Self-binding gravel - Roller weight question

[carolW]

We have a level site with pathways already gravel boarded with roadstone down ready to receive hopefully a self-binding gravel. We have a problem in that we wanted Breedon but Ennstone (company who produce Breedon) specify a 1500 kg roller to bring fines to the surface, but the heaviest we can get into the area is 450 kg because of access.

One theory put forward is to lay the Breedon in stages, say, in three thinner layers, rolling in between, but there is a counter-argument saying that this will not bring the fines to the surface so binding will not occur.

Anyone got any thoughts on or experience of this, or suggestions of an alternative self-binding gravel that would be okay with the lighter roller?

We want self-binding because of the possibility of wheelchair usage in the future, and grandchildren on (small) bikes and normal gravel is a pain to walk on, let alone wheel on. Some of the area will surround a very raised bed so the surface needs to be good to stand on.

Any ideas?

[Tony McC]

Could you not use a plate compactor with a centrifugal force equivalent to that of a 1.5T roller? We have used a 200kg plate with SBGs in the past and there's never been a problem.

[carolW]

Ennstone say no, need to remind myself what the reason was they gave. Will post that.