The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:47 am**

Hope its ok to ask a few questions at the same time...
I need to know the motar ratio for laying 7n dense blocks, and if i need to dip the blocks in water to stop them supping the water out of the motar too quickly. And finally can someone telll me what volume of soil i will get from the following area for skip hire purposes. The area is 6.8mx6.4m the ground slopes from apx 600mm high to ground level with a little bit of a hummuck in the centre. I need to know this so i can hire a skip big enough for the soil. I have worked it out at 18m3 but i am not sure if i have done the calculation properly. I took the highest measurement and halved it to give me the average. Thanks for any help .
Tony

Posted: **Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:31 am**

18m3 will expand to a much greater volume when you dig it out (I made it 13m3 but I can't see your hummock!).

A 6-yd skip will hold 3.6m3. So call it 6 skips x Â£130 = Â£780

Alternatively consider a grab loaded muckaway. Prices vary around the country hugely but where I am allow two loads at Â£200 = Â£400.

Don't forget in your volume calculations to add in the spoil taken out for the footings trench, presuming that you are levelling and putting in a retaining wall.

At this time of year, it's unlikely that you'll need to wet the blocks, particularly using plasticiser in the right ratio. Consider painting them on the soil side with a waterproofing solution...

Everything you want to know about mortar is here:

http://www.pavingexpert.com/mortars.htm

The Brew Cabin

Three little questions - Soil volume and motar mix help