Which aggregate for an access road?
Aggregate for a road is chosen to suit the traffic and the ground. A driveway for cars, a construction access road and a yard for heavy machinery have different requirements. The thickness of the crushed stone spread on the ground does not on its own determine how durable the surface will be.
Before you buy, establish which vehicles will use the road, including during construction. A temporary access road should allow the planned deliveries in the weather conditions you can expect.
Choosing the material
Crushed stone, chippings and sub-base mixes differ in their specific grading and properties. Do not choose only by the largest particle size or by appearance. The material should suit its role in the road structure.
In your enquiry, give the required designation if it is stated in the design documents. If the solution has not been decided yet, describe the ground and the expected traffic to your contractor. Only then can the suitability of a material from our range be confirmed.
Ground and water
A road on wet ground, or on ground that moves unevenly, may need different preparation from a surface on stable ground. Water should have a planned route to drain away. Ruts are not always just a sign of a missing top layer.
Topping up with aggregate without checking why the road is sinking may only help for a short time. It is worth assessing the ground and the layer structure before you buy more.
Construction and quantity
The layers and the compaction method are chosen to suit the material and the loads. We also build sub-bases as a service — road and car park sub-base describes the scope of work.
To calculate the quantity, you need the length, the width and the required thickness of the layer. If the width varies, calculate the sections separately. Converting to tonnes requires data for the material, taking into account its state after compaction.
Questions about access roads
Which crushed stone for an access road?
One whose grading and properties suit the intended layer. The name “crushed stone” does not cover the whole specification.
Is it enough to drive over it with a car?
That does not confirm the required compaction. The method and the equipment have to be chosen for the layer.
How much aggregate do I need for a road?
It depends on the dimensions, the solution and the conversion data. Calculating tonnes of aggregate.