24x30 site prep

[Daddydavesr86]

Based on others advice on the forum.
Switch gears from reaching out to builders and concrete contractors and talking to excavation companys about having a pad built first.
24 wide and 30 feet deep pole barn.

18 inches of fall for 30 feet.
I stake out 24x30 area today.
Had first contractor come out today.
He said remove top soil.
Cut the high side to low side level.
Add clay
Add rock so we dont have muddy site putting up building.

How much rock should i have? Depth? Type of rock?
Should i have ground compacted tested?
If so what are good readings?
If shop finshed is 2 inch higher than driveway.
4 inch concrete pad. 4 inch rock. 4 inch clay. Not sure how thick top soil is.?
Purpose of barn.
Hobby shop for old cars and trucks.
Metal and wood projects.
Possibly 2 post lift. Concrete floor when budget allows it.

Any tips or advice be greatly appreciated.

 

[ConCretin]

A cut and fill with existing materials is the most cost effective way to go as long as existing materials are acceptable as fill I.e. granular and compactable. Definitely remove all organics first. Whether or not you test depends on your experience and comfort level with your contractor for this type of work. The testing company will evaluate the fill material and determine the values required for adequate compaction. The reality is that testing is pretty rare in residential work.

The only reason to introduce outside materials is to have a layer that stands up to rain and construction traffic without getting muddy and rutted. I agree with your contractor on this one. A few inches of clean stone is all you need. Not sure about the clay though. Maybe it’s used in your area but it wouldn’t be my choice for fill material.

 

[dneiding]

Had a similar site for my 24x40. Maybe closer to 36" of fall. I used asphalt road grindings. Let that sit for a few weeks (or longer if possible) drive on it, let the sun bake it, compact it, it becomes almost as hard as the concrete you are putting on top of it.

When I put my floor drains in before the concrete pour, I had to use a pick ax to get through the stuff.

 

[rburke65]

LLWillysfan.....why are you not fan of they clay, or have you just not used it? Thx