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Posted: Sat Jun 26, 2004 3:28 pm
by eagle
hi, thanks for all the info. I am now about to tackle a new driveway. As the drive slopes and is 300mm deep at one end, could old house bricks layed flat be used as hardcore to raise the level,as this would save on crush & run costs.
Also is it best to remove turf before laying hardcore.
thanks.

Posted: Sat Jun 26, 2004 8:17 pm
by alan ditchfield
the turf must come up first and remove any top soil to a reasonable sub soil level, the old bricks would be better mixed in with the crusher to prevent voids between the bricks

Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 5:53 pm
by 84-1093879891
The old bricks would be better left out altogether!

Sub-bases aren't included in a pavement just for fun - they are often the key load-bearing layer, and trying to save a few bob by using old house bricks or other rubbish you have lying around is a false economy. How would you feel if a carpet fitter suggested using a few old tea towels under your living room carpet, instead of proper underlay, as it would save a bit on cost??

If you really must use the old bricks, they need to be smashed up so that there are no pieces bigger than 50mm, and then you need to mix them in with "proper" sub-base material, otherwise you end up with point loads and a sub-base that is riddled with voids.

As for the turf, this is discussed on the main website. It doesn't matter what type of paving is being laid, it CANNOT be laid over turf. The turf rots away, the paving settles. :(