I need to fill a 15X35ft area that slopes from 8in. to 30in with a base for a concrete driveway. What would make the best material to use to prevent future settling?
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What I do is to not add fill, especially sand. Plain sand allows tree roots to travel underneath the slab and pop it up.
I grade the driveway, add dirt ramps at the ends and drive on it for several days. Any soft spots will quickly show up. My driveways will support a cement truck.
interesting advice.
Perhaps Class 5 crushed limestone would be a better choice than dirt. Go to a rental center and rent a plate compactor. You should be fine adding class 5 fill in 12" lifts and running the plate compator over it several times.
Definitely add a grid of rebar before you pour. At #3 bar for a 4" slab or #4 for a 5". 4' o.c. or less. I prefer a 4" slab for most residential driveways with a 2' o.c. #3 rebar grid. I also recommend using all granite aggregate if you live in a freezing climate.