Pavement Construction: Three Tips for Trenching and Building a Foundation
If you are building a new pavement on your residential property, you must plan for the excavation of the ground. Often, pavements experience premature wear and failure due to the lack of a good foundation. For example, if the base is not stable, the upper layers of the construction materials will shift during unfavourable conditions like rainy weather. You can avoid these problems through trenching and establishing a firm base before installing pavers or other similar materials. Here are simple tips to help you begin the process.
Mark the Pavement
You should begin the construction process by marking out the areas along which you will install the pavement. The marking should match the design of the planned roadway for your landscape. The most reliable approach to outlining the paving area is using stakes. You can place these elements at intervals along the planned pathway. Then, install a string along with the stakes for a clear indication of the area. When carrying out this process, confirm that the outline matches the dimensions of the new pavement before excavation.
Determine the Depth
The depth of the pavement trenches is critical for the construction of a reliable feature. Keep in mind that the excavation is intended to create a subbase for the paving. Therefore, the depth will need to be deep enough for the chosen foundational materials. You should note that a deeper trench will allow for the establishment of a deeper and more stable base. However, the cost will be higher because more subbase materials will be needed for completion. Finding a middle ground can be difficult. Consult a paving contractor for guidance before beginning the excavation process.
Plan for the Slope
You should think about the slope of the pavement from the initial construction of the foundation. Sloping is crucial because it will determine the flow of stormwater once the roadway is completed. If the ground is level, rainwater will stagnate on your property. The damage to your landscape could be extensive, and flooding could occur in hostile weather. Also, incorrect sloping could lead the runoff in an unsuitable direction. For example, water could flow toward your house. You can avoid these problems by trenching with your drainage slope in mind. Make sure that the highest point of the slope is close to your house and grade the trenches downwards from that point.
Finally, fill in the trench with the subbase materials such as crushed rock for the pavement. Ensure that the foundation is compacted before installing your pavers.
To learn more about pavement trenches, contact a local paving contractor.
Share