Loose soil and gravel settle when compacted. Here's how to account for settlement and compaction in your order, and why it prevents low spots and later damage.
Introduction
When a layer of gravel or topsoil is laid loose and then compacted with a plate compactor or roller, it takes up less space than the loose material. If you order only the finished, compacted volume, you will end up short of material.
Factors (indicative)
- 01Stabilised gravel for the sub-base: order about 15–35 % extra to allow for compaction.
- 02Loose topsoil: can settle 20–30 %, so order correspondingly extra.
- 03Density for conversion to tonnes: crushed-stone base/sand/aggregate approx. 1.5–1.6 t/m³.
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