forum and meeting place for meaningful wholesome discussion.

[haggistini]

I would like to thank mervyn.. For reminding me to ask dave and the boyos this...I have done a fair bit of Tarmac over the last year and need a spec for a project coming up its an over lay of a leafy drive the boarder will be setts and 3 rumble strips out of setts about 8/9 rows each, what Tarmac prep/spec would you recommend as the drive will be taking 4x4's and 40t + tractor /wagons etc . The drive is say a 20 degree slope

[haggistini]

Ps existing base is hard and the setts will bring the levels up

[Kuts]

Id get the leaf blower out and make sure the drive was clean, plenty of weedkiller, emulsion and maybe put 30-40mm of 6mm hardstone (id probably use SMA)

[Dave_L]

Difficult to say without seeing the job and what is already there but given the steep gradient and the potential traffic over it I would err towards a full pavement construction with a 60mm AC20 Binder course topped off with an AC10 HS Surface course. I'm not a fan of one coat work, but in some instances it has its place.