On soil compaction techniques and the consequences of not carrying them out before building a garden.
This post is generated from our statistics related to soil compaction in gardens and incidents in private garden plots.
After more than 10 years of ALLGrass's history, we see how the statistics of this type of incident are concentrated in the gardens of newly built villas.
We also see them after the construction of pools or after carrying out external renovations.
In this article, we have decided to provide somewhat more technical information. A contribution for our clients and professionals of the sector to take into account when making the installation of artificial grass in your gardens.
The soil compaction is a key and very sensitive factor in the construction of any type of work. Many variables are involved in its process and there are many techniques to carry them out.
It appears that this is a process which, during the execution of a construction project of new home or poolis not specified in the specifications or description of works.
Nor does it appear to be certified by any of those involved in the work, be it the builder, contractor, subcontractor or even the owner.
It's common to see how the land give way and drop in level by up to 30?cm after a construction site is finished when the first rains come.
Moreover, we have observed that this happens in both cases, when a green surface (artificial or natural grass) is laid or not.
If you are looking for a reliable compaction equipment. We recommend one of those we have available in our shop.
Surface Compaction Variables
The preparation of the ground for artificial turf or natural grass installation requires, in most cases, handling, acting or surface management.
On average, the prepared soil is no more than 10 cm thick and a vibratory compaction method and wetting is sufficient to compact this layer.
The weight of this layer (subbase + artificial turf + rainfall) does not in any case exert added pressure that would cause the level of the existing soil in a garden to give way or lower after it has been prepared.
That is to say, if the existing ground has not been previously compacted, specifically in layers, following the appropriate compaction techniques indicated for each case, it is very likely to see the level of the ground give way and drop, regardless of whether or not artificial turf has been laid on this surface.
As can be seen in the following table. The maximum thicknesses per layer and the compaction methods to be used on a piece of land are indicated.
To this box, we must add the other fundamental variables involved in the compaction of a soil:
- The humidity of the same
- The type of soil or fill that is compacted.
Here are 2 links with relevant information about soil compaction. They can help you to prevent or solve this type of incidents.
https://es.slideshare.net/edisonbarros98/compactaciones-de-los-suelos/54
http://ingenieriareal.com/metodos-para-compactacion-de-suelos/#Conclusiones_sobre_compactacion
What solutions or preventions can be chosen for this type of incident?
- Wait a couple of years for the ground to give way with the passing of several rains. This is usually not an option, as it limits the enjoyment of the space.
- Lay a concrete slab with a thickness of at least 10?cm and if possible ?tied? to adjacent walls.
- The right thing is for those who carry out a work to do this activity. Owners should require proof or certification that proper compaction of the soil has been performed.
There is little point in using heavy machinery and wetting the ground after a construction site has been completed. This must be done during the construction of the site.
If layer compaction has not been carried out beforehand, and your garden is more than 20?cm thick, suitable compaction machines may be too large to enter and handle on your site.
