Gravel Installation

Gravel serves as the foundation for asphalt paving. It provides stability, drainage, and strength, ensuring that the paved surface can withstand heavy loads and harsh weather conditions. Without the right gravel, asphalt surfaces are prone to cracks, potholes, and premature deterioration.

Gravel selection involves understanding the different types, their properties, and their suitability for specific paving projects. By making informed choices, you can ensure that your asphalt paving project meets both functional and aesthetic requirements.

Gravel serves as the foundation for asphalt paving. It provides stability, drainage, and strength, ensuring that the paved surface can withstand heavy loads and harsh weather conditions. Without the right gravel, asphalt surfaces are prone to cracks, potholes, and premature deterioration.

Gravel selection involves understanding the different types, their properties, and their suitability for specific paving projects. By making informed choices, you can ensure that your asphalt paving project meets both functional and aesthetic requirements.

The base layer is the most important component of an asphalt pavement structure. Typically made of larger crushed stones or gravel with fines, this layer provides the foundation’s strength and stability.

The sub-base layer lies beneath the base layer and serves as a secondary foundation. It usually consists of a mix of gravel and sand to enhance drainage and compaction.

While the top layer is primarily asphalt, the underlying gravel layers play a significant role in supporting and preserving its integrity. Ensuring the right gravel is used beneath the asphalt helps maintain a smooth and durable surface.

The soil beneath the gravel affects how the foundation will behave under pressure. Conducting a soil test helps determine the best type of gravel to use for asphalt paving in Memphis, TN.

Using smooth gravel types like river rock in structural applications can lead to instability. Always opt for angular gravel types for load-bearing layers.

Failing to compact the gravel layer properly can result in uneven settling, leading to cracks and dips in the asphalt surface.

1. CRUSHED STONE

Crushed stone is one of the most commonly used materials for asphalt paving foundations. Made by mechanically crushing larger rocks into smaller, angular pieces, this type of gravel offers excellent compaction properties and load-bearing capacity.

• Advantages:
  • Angular shape interlocks easily, providing a stable foundation.
  • Excellent drainage, preventing water pooling and structural damage.
• Applications: Ideal for heavily trafficked areas such as driveways, roads, and parking lots 

2. PEA GRAVEL

Pea gravel is characterized by its small, smooth, and rounded stones. It’s often used for decorative purposes but can also serve as a layer beneath asphalt in certain applications.

• Advantages:
  • Aesthetic appeal for residential driveways and landscaping projects.
  • Good drainage capabilities.
• Limitations:
  • Not as stable as crushed stone due to its round shape, which reduces interlocking.

3. GRAVEL WITH FINES

Gravel with fines, also known as quarry dust or crusher run, is a mixture of small stones and fine particles. This type of gravel is particularly useful when a solid, compact base is required.

• Advantages:
  • High compaction rate makes it suitable for foundational layers.
  • Reduces voids, providing a smoother surface for asphalt placement.
• Applications: Frequently used in residential and commercial paving projects 

4. RIVER ROCK

River rock is similar to pea gravel in its smooth and rounded nature but comes in larger sizes. It is less commonly used in asphalt paving due to its lower stability compared to angular gravel types.

• Advantages:
  • Aesthetic enhancement for driveways and decorative areas.
  • Durable and resistant to weathering.
• Limitations:
  • Poor interlocking and compaction properties make it less ideal for structural support in asphalt paving.