New patio question - Pavers in USA

[gwhite]

I plan on replacing a driveway with a pool, i want to place paver patio
over area that was formerly covered by gravel driveway approx 2-3 inches
(50-75mm) thick. after researching renting a bobcat and amount of work
required to dig out old and replace per your instructions on the site, i
think raising level of pool patio one step would be substanially easier,
no removal needed etc. pavers are 2-3/8 inch (60mm)and have read need
1-1/2 inch sand bed (40-45mm).

does this sound like a plan?

i feel sub base of old large gravel will be too thin and stones too
large. should i add more subbase (will increase height of raised patio)
and use fabric to keep sand out of subpar base?

any insight is greatly appreciated
thank you again for the site.

[Paverman Dan]

It sounds like you have what we call an existing "clean stone" base, with all large stones and no smaller particles, and no, it is not an ideal base material for pavers because it does not compact well because of its poor gradation, so my reccomendation would be to remove them and install a minimum 4" thick base using stone that meets ASTM 2940 reccomendations.

If you plan to settle for the existing material, compact it using a 5000# (or better yet, 7000#) vibratory plate compactor, add a layer of woven geotextile, add as much ASTM2940 base as your height limitations will allow on top of that, compact it properly, then the sand etc etc and hope for the best.



Edited By Paverman Dan on 1123419427