Replacing a warn out tarmac drive with gravel

[ronhicks]

We have a thin tarmac drive which is getting worn out. As we are having to lay a new drainage pipe under the drive (nothing to do with the drive drainage) we want to take the opportunity to replace the whole area with gravel.

Rather than pay to have the old tarmac removed and replaced with a new sub-base, can we not simply dig the old tarmac up with a jack-hammer and then use it almost "as is" as the sub-base providing it is then suitably compacted. It may be a bit "sticky" in parts underneath the present surface which may affect it's ability to drain properly but given the slope on the drive I don't believe this to be a serious problem.

[Dave_L]

Recipe for disaster. The bitmac surfacing needs to be broken up and removed, the sub-base checked for suitability and regrading, then the application of 50mm max of gravel/chipping.