Concrete driveway - Reusing the concrete

[wordingh]

Hi,

I have a concrete driveway which is not in the best nick, and I would like to extend. What I would like to do, is break the concrete up and reuse it as a sub-base for a gravel drive. i.e. after breaking it up, spread it out to the newly extended size, whack it down, and cover with 10-20mm gravel. This will save me the expense of having to get someone to remove the concrete, as well as pay for delivery of sub-base material.

Is the broken concrete usable as a sub-base ?

Thanks in advance,

Paul..

[Rich H]

Definitely. This is the most cost-effective, efficient and environmentally sound way of doing it. You'll need a concrete crusher, though. Just breaking it with a kango or lump hammer won't produce the fines you need to get a nicely packed sub-base. dig dug dan, a Brew Cabin regular, has one that he hires out if you're in his area. If not, similar machines are available all over the country. You'll still probably need a kango, and you'll definitely need a heavy vibrating roller or big plate vibrator (the latter will mean you need to compact in layers).