Photo: Maria Orlova

What size of gravel is for footing?

Gravel used for the foundation should be sized between 25-40mm. It is important to note when selecting coarse aggregates or gravel, ensure that the mix is similar in size and shape to avoid honeycombing and seepage.

birlaa1.com - Utility of Gravel - Birla A1 Cement

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When you are building your dream home, there are a lot of raw materials that go into it at every stage. Cement is one such raw material that is essential and used in every phase of home building. Cement is also the most misunderstood by a first time home builder. We address the customer’s needs and are with them in every stage of their home construction providing them with guidance and information.

Gravel is an important raw material that gives concrete its strength

TJust like cement, gravel is an important raw material from which concrete gets its strength. Gravel is also known as coarse aggregates and it is used for normal constructions ideally ranging from 10mm to 20mm, which are 10, 12, 16, 18 and 20mm. When choosing gravel, you have to keep in mind its size and its shape. Don’t forget that the size of gravel differs based on its function. If you are using the gravel for columns, the size should range between 10 to 20mm.

Gravel used for columns should be sized between 10-20mm

However if the gravel is being used in the foundation, its size should range between 25 to 40 mm. You should always remember that the best quality gravel or coarse aggregates has to be angular in shape.

Gravel used for the foundation should be sized between 25-40mm

It is important to note when selecting coarse aggregates or gravel, ensure that the mix is similar in size and shape to avoid honeycombing and seepage. There are three important methods to help you select the best quality coarse aggregates. Sieve analysis – This method covers the sampling and determination of the particle size distribution of coarse aggregates. Length Gauge – This method is used to determine the elongation index of aggregates. Thickness Gauge – This method is used to determine if aggregate particles are to be considered flaky.

From left to right: Sieve analysis, Length Gauge and Thickness Gauge

For better results, always use Birla A1 Premium Cement and ensure you follow proper processes when selecting gravel. And watch our 2 minute video on the utility of gravel so that you can have a Happy Home Building!

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Can I use plastic sheeting under gravel?

Putting a tarp or some other form of heavy plastic sheeting under the gravel instead of landscape fabric can be an appealing alternative in some cases. It may be less costly than high-end fabric, for example, and the plastic can be found in relatively large sizes.

homeguides.sfgate.com - Can You Use a Tarp Under Rock Landscaping? - Home Guides

Landscape fabric serves a few key purposes under rock landscaping. First, and most importantly, it keeps your rocks and their supporting sand or gravel from sinking into the soil under their own weight. The fabric also helps stabilize the soil and reduce erosion, a key consideration in areas where it rains frequently. Landscape fabric is also used to help deter weeds, and it's often advertised as "weed-control fabric." That's a bit misleading because it only provides truly weed-free ground for a year or two. After that, organic material begins to build up between the rocks, weed seeds blow in and weeds begin to grow again. They can be even harder to eliminate because their roots eventually become entangled in the fabric. Also, all but the best and highest-cost landscape fabric breaks down after a few years, allowing weeds to begin growing up through the old barrier again.