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Understanding Sub-Base Options for Resin Bound Installations.

Jarvis Industries Accounts |

Understanding Sub-Base Options for Resin Bound Installations.

Resin Bound Base Build-Up Specifications

Concrete • Open-Graded Tarmacadam • Mesh N Go • Car Parks & Roadways


A successful resin bound installation starts with a correctly prepared base. Whether you're working on a domestic driveway, patio, pathway, or a heavily trafficked commercial area, choosing the right base course is critical for performance, durability, and drainage compliance.

This guide explains the most common sub-base options used with resin bound surfacing:

  • Concrete
  • Open-Graded Tarmacadam
  • Mesh N Go
  • Car Parks & Roadways (Heavy-Duty Builds)

1. Concrete Base Build-Up (Non-Permeable / Optional Porous)

Suitable For: Driveways, Patios, Commercial Entrances

Not SuDS Compliant (unless porous/no-fines concrete is used)


Purpose

To create a strong, stable foundation for a seamless resin-bound stone finish.

Advantages

  • High load-bearing capacity
  • Clean, smooth finish
  • Easy to maintain

Recommended Build-Up

  • Compacted Subgrade Soil
  • 150mm MOT Type 3 (optional but recommended)
  • 100mm C35 Concrete Slab (minimum 25N/mm² compressive strength)
  • 15–18mm Resin Bound Surface (with suitable primer if required)

For SuDS compliance: Use porous/no-fines concrete to allow drainage through the slab.

2. Open-Graded Tarmacadam Base Build-Up (Permeable)

Suitable For: Driveways, Patios, Pathways

SuDS Compliant (when used with MOT Type 3)


Purpose

To offer a flexible and permeable base for resin bound surfacing, especially in residential settings.

Advantages

  • Fully permeable
  • Fast installation
  • Allows water to drain through the system

Recommended Build-Up

  • Compacted Subgrade Soil
  • 150mm MOT Type 3
  • 50–60mm Open-Graded Binder Course (10mm aggregate, 70/100 or 100/150 pen)
  • 15–18mm Resin Bound Surface

3. Mesh N Go Base Build-Up (Lightweight & Permeable)

Suitable For: Patios, Pathways, Domestic Driveways

Fully SuDS Compliant


Purpose

To provide a shallow-dig, permeable, and highly stable base where traditional sub-bases are impractical or time-consuming.

Advantages

  • Quick installation
  • Minimal excavation required
  • Lightweight and eco-friendly
  • Fully permeable and SuDS compliant
  • Suitable for domestic driveways and patios (when built to spec)

Recommended Build-Up

  • Compacted Subgrade Soil
  • 100–150mm MOT Type 3
  • 10–15mm Grano Dust (0–6mm) – Screeded flat
  • 3mm BullBase – Resin-compatible binding layer
  • 2mm BullMesh – Structural reinforcement mesh
  • 15mm Resin Bound Surface

Must be installed on well-compacted, stable ground. Only suitable for domestic traffic, not commercial vehicles.

4. Car Parks & Access Roads (Heavy-Duty Construction)

Suitable For: Car Parks, Industrial Sites, Access Roads

SuDS Compliant (when open-graded or porous materials are used)


Purpose

To create a structurally sound, attractive resin bound surface capable of handling regular or heavy vehicular traffic.

Advantages

  • Very high load capacity
  • Low maintenance
  • Long-term performance in demanding environments

Typical Build-Up

  • Compacted Subgrade Soil
  • 150–200mm MOT Type 3
  • 100–150mm Open-Graded Tarmac or Reinforced Concrete Slab
  • 15–18mm Resin Bound Surface

SuDS compliance depends on base material used (porous or open-graded).

Sub-Base Comparison Table

Sub-Base Type Strength Permeability SuDS Compliant Ideal For Total Depth (Typical)
Concrete High Standard: No
Porous: Yes
Standard: No
Porous: Yes
Driveways, heavy loads, commercial use 200–250mm
Tarmacadam Good Yes Yes Driveways, patios, paths 150–200mm
Mesh N Go Medium Yes Yes Patios, paths, domestic driveways ~135mm
Car Parks & Roads Very High Yes / No Yes / No Car parks, access roads, high traffic 250–300mm+

General Installation Notes

  • Always use MOT Type 3 to ensure sub-base permeability and SuDS compliance.
  • A geotextile stabilisation membrane is strongly recommended under MOT to reduce settlement and prevent migration.
  • Resin bound surfacing must always be applied to a clean, dry, and stable base.
  • For overlays, ensure the existing base is sound, free of major cracks or subsidence, and capable of supporting the expected traffic.

Disclaimer

This guide is provided as a general specification reference. Final construction details should always be tailored to the specific site conditions by a qualified designer or contractor. Resco assumes no liability for misuse or misapplication of the data. Specifications are subject to change as products or standards evolve.

Written by: Jarvis Industries Accounts
on Friday, 27 September, 2024

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