I posted here a couple of weeks ago asking about the feasibility of installing a driveway in two phases. Phase one would be the excavation and laying of a suitable base for a property which borders wetlands to be done in the fall. Phase two would be laying the asphalt in the spring after the winter thaw and after adding more base to re-level any low spots caused by thawing and soft ground.
After doing more reading on the subject, I have some follow up questions.
- Is it better to remove more soft topsoil and increase the size of the base. Note the water table under part of the driveway is only about 4-5 feet below ground level and may even be less during heavy rains.
- Is installing drain tile an option? Knowing that water can move in both directions, will this serve to increase water under the driveway rather than take in away.
- Should some type of edging be used to protect the sides of the driveway?
- Should geo-textile fabric be used? Some contractors have said it's a waste of money and they don't recommend it. Some say it may help.
- Is an asphalt base rather than a crushed stone base a better way to go? If so, how many inches deep should it be. I was planning to use about 12" of crushed stone.
- One contractor spoke of "process material" which he described as a concrete-like material which hardened when wetted. Is this in addition to a gravel base or instead of a gravel base?
Thanks again for any responses.