Prepare and Compact Subbase
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What happens here
The most critical element is the raw soil subbase. To test its compaction, soil engineers field-test by driving a steel spike into the ground. If you can drive a 10-12 inch spike all the way down with only two or three hits, your subbase is too soft and requires soil correction. It's crucial to remove all organic material (grass, black dirt, turf, roots) as they decompose and cause settlement. The subbase must be compacted with heavy equipment, such as a 1000lb plate packer or a 3-inch trench compactor, to achieve deep compaction in a single lift. For subbases with high moisture content, lay filter fabric before adding the base material.
Goal: Achieve proper compaction and readiness of the raw soil subbase
Tools and materials
- Bobcat S250 — Moving heavy soil and materials
- Hammer — Driving the steel spike
- Plate Compactor Wacker Neuson — Compacting the subbase material
- Steel Spike — Field testing subbase compaction
- Trench Compactor — Compacting narrow areas of the subbase
- Filter Fabric — Separating subbase from base material in high-moisture conditions