Self-Binding Gravels

The result is that the fines and particles knit together and compact to form a surface that is less susceptible to scuffing and being kicked all over the place, but isn't 'permanently hard', in the sense that a concrete, bitmac or resin surface would be. In general, most of the self-binding materials can be dug out years after first being placed, crumbled and re-used (there are certain exceptions).

They are extremely popular products for commercial or public applications where a simple, cheap, low-maintenance, natural-looking pathway or trackway is required. They can be found on almost every golf course, and they are widely used for Parks, Nature Trails, Bridleways...in fact, you've probably walked miles over these products and never realised what it was!

There are a few products that perform so well they have established a nationwide market, at least in England (see list at bottom of page). The most well-known of these is the Breedon Gravel , a crushed magnesian limestone from Derbyshire that has an attractive colour described as 'Golden Amber'. It's found favour at Buck House in London, where all the paths are dressed with it, and it has also been used on other properties belonging to Her Maj and the other Royals.

Read More about Breedon Gravels

Another nationally available product is "Cedec", a product developed and sold via the CED group of companies, based in Thurrock, Essex, but available from any of its branches. This product is a mixture of crushed granites and quartz that comes in either a red or a buff colour. Unlike the Breedon gravel, Cedec is pH Neutral and chemically inert, so it is popular for use in planted areas, particularly those where acid or alkali sensitive plants have been used.

The self-binding aggregate is spread and levelled whilst damp/moist and then compacted using a roller or vibrating plate. The material 'sets' when dry, but not to the same extent as would a concrete or bitmac. The surface remains loose-ish and dusty but eventually does 'harden' to the point of becoming impermeable in some heavily trafficked projects. This is where it comes into its own, as if ponding is occurring, the material can be loosened using a fork or a pick, which will open up the drainage and, hopefully, alleviate the ponding problem.

Other local products should be available through local Builders' Merchants and Providers. The may have strange, local names but most competent Merchants and Providers will understand what is required if asked for a self-binding gravel.

Redpave, by Oxfordshire-based Grundon, is a red-tinged dolomitic limestone that is increasingly popular.

The basic construction for any self-binding gravel pavement is the same as that for other gravels. A sub-base is essential, and this should be laid over a prepared sub-grade, with an optional separation membrane used between sub-grade and sub-base, if ground conditions warrant it. The sub-base should be not less than 75mm deep for foot traffic and at least 100mm thick for light vehicles. Once compacted, the self-binding gravel is spread over the surface to a depth of 40-50mm and then compacted.

Edging kerbs or other edging units can be used, if preferred. These have the advantage of containing the self-binding gravel, but, for more casual, natural setting, the edging units are often omitted and the grass or adjacent vegetation is allowed to encroach on the edges of the pathway to give a softer, less harshly-defined appearance.

Where edgings are used, it's standard practice to keep the level of the self-binding gravel low by around 6mm or so to prevent migration of the material over the top of the edging. However, the surface must not be kept too low or a trip hazard may develop. 6mm is fine.

As with other gravels, self-binding products are not suitable for use on any gradient greater than around 1:12, although the extent of migration experienced with self-binding gravels is considerably less than that found with loose gravels.

Whenever a gradient needs to be accommodated, then a series of steps is the most appropriate solution. As mentioned above, some form of edge restraint will be required to contain the self-binding gravel, and the level should be kept slightly low (6mm) to minimise loss of material.

Coverage is variable, as it depends on the density of the material itself, and also the moisture content, but, as a rough guide, 1 tonne of a typical self-binding gravel will cover around 10-12m² at a thickness of around 40mm. If you're buying in smaller quantities for a DIY or garden project, then reckon on 2 - 2½ 40kg bags for each square metre.

Full Construction Case Study

In some regions, a cheap local stone crushed and processed to ensure a relatively high fines content may be used as a path surfacing. The Lancashire sandstone used in the accompanying photies is a good example of a 'nearly self binding gravel' being used to maintain a local feel on a nature reserve pathway. While not strictly a self-binding gravel, the large percentage of fines does help create a fairly 'tight' surface that will give several years of adequate service, and the absence of any lime (limestone) won't affect the flora of what is a sensitive site.

It should be noted that while self-binding aggregates are a low-maintenance surface, that's not the same as NO maintenance. Weeds will establish themselves on the surface - they do not grow up through the construction, but rather the seed settles onto the surface and the weed grows into the surface.

However, they are fairly easy to remove, using a spring-tined rake or a shovel, and the self-binding gravel is simply re-levelled and stamped back down into place.

There are many locally sourced and produced SBGs throughout Britain and Ireland, many of which rarely travel more than a dozen miles from the quarry and may well have local names, but there are a few 'brands' that have attained a more widespread distribution and a few of these are listed below:

Breedon Gravel

East Midlands

Coxwell Gravel

RedPave

Chilterns

West of England

Raisby Gravel

North-East England

Cedec

SE England

Nationwide