Sorry, I had another thread, but I can’t figure out how to edit the title to clarify 
I am wondering if anyone has used crushed concrete as part or all of an arena base? I have called a few companies who say yes, but I am hoping someone here has seen one for better or worse 
Yes I realize the size/ content are very important. Just wondering if anyone here has used it. Thanks!
We used recycled concrete for part of our parking lot and driveway. It had lots of garbage in it. I image that there are better qualities though.
Crushed concrete will contain all sorts of very small metal bits that I imagine could eventually work their way up into your top riding surface. I would stay away from that material personally.
Crushed concrete can work well, but you need to make sure you get it screened and sent through metal detector, then still check it again with a metal detector of your own.
When installed properly like stone dust or crushed gravel it works really well as a base.
Here is your original post btw. 
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?452351-Stone-dust-alternative-ring-base
I had this same question, glad you asked. I had an excavator who has done lots of arenas, he said STAY AWAY from recycled concrete. Magnets are unlikely to collect all the crud. Could use for driveway, but not for the barn. My one quote only saved $1500 using the recycled concrete vs limestone. Not worth it to me.
The Brits have done a great many studies and I’ve got a couple of UK publications in my library concerning the topic. Michael Dickinson, originally an English racehorse trainer, developed the Tapeta surface.
As noted in the link below, crushed concrete should be avoided.
http://www.aht.org.uk/skins/Default/pdfs/equine_surfaces.pdf
[QUOTE=OTTBs;7889842]
I had this same question, glad you asked. I had an excavator who has done lots of arenas, he said STAY AWAY from recycled concrete. Magnets are unlikely to collect all the crud. Could use for driveway, but not for the barn. My one quote only saved $1500 using the recycled concrete vs limestone. Not worth it to me.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for all the feedback. I am not familiar with limestone. Is it used like stone dust?
The following links, with references to materials, might be helpful as you consider your options.
http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/ub038.pdf
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/publist/300Series/386000-7.pdf
This link is more about stall flooring surfaces but when it comes to drainage and stability some of the same applications apply.
http://www.extension.org/mediawiki/files/b/b0/stall_floors.pdf
Experience suggests that a thoughtful arena construction plan will save days of agony and hard labor in maintenance.
Thanks Shammy Davis 
yes, we are trying to avoid making a mess! It looks like a base of 4-6" is recommended by most sources. It will be a low traffic ring, but I will be jumping in there. I am leaning toward the stone dust, but do I need 6" or will 4" work? Thanks!
[QUOTE=c.harrison1;7896176]
Thanks Shammy Davis yes, we are trying to avoid making a mess! It looks like a base of 4-6" is recommended by most sources. It will be a low traffic ring, but I will be jumping in there. I am leaning toward the stone dust, but do I need 6" or will 4" work? Thanks![/QUOTE]
It all depends on the composition of the natural soil in the area. When in doubt, I always call the local extension agent. He normally checks his resources and gets me in contact with a state university specialist.
We don’t often think of this, but arena base construction is actually the same as highway/road base construction. Who would have guessed the principles apply to both?
Here’s some more links that might be helpful.
This link, in contrast to most resources, actually lists “crushed concrete” as a base on equal terms. Ugggggh. Other than that this is a very good discussion.
http://www.fei.org/system/files/Equine%20Surfaces%20White%20Paper.pdf
These are informative.
http://snodgressequipment.com/arenawerks/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Building-an-Arena-pt-1.pdf
http://snodgressequipment.com/arenawerks/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Building-An-Arena-pt-2.pdf
Once again, you will not regret using the resources of your local extension service. It’s free and its a long term money saver. I couldn’t love any one more than I do my extension agent with exception of my wife, daughters, my horses, dogs, cats, and hay supplier.:lol:
One thing to ask yourself is, does your soil offers poor drainage or becomes muddy you might what to think about the use of a larger gravel size rather than crush stone which will seep back into the soil quicker and ultimately leave you with no base. Here is a link (one of many - search “gravel size”) that gives an example of gravel size for specific uses. For example, in a muddy or moist area with poorer drainage a #4 to #10 is an excellent choice. I use #10 gravel to correct drainage and mud problems around my farm.
http://three-z.com/gravel-and-stone-sizes/
Hope this helps.
Best wishes and Happy Holidays.
I would avoid it. We used it for our driveway, and even with magnets, 5 years later I am STILL picking up metal bits. Thick wire, bits of rebar, all kids of nasties. I would not use it again. If it was your arena base, OMG, that would be a nightmare.
Crushed concrete is something that you really need to know someone ‘in the biz’ if you want to use it for horse traffic. Personally, I could get something that was used with large rebar, carefully demo’d and excavated, and carefully screened and I would be happy to use that. But, my best friend’s family is in the business and would be willing to go the extra mile for me. In general, you’re going to end up with metal in it, so I would avoid unless you’re friends with the people.
Limestone and ‘stone dust’ are going to act pretty much the same, it depends on what kind of stone you have locally that they’re making into stone dust. Limestone is a type of stone, it’s what we mine and sell at my work. Some places have ‘bluestone’ or quartz or other. For an arena base I think limestone is the preferred stone dust.
Is there anyone in your area with arenas that you could go visit and ask questions? It would be easiest to find some you like and ask who did them. Alternately, look in your yellow pages for stone, quarries, construction rock, etc and start calling them. Ask for prices on stone dust that will compact. Some will call it screenings (we do here), some will call it sump lime, ag lime, just lime, etc. If you tell them you’re looking to put in an arena base they’re likely to understand what you want.
I can’t imagine using something which would have crushed rebar in it. I would move along to a different material.
Mosey- thanks for the reply Yes, I am friends with someone who crushes it We do not have any local quarries. Eastern shore of MD. I have looked at several local rings, so I have a pretty good idea of what the options are around here.
Ambitious Kate- Yes, if there is any chance of there being metal in it, I am going to pass.
