Fill Material "Cake" ?

buzst · Sep 9, 2003

Fill Material \"Cake\" ?

I need to bring a very large low spot in the yard up to grade. the prices I am getting for clean fill make the project cost prohibitive. The low spot is very close to my well making it important that the material be clean. Recently a friend told me of a very inexpensive fill material locally called "cake". It is apearently the powdery by-product of the gravel crushing process that compacts down to a clay like consistency. Has anyone used this material as fill? Any thoughts, comments or suggestions? Thanks in advance for the help.

CTyler · Sep 9, 2003

Re: Fill Material \"Cake\" ?

I found a site that probably lists what your talking about.
http://www.tfhrc.gov/hnr20/recycle/waste/sw1.htm

Does all the fill have to be clean? I'm not sure how deep your spot is but wouldn't think is has to be clean fill a foot down.

Maybe its time to dig that bomb shelter you always wanted /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Soundguy · Sep 9, 2003

Re: Fill Material \"Cake\" ?

Sounds like rock flour.

I would opt for fill material.

Soundguy

buzst · Sep 10, 2003

Re: Fill Material \"Cake\" ?

I was thinking swimming pool but.... Anyway using the material is attractive as the only cost involved is trucking, but I am concerned that there are issues with it - otherwise since you can't beat the price, more people woulds use it. Again my main concerns are the impact the material may have on my well water and its stabiility in a wet area. Any thoughts?

CTyler · Sep 10, 2003

Re: Fill Material \"Cake\" ?

Maybe this is a terminology thing. When I think of clean fill it is just dirt possibly screened. Fill dirt may/may not be clean meaning it could have some rocks, sticks or leaves. This would not hurt the well. Fill dirt does not mean that it is contaminated.

I would check on the fill dirt to see whats in it and how much. I have ordered fill dirt a couple times and it was clean fill.

Is ordering sand or pea/road gravel for fill any cheaper than dirt?

Justaplain · Sep 10, 2003

Re: Fill Material \"Cake\" ?

If it is from a quarry,[ Fletcher Granite] it is man made clay like material and makes great tennis courts. Would doubt if you could seed directly on it. If your well is driven it should be sealed so surface water can't get in. bcs

Mark123 · Sep 10, 2003

Re: Fill Material \"Cake\" ?

Depending on where you live you don't need to worry about your well. Most wells are deep 300-400 feet depending on where you live. Here in Missouri it is state law to case and seal the well at least 80 ft down. Look around for current construction projects. Alot of times they will give you fill just to get rid of it from the job site. You really only need 6" of good top soil. The stuff you are talking about "cake will more than likely pack tight and prevent water from draining down creating a wet spot "bogg" and therefore promoting bad grass growth and fungus. I would use only dirt material. Good luck. Mark

Soundguy · Sep 11, 2003

Re: Fill Material \"Cake\" ?

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( meaning it could have some rocks, sticks or leaves. This )</font>

According to the FDOT, the definition of clean fill specifically states that it cannot contain organic material.. specifically.. stick, leaves.. yard clippings.. grass strippings, wood, etc.. I.e. no topsoil. ( obviously there will be insignificant amounts of organic materials even in a screened fill.. etc ).
Shouldn't contail clay or silts either. CAN contain steele, concrete, asphalt, brick, block, glass, and limerock.

I agree with the others.. even if you had a load of clayey silts delivered and dropped right around your well casing... should be ok... land right there just won't perc good.

Soundguy