New Patio on Clay - Help

[Domtvr]

Hi

Im about to lay a patio (15sqm), I've dug it all out and have put 2 - 3inches of dolomite down and compacted it (its on clay). It appeared very solid but we have had bad rain up here and the whole area flooded and after the water drained away it was like wet cement. The question is if and when it dries out will it still be ok to lay the slabs on it? (I will be cementing down) If not any advice of what I need to do. (By way this is 1st time doing this so Im pretty much an idiot so the simpler the better!)

Thanks
Dom

 

[r896neo]

don't fret, its not a bad sign really it means you've removed all of the soft free draining top soil and are left with the clay. So well done.

On a more helpful note it will probably take a while to dry out so don't be tempted to compact it again or your plate will sink into it like quicksand. The wet cement appearance is simply the dust in the mix holding water.

As long as its not mass of standing water ( which it shouldn't be if you got your falls right!!!) go ahead and lay your slabs the rain will have merely helped settle it even more by washing fines down into the sub-base.

 

[Domtvr]

Phew!! That's a relief many thanks for your help.