I’m in the process of building a sand ring on a budget. It’s 100 x 200, the natural soil here is clay. We are putting down 6” of chips and dust on the clay (clay is drained) and 2” of sand on top. My question is should the chips and dust be compacted or do we put the footing right on top? Do we need to rent machinery to compact it? Info greatly appreciated!
It is a large area to compact but can be done best as a DIY job IMO using a plate compactor. I used a water filled tractor pulled roller but it just did not work as well for me as the plate compactor that I used when I extended my arena length by a third. Water filled plastic rollers are inexpensive but just not as heavy as what pros will use. A plate compactor can be rented at Home Depot.
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what are “chips and dust”? Is that maybe what I know as “screenings”?
The clay needs to be compacted if it’s not already. If all you had to do was remove material to create the level grade needed, then you’re likely find, as clay is naturally compacted
But you absolutely want that base, the “chips and dust” to also be compacted, so if it’s not a material that can be compacted such that a truck can drive on it and not leave a print, then it’s going to eat your sand pretty quickly
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I tried the clay thing and had to replace it after a year…stone dust is the best thing to use. It will save you money in the long run.
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Agree with all who say to compact it. I think someone mentioned making sure the clay is compacted and then compact the chips on top of that. We put ALOT of water on it while compacting it.
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My arena is on clay. Lots of French drains, compacted clay that sat for 8ish months after excavation, 6" wet compacted rock, 4" concrete sand.
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Absolutely must be compacted. You can use a plate compactor but it’s really not enough force for proper compaction. You’re much better off renting a roller.
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Second this - plate compactor is not nearly enough.
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Sub-base should really be proof rolled so I would recommend a tired machine.
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