basic paving project: a few simple questions

[151asevern]

Hi,
I have never done paving before... but it doesnt seem to be a difficult job. I have a few simple questions and I hope I can get help here.
It is a very basic project (front yard of around 10sq meters) currently covered with gravel. Thinking to remove the gravel and lay slabs.

1. Can I compact the sub base somehow manually without a plate compactor? Simply because it is just 10sq meters... I don't think it is necessary to hire a plate compactor, also, it is very low traffic front yard (only humans walking through it occasionally), and also some of the bits would be hard to reach by a compactor (like corners and around the drains).
2. If I go with slabs, can I do so called dry laying? I have seen projects done without mortar... sub base being mot1 or sharp sand. If so, what sub base would be recommended in my case?

I attach the photo of a front yard as it looks currently and what is beneath the gravel, beneath the gravel (that I am going to remove) there is solid/hard soil. I dont know what is it, but this is what the builder while building the property did spread the gravel on. I dont know if its a natural rock, or some type of base used and compacted by a builder.

Many thanks for any advice.

 

[foxhole]

You need to uncover more , the small area against the curb is going to be cement base holding it, may be totally different elsewhere .

 

[151asevern]

I have uncovered different areas in my front yard before (when I was doing the edging around its perimeter), to me it seems everywhere under the gravel there is a solid material.. as I mentioned to me it seems whether a natural rock or compressed sub-base.

at this point whats the best advice regarding my previous questions please?

 

[Mike13]

If it was compressed hardcore it would by liftable (slowly) with a garden fork, if it is mortar/concrete, then it will not be able to have pieces lifted out with a garden fork. Try using a wrecking bar pointed end first to see which it is, it will become obvious very quickly with one of those.

 

[151asevern]

Thanks.
regarding the joints in between the slabs.. should I create joints and fill them with something permeable (sharp sand or mortar)? Or is there no problems push the slabs against each other as tight as it is possible not creating any joints?
Somehow I think the water drain better going with the first option?

 

[151asevern]

any advice please?

 

[morqthana]

pavingexpert site has lots of useful info.

And you should use SUDS compliant permeable paving.

 

[151asevern]

I have read some articles there. Found interesting info.

I still trying to get the best advice regarding the bed.. for the bed 5:1 sharp sand and cement mix is recommended. When spreading the bed.. should I spread it as a dry mixture (as it will absorb plenty of rain water and hardens as time progresses) or should I wet with water straight away after spreading it?