Correct way to fix a drive?

[chucko]

people behind me want my help fixing there drive. Over the years because they just drove through the sand it has become way soft and basicaly a wide ditch running right to their house. (the UPS truck getting stuck last week really did a number on it) He wanted me to level some limestone ot clay that he was going to dump. My thought it first we should crown and pack the base then limestone over that with the same crown

 

[bczoom]

chucko

You're correct, a crown should be put in place.
He's thinking of bringing in clay for the top? Not sure about your clay but up here, it's one of the worst things for a driveway, especially when wet.
Before you put stone down, road cloth should probably be put down. If you don't, the stone may start settling down through the sand and in a couple years, they'll have a sand driveway again.

 

[mark777]

Chucko,
Similar problem last year with over 300' of drive from street to my shop in rear of property. The original condition was very bad, base was old clay and some gravel. My bringing in 15 truckloads of fill did not help matters as the 10 wheelers often got stuck and dug deep slices further compounding the problems.

I eventually angled my BB and made several passes to pull material back up to the center (mostly clay and old gravel) and brought in new gravel to mix into base (ouch $$$). Now that it is compacted, it only requires an occasional touch up. There is sufficient crown for run off as it can get very wet very fast down here.

IMO your approach is as good or perhaps better. Good luck, Mark

 

[chucko]

Yea I told him no on the clay because of the reasions you said. I know the road cloth is good but that is just not done down here under the linestone. Iw will pack and become almost like conc.

 

[Currmudgeon]

I agree with the limestone instead of the clay. The clay will turn into mud. I'd call for the same stone gradation the County or State uses for road base. That will pack well.

Depending on how thick your limestone course is, you probably don't need to crown the subgrade, just crown the surface course. I'd crown it at 1/4 to 1/2 inch per foot. The more the better within limits, as the stuff will get packed down and lose its crown. You want to get the water off the road.

Don't forget drainage. Look at where the water will go when it runs off the road. You may need to put in ditches to carry the water away. If the road is the river, it won't last long, and will be horrible.

 

[Soundguy]

I wouldn't crown the subgrade.. just box it out once you have dug out the unsuitable material and have a reasonable stabil sub-base. Apply your limerock.. possibly in lifts if putting it down thick... compact and contour.. etc. Would be great if you could get a local asphalt company or contractor to then tack/prime/seal it for you.. then sand it. That will make it last quite a while.

Soundguy