In this section, we offer advice on the fitting of EcoGrid. This is general advice. It must be noted that all installations are site-specific. The first section will show excavation, things to consider and the sub-base installation with geotextile provisions. The second and third sections show layer provision for grass and gravel finish, general tips and advice.
Full fitting instructions are available at the bottom of the page and more in our download section. We also are happy to offer technical advice and installation specific instructions.
General excavation and sub-base provision
Excavation: Questions we may ask:
- What is the loading (pedestrian, vehicle weight etc). This has a bearing on the grid type you may need to use.
- What are the ground conditions? (CBR-California bearing rates). This signifies the depth and type of sub-base you would put in.
- Are plate tests needed? These will also show CBR(California Bearing Rate) or softness/hardness of the ground
- Is this a tree root protected area? This may mean a no-dig scenario and other installation methods may be needed
Excavation 1: Dig out methodology explained
- Dig out to required depths, appropriate to finished levels. (sub-base plus screed plus grid)
- Dig out to falls to the lowest or best draining section of the proposed area(Percolation tests may be needed)
- Infill to levels with appropriate stone. This can be type 3 reduced fines or clean 20mm stone or type 2 mixed with clean stone to increase permeability.
- Level and compact with a plate compacter or vibrating roller.
Excavation 2: Membranes/support layers explained
- Standard installations need an appropriate approved membrane, minimum 110 g and 1500 puncture resistance. This is to increase stability and stop sub-base migration. This also filters hydrocarbons.
- If the ground conditions are really soft. An open weave membrane such as EcoGrid securagrid may be laid at the excavated level.
- For tree root protected areas, the sub-base may need to be contained by EcoGrid Web Cell.
- Membranes should have a minimum 100-150mm overlap.
Sub-bases. You will need 22 tonnes of type 3 for every 100mm depths of a 100 square metre installation
Screed layers
Screed level:Grassed finish
- This is known as the ‘root-zone’
- This should be a 50:50 layer of topsoil and clean 10-15mm stone mixed
- This should be a minimum depth of 50mm and maximum of 100mm.
- This should be finely levelled and compacted
Screed level:Gravel infill
- This is known as the screed layer and ‘beds-in’ the grid system
- This can be between 20-40mm
- This should ideally be 3-6mm fine sharp angular stone
- Can be a sand screed but the grain size must be large and free draining
Screeds. You will need 5.5 tonnes of screed for every 30mm depth of a 100 square metre installation
Grid laying
Grid laying
- Pick a corner or section and work away from it
- Keep the lugs/tabs forward and to the left continuously
Grid laying
- Never work from different directions
- Place bay markers as you go
Grid cutting
- A petrol driven or powered angle grinder is the best method
- We offer curving pieces to facilitate curves without the need for cutting
Grid edging
- We have our own Aluflex Aluminium edging in a variety of depths which can retain straight or curving surfaces.
- We also offer thick recycled plastic edge restraints even up to a depth of 150mm and 30mm thick.
- Remember: EcoGrid does not need to be edged in almost all scenarios.
Grid fill
Grid fill:grassed finish
- This should be a 70:30 mix of good organic topsoil and sharp sand
- This should be filled to 70-80% of the grid and the compacter passed over the surface
- Here goes the seed. This can be grass seed mix, clover, chamomile, wildflower mix etc.
- Top up to surface level with the topsoil blend and water thoroughly
- Do not travel the surface heavily until the seed has properly established itself
Grid fill:gravel finish
- This should be a flat stone or sharp angular stone
- Rounded or riverbed gravel is not as effective and can travel
- 20-30mm stone fits the grid system best
- Crushed slate is a great option
Grid fill:HGV traffic
- Because of the high degree of lateral loading the surface may need to be over-filled to reduce friction.
- In areas of ‘tight-turns’ these areas may need ground spikes.
- Maintenance is required in these areas to keep grid fill levels topped up and over-filled.
Grid fill
- Never fill the grid system until you have completed the lay
- This will push out the joints on surfaces yet to be finished
Grid fill: You will need 6.8 tonnes of fill material to cover 100 square metres of a 40mm deep EcoGrid system
Grass fill finish fitting guide: Downloadable option
Gravel fill finish fitting guide: Downloadable option
Resin bound stone fitting guide: Downloadable option
EcoGrid ‘Grids’ fitting guide: Downloadable option
