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Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 4:15 pm
by Ian-Mitch
Eek - I'm feeling bad for having 2 live posts, but the job is huge and I'm doing it on me own 
I've whacked down my scalpins (all 41 ton of them) but in patches they're a bit spongy underfoot, and my instinct is to not build on them. Its not like my feet sink into the scalps, its just like standing on a pillow where the surface is intact but underneath its kind .. erm .. spongy.
Should I dig them up and replace with dry scalpins? Or do I need to just be patient and wait for them to go hard (the patches have not improved in the last 3 weeks)?
I think common sense tells me to replace them but wondered if I'm being over cautious.
Thanks as ever .. Ian
Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 5:58 pm
by Dave_L
How have you compacted the sub base?
Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 7:32 pm
by Ian-Mitch
With a hired whacker plate - but its just gets bogged down in certain parts which makes me nervous ...
Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 7:37 pm
by Dave_L
What surface were these scalpings laid on?
Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 7:39 pm
by Dave_L
Ian-Mitch wrote:With a hired whacker plate - but its just gets bogged down in certain parts which makes me nervous ...
For such a large area/large amount of sub base, I don't think a plate compactor is heavy enough.
Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 8:41 pm
by Ian-Mitch
Thanks Dave ...
mmmm .. the scalpins were laid straight onto the subsoil 6 inches thick (I took out 6 inches of earth and then put the scalpins down on them). It's only for a patio but the soil is quite heavy and wet so I wanted to go for a nice thick base. I've laid land drainage which I hope will help in time ...
Should I start worrying?
Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 11:24 pm
by lutonlagerlout
this talk of sclpins worries me,what exactly are your scalpins??
cheers LLL
Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 8:15 am
by Ian-Mitch
I meant scalpings I think - I've had 41 ton in total from a reputable local supplier in Farnborough - usual purply/brown mix of stone and grit which has compacted hard in most places. I think its the usual stuff (unless theres different sorts?).
Based on Daves posts - I'm tempted to run the mini digger over them this w/end to add extra weight - although the tracks churn up the scalps a bit. Good idea?
Dont forget to wrap up warm today LLL
Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 12:45 pm
by bobbi o
dig them back up,put down a terram geo-membrane,re-lay and compact and all should be fine.
Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 5:35 pm
by lutonlagerlout
dig them back up,put down a terram geo-membrane,re-lay and compact and all should be fine
when this sort of thing happens to us we start whistling Ennio morrione's "the good,the bad,and the ugly"
aihaihaiha wah wah waaaaah, it always unerves punters
LOL
regards LLL
Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 5:49 pm
by Ian-Mitch
HA HA
I replaced them with dry scalpings today and whacked em in - feels much better now. They were soaking wet when they went in and I simply dont think they could lose their water anywhere. I took my chances without the membrane, only because I cant whistle LOL
I hope the land drainage will help as well. Building my first wall tomorrow - wish me luck
Thanks for all your advice .. Ian
Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 6:54 pm
by Dave_L
Moving 40+ tones of material around with a small machine what a nightmare! 
Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 7:29 pm
by lutonlagerlout
what are scalpings?
LLL
Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 9:18 pm
by Ian-Mitch
Apparently it's typically crushed limestone and is used as a foundation to stop your patio or driveway from sinking into the ground. Search Google (images) for loads of examples.
As for the 40 tons - thats just the scalpings! Theres also 550 wall blocks, 72 concrete blocks, 100 coping stones and 8 jumbo bags on the drive. Still to be moved.
I'm off to bed - I'm tired even thinking about it
:p
Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 10:39 pm
by Stuarty
Up here alot of firms give you road planings when you order scalpings, a few others give you a sort of hardcore and road planings or crushed concrete mix.
