Tree Sand (Amsterdam Sand)

[bjam1964]

Hi,

 

I have a unique BS:5837 situation involving archeology, building and remedial works for tree roots.

 

Has anyone seen, used, or heard of cobbles and bricks being laid directly into tree sand?

 

Many thanks,

 

Brian

[b101uk]

Hi,

 

I have a unique BS:5837 situation involving archeology, building and remedial works for tree roots.

 

Has anyone seen, used, or heard of cobbles and bricks being laid directly into tree sand?

Many thanks,

 

Brian

 

no, you normally put ~100mm to ~150mm of normal sand on top that will bind for the paving etc

[bjam1964]

no, you normally put ~100mm to ~150mm of normal sand on top that will bind for the paving etc

 

Thank you for your response - I am aware of the normal 150mm sand but, in this case due to archeology, the depth is restricted hence the question. The formula for tree sand looks like it will work ok . . . ?

[b101uk]

Well its been ~14 odd years since I used any, but if its like what I used then it wouldn’t work to well, as the whole idea of the tree sand is that it promotes root growth/health, reduces compaction and minimises subsidence of the paving surface above, so even though you compact the tree sand before you dig enough out to install the root ball it doesn’t stay compacted/binded like the sand dose used beneath paving.

 

You could perhaps reduce the sand above used for the paving by using a suitable geotextile between the tree sand and the sand used to support the paving, or make it known that the reduction of the normal sand depth above used for stabilising the paving will impair the lifespan and increase the paving maintenance because of the archaeological restriction, it will also reduce the effectiveness of the tree sand as it is in part reliant on the thick layer of paving sand (relative to normal paving sand depth when stone is used as a sub-base) to reduce compaction.