Gridforce "Mini-Ex" Reduced Dig System

Suitability of Gridforce GF “Mini-Ex” System

• Where existing ground is firm and free draining*
• Where a suitable base is already in place
• Where trafficking is occasional (e.g. overflow car park), irregular, and by cars and light vans

*We can offer advice on this but, if in doubt, install “Mini-Ex” only where CBR value exceeds  7%

For schemes where existing ground conditions are firm and free draining, the Gridforce GF “Mini-Ex” reduced dig system is suitable for light traffic and pedestrian use.  It is particularly relevant where funding is limited and where there are constraints on excavation - for example, where tree roots are close to the surface.

Benefits

• Dramatic reduction in excavation and disposal costs 
• No stone base required, reducing pollution and depletion of natural resources 
• Choice of grass or stone finish 
• Complies with current guidance on SUDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) 
• Significant cost savings compared to full base construction 

Applications

• Access roads and parking areas for light vehicles (including caravans)
• Protection of tree roots
• Cycle ways
• Footpaths
• Wheelchair access
• Taxiways/parking for light aircraft
• Golf course buggy paths

INSTALLATION

Ensure that ground conditions are appropriate for reduced dig- consult Gridforce Ltd if in doubt

(A)  Grassed Finish Required

1. Remove vegetation and top soil to a depth of approximately 55mm (depending on site conditions at the time). Level surface to + or - 10mm and consolidate well.
2. Roll out “Mini-Ex” geogrid onto the prepared surface, overlapping joints by at least 200mm, and pin down using Gridforce securing pins.
3. Evenly spread a minimum of 10mm of coarse grit sand over the base geogrid and  consolidate, ensuring that the geogrid is not exposed.
4. Lay the GF pavers starting in the left hand corner of the site.  The lugs on the paver edges should face forward and to the right.  The pavers arrive on site in pallets which comprise layers of 4 pavers (1m²) pre-connected to speed installation.  Place the next panel of pavers, align edges with previous panel and apply foot pressure to complete connection.  Continue laying in a forward direction and to the right, stand on laid pavers when laying the next panel.  For fitting around obstructions, pavers can easily be cut with a hand or power saw.  When laying is complete, consolidate the entire area with a light roller.  Cut pavers should be nailed down using Gridforce pins.  Pavers laid on slopes will only require a degree of pinning where the gradient is very severe.
5. Fill the pavers with clean, friable top soil, 60:40 root zone or, for optimum results, blended loam.  Scrape away any overfill so that the top edges of all cells are visible. Settlement of the cell fill will occur and should not be topped up.  This permits grass growth without direct impact from vehicles.
6. Grass seed can be applied to the finished surface, or for best results, mixed in with the cell fill before filling.  It should contain a high proportion of rye grass appropriate to the local area and sown at the upper level of the supplier’s recommended sowing rates.  Water regularly until grass is established. 

B. Stone Finish Required

1. Remove vegetation and top soil to a depth of approximately 70mm (depending on site conditions at the time).  Level surface to + or – 10mm and consolidate well.
2. Roll out the “Mini-Ex” geogrid onto the prepared surface, overlapping joints by at least 200mm, and pin down using Gridforce securing pins.
3. Evenly spread a minimum of 30mm of coarse grit sand over the base geogrid and lightly screed, ensuring that the geogrid is not exposed.
4. Lay the GF pavers starting in the left hand corner of the site.  The lugs on the paver edges should face forward and to the right.  The pavers arrive on site in pallets which comprise layers of 4 pavers (1m²) pre-connected to speed installation.  Place the next panel of pavers, align edges with previous panel and apply foot pressure to complete connection.  Continue laying in a forward direction and to the right, stand on laid pavers when laying the next panel.  For fitting around obstructions, pavers can easily be cut with a hand or power saw.  When laying is complete, consolidate the pavers with a vibrating plate or light roller until c.10mm of the bedding sand migrates through to fill the bottom portion of each paver.  Cut pavers should be nailed down using Gridforce pins.  Pavers laid on slopes will only require a degree of     pinning where the gradient is very severe.
5. Optimum grading for filling cells is 10mm single sized gravel, although free draining angular stone (maximum size 14mm) is acceptable.  A layer of stone is sometimes left on top of the pavers but complete containment of the stone within the cells will provide a neater and more manageable installation. 

Note: Building regulations stipulate maximum 1:12 gradient on applications where disabled persons access is required.

Please note that the information given above is intended as a guide only and the customer is   responsible for ensuring that the site is suitable for a reduced dig installation