Excavate and Compact Virgin Subgrade for Patio Stability
At 0:38 in
this was not ideal, but it was the right thing to do given the situation. #hardscape
What happens here
To create a stable base, the next step involves significant excavation of the virgin soil, digging much deeper than a typical patio foundation (as shown by the deep trench). This deep excavation is done with an excavator to remove the unstable, newly placed virgin soil. Once the desired depth is reached, the remaining 'virgin subgrade' must be thoroughly compacted. This compaction process uses specialized equipment, like a compactor, to remove air pockets and increase the density of the soil, making it firm and stable. After compaction, the patio stone will be built up to the intended patio level.
Goal: Prepare a stable and non-settling subgrade for the patio foundation.
Tools and materials
- Compactor — Compacting the virgin subgrade to increase its density and prevent future settling
- Excavator — Digging out the large volume of virgin soil to create the deep foundation trench
- Virgin Soil N/A — The material being excavated and then compacted as the subgrade