Go French and Avoid SUDS Regulations for Surfacing. Our experience with 'crushed down'

A Sustainable Alternative to Tarmac or PavingThe Castle an Dinas quarry near Penzance in west Cornwall produces a 6mm crushed down brown, (it is actually pinkish - sandy colour), which has been used to great effect in places such as Potager Gardens, near Constantine and Heligan. We have been using and recommending the material for surfacing amenity areas, driveways and parking for over two years now, with very high customer satisfaction.This particular seam of granite has characteristics which enable to bond, without additives, when laid. I won't go into the science too much, but basically it is a very brittle granite and the resulting 6mm down is dusty, after it has been wet and allowed to dry it has an almost adhesive quality creating a surprisingly solid surface. It has been tested on number of differing sites now, even on a slope, used by 12 tonne lorries, without shifting.The French have been utilising crushed limestone for surfacing since the 19th century. It's continued use has been determined by way of several academic papers into the material, proving it's effectiveness as a solid permeable surfacing, strong enough to cope with over 10 tonnes and yet able to not only reduce run off dramatically, but also help to store water in a lower level to allow the growth of some of the healthiest urban trees in Europe.The best method of laying the material is by wheelbarrow and rake. The material is pread to a minimum depth of 100mm on top of 200mm of hardcore, or it is sometimes cheaper to lay at a 300mm depth. The material is then soaked. As it dries it hardens considerably and can withstand significant downpours. At less than £30 per tonne it is both a cheap and useful alternative product. The product gets increasingly firmer after laying and despite the lack of 'terram' or similar, (which will inhibit it's effectiveness anyway), weeds are not a significant problem. Although it would be unwise to call the product maintenance free.On slopes or areas with poor drainage, we have installed loose stone drainage channels under the surfacing, with concrete 'bunds' to divert water flow on sloping areas or areas with hard underlay.Michael Mudge Ltd., have always been able to supply us throughout the westcountry - 01209 831584The material is favoured by a particular type of client and in Cornwall is selected by those who favour Mediterranean gardens or indeed the French style. However the cost, (at least 50% less than non permeable alternatives as well as some of the more specialist permeable surfacing materials), together with SUDS regulations is allowing more and more customers to view this material.It would be great to know if any other quarries in the UK have a similar product suitable for surfacing purposes.

Finished result, North Cornwall. Total price per m2 = £26Cornish Stone Walls www.paysagedurable.com

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