The Brew Cabin

Hi

I have a driveway that is approx 150m long and is covered with Type 1 (approx 6-8 inches). Water tends to sit in places and then pot holes appear so I need to "re-shape" it so the water drains away. Once this is done I want to put stone chippings on it to give it the " grand " driveway effect.
First Question: Should these be stuck to the Type 1 with some sort of bitumen. if so which sort? Or should I just roll them in ?
At the top of the Driveway we meet concrete ( It's a farm) - I want to continue the gravel effect around by the house.
Second question: How do I keep the stone chippings from not moving around?

Please note this is strictly DIY.(but with a lot of experience with Plant machinery)



thanks

Hi,

1st Q - you don't use a bitumen to bind the gravel, otherwise you have a macadam. Just roll the selected gravel into the DTp1 sub-base, as described on the [url=http://www,pavingexpert.com/gravel01.htm]Gravels[/url] page.

2nd Q - Don't put gravel on top of concrete, you're asking for an accident! Think of the gravel as thousands of oversize ball bearings - get the picture??

Thanks for the reply Tony.

I have been quoted by a number of ground work contractors to spray the concrete with a bitumen and then lay the gravel.................is this advisable?

What type of bitumen would they be using?

cheers

Alan

P.S. - I think this web site is excellent.

I have done some surfing this morning - would something like a bitumen emulsion - Aquagrip 60P be suitable?

Aquagrip would be fine, I think, but it's normally used on highways, rather than driveways. I've no experience of using Aquagrip on a concrete surface, but I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't work (famous last words!) I'd check with the manufacturer, first.


Cost is major consideration - have you been given prices? And a full specification? To be honest, it's not something I would normally spec for a driveway as the results are variable. It can look good when you;re whizzing along at 50mph, but have you seen these bitumen bound thin surfaces close-up? I don't think they look right on a driveway unless hell of a lot of time and care is taken during installation, which is unlikely.

I'd certainly want to see driveway or 'prestige' work carried out using the same system by the chosen contractor before sanctioning its implementation. It's unforgiving suff - if it's not right first time, it never will be right.

Hi Tony

Prices quoted for spray and gravel have been in the region of £3-£4 per sq metre.
Response from a supplier :

"Aquagrip 60P can be a "DIY" material. It is based on K1-60 Bitumen Emulsion
but is polymer modified to give better adhesion. The product can be applied
either cold or warm.
As a rough guide Aquagrip 60p is £70.00 per 200kg/appx 45 gallon drum ex works. It is not always in
stock but is normally available within 3-4 days."

I think I will try it on some concrete walking areas and take your advice and roll the gravel into the type 1 on the driveway.

Thanks for your advice

cheers

Alan