I plan to build about a 300 ft road for my house. I would like to do it my self. I do not know anything about road building. It has a couple steep drop offs. I want to grade the hills into the holes.I have a couple of years to do it and need an excuse to buy a dirt toy. I would like to find a book or some source of Info. I went to the gov.link listed in the other road thread going but it was more for logging roads. Andy I plan to check out your driveway article as soon as I can dig through back issues. I would like to learn more about what type of fill etc .I should use. Any advice (yea I know I should hire someone but that takes the fun out of it) would be appreciated. I have been offered fill but do not want to put the wrong thing down. Even if I hire it done I would still like to know the difference between a well built road and one that is not, before the holes and ruts show up.
thanks,
t
Replies
I posted this up earlier. Progressive Farmer magazine (progressivefarmer.com) has several how to articles on roadbuilding you might find useful. They generally cover erosion, drainage, etc..
excuse to buy a dirt toy
One piece of advice (from somebody who spent 2 weeks in hospital from 'dirt toy' accident 30 some years ago.
NEVER GET ON A BIG MACHINE UNLESS IT HAS ROPS AND FOPS!
I've rolled 'em and dropped trees on 'em. Once or twice is plenty excitement in a lifetime for being on a 10 ton machine as it rolls. hearing 'widow makers' bounce off the top is no big deal, but you better be sure you have a top! One time for a 'quick job' with the FOPS off for some maintenance was enough for near fatal job interaction.
You've probably heard the saying that in real estate the 3 most important things are location, location, and location.
In road building, the 3 most important things are drainage, drainage, and drainage. You've got to keep the water off the road if you want to keep the road surface in good shape.
This means road crown, and ditches along the entire length on both sides. Even on hills.
Wherever you need culverts under the road, make them 3 times as big as you think you need. Culverts can get plugged with brush and cause water to run over the road.
Starting with the 12' wide geotextile fabric is a must. That keeps the rock you're buying from sinking out of sight every spring. It's expensive, but pays for itself many times over by saving rock.
Start out with a layer of big rock (about 3") and finish out with roadpack. (The stuff with fines in it)
I always try to think safety. I usually find a guru but try to educate my self as much as possible first so as not to waste the guru's time. I will check out progressivefarmer.com also.
Thanks treefreak,bosshog & junkhoundT
There are many variables to your question, one good source would be to check out your local ascs office or usda office talk to the soil seientist find out what you have in your area what the stability is etc. Hey these people work for the Gov for all our benefit. You could hire a testing lab to run sample and develope a proctor, expensive!
Another would be to talk with local guys who build lanes and pick their brains for advice.
Everybody around here has bobcats and bassboats so join the club!
I love talking to people with more knowledge and experience than me. If I had the time, I would work for free just to learn from a good sparky, plumber, road builder, and carpenter and oh year throw in a good HAV person. Ialso could use a good roof and tile person. Sometimes I dream about taking a couple of months and working just week with each trades person for free just to learn but I know it would not be worth it for the trades person.I will have to figure out where the local govt. people are. I have never tried that.
Thanks,
t