Expert: John-Paul Friend - 9/7/2006

Question
i have a long drive way and i have white rock on it ..... these rocks just go everywhere and i am hopeing that it can be contained
i am think of running concret  to hold them in place

i really dont know what to do with these rock ...they look nic e but the go every where
what should i do to stop them from moving  

Answer
Hi and thanks for your question. The most effective way of keeping gravel or aggregates in place is to use resin bonding. This is a clear, almost glue, which when poured over stones holds it in place and can give it a shine. This resin bonding is used in public areas regularly, you may have seen it in a local park or open space. This system requires a strong foundation to prevent it moving or cracking. This is however expensive and if you have a very long driveway would set you back a fair amount of money.

If you wish to concrete the stones in place, you must first remove the aggregate and check the sub-base of the proposed pour. This may need compacting, or even more gravel/hardcore being brought to the site. This preparation will prevent the concrete from becoming broken or moving by being driven on. The minimum thickness for cars is 2.5inches, but for emergency vehicles is up to 6inches for fire trucks. This again can become expensive.

Another system to suggest which I have used on clients driveways is concreting a patch around a yard long at the end of the drive way and setting the stones in it. This helps to prevent the loss of stones onto the road and keeps the look of it similar. This concrete can also be 'sunk' into the ground to prevent any change in height, although a little is desirable to prevent to loss of stones. Also, try edging the driveway with a larger stone or block paviour, which will help to prevent immigration. This system is not as effective as bonding all the aggregate together, but it will prevent most being lost, is fairly cheap depending on materials used and will still leave the lovely sound the gravel makes when you drive on it.

I hope this has been of some help. This answer is given without seeing the site, so may be a little simple for your particular problem. If you have any further questions, please dont hesitate to get in touch.