ovrszd
Epic Contributor
- Joined
- May 27, 2006
- Messages
- 33,499
- Location
- Missouri
- Tractor
- Kubota M9540, Ford 3910FWD, Ford 555A, JD2210
mechtheist,
I absolutely agree with your slope theory. I would eliminate crown and create a drainage slope to the surface of the roadbed. That would eliminate the puddles in your pictures. Obviously your soil conditions can handle the load of traffic. All you need to do is create drainage.
I'm not sure you will ever get a glass smooth surface. As you describe, the rocks are natural and you are going to always have to deal with them.
I am completely opposed to using a scarifier or ripping the roadbed in any manner. If you do this you will have to deal with the dozens or hundreds of fist sized rocks that you will dislodge. In the end your roadbed elevation will erode down to the depth you ripped. Which would be the exact opposite of what you are trying to do.
I would start working the loose material toward the high side of the natural ground slope. You know where the puddles are so try to bring more loose material into those areas. This is going to take time so be patient. Always end with your loose material on the high side. Create a straight side slope toward the low side of the natural slope.
I think you have a very good natural roadbed that most of us can only dream about. My Aunt/Uncle used to live near Lamar Oklahoma. Traveled 2 miles of natural material roadbed to get to pavement. I was there when it rained. It looked just like your road. A few hours later it wouldn't even pick up on the vehicle tires. I've lived with the jealousy of that most of my life.
I absolutely agree with your slope theory. I would eliminate crown and create a drainage slope to the surface of the roadbed. That would eliminate the puddles in your pictures. Obviously your soil conditions can handle the load of traffic. All you need to do is create drainage.
I'm not sure you will ever get a glass smooth surface. As you describe, the rocks are natural and you are going to always have to deal with them.
I am completely opposed to using a scarifier or ripping the roadbed in any manner. If you do this you will have to deal with the dozens or hundreds of fist sized rocks that you will dislodge. In the end your roadbed elevation will erode down to the depth you ripped. Which would be the exact opposite of what you are trying to do.
I would start working the loose material toward the high side of the natural ground slope. You know where the puddles are so try to bring more loose material into those areas. This is going to take time so be patient. Always end with your loose material on the high side. Create a straight side slope toward the low side of the natural slope.
I think you have a very good natural roadbed that most of us can only dream about. My Aunt/Uncle used to live near Lamar Oklahoma. Traveled 2 miles of natural material roadbed to get to pavement. I was there when it rained. It looked just like your road. A few hours later it wouldn't even pick up on the vehicle tires. I've lived with the jealousy of that most of my life.