Bricks as a substitute for hard core

[12o.clock]

When laying down hard core rubble into a foundation, can one get away with using complete and partial bricks? Something like: http://www.mccarthywaste.co.uk/images/uploaded/recycling/hardcore-recycling-article-main.jpg

I've got a lot of leftover bricks from the patio, and I am wondering whether I can throw them into the foundation base and use a compactor to flatten/break them up. Never tried it before, and no idea whether the compactor will actually break the bricks up into finer pieces. If it is possible, I can save me quite a few bob .

 

[^woody^]

You can't get away with any hardcore in a foundation.

 

[garyo]

Do you mean the floor slab? In which case people do do it, but whether it's worth it is another matter. I did use some bricks myself once for a tiny extension 3Mx1.5M because the MoT I'd ordered didn't quite cover it. It wasn't all that simple getting the bricks to 40mm or below, but I guess that depends on how soft yours are.

 

[12o.clock]

You can't get away with any hardcore in a foundation.

Can you elaborate?

Do you mean the floor slab? In which case people do do it, but whether it's worth it is another matter. I did use some bricks myself once for a tiny extension 3Mx1.5M because the MoT I'd ordered didn't quite cover it. It wasn't all that simple getting the bricks to 40mm or below, but I guess that depends on how soft yours are.

Yeh, local council stated I'd need to do it, so it's either another 100 quid on some pre-made hard core, or use what I already have. I guess I could mix the two.

 

[^woody^]

You can't use hardcore under a foundation, but you can under a floor slab.

 

[bourbon]

go to a steam fair, Look at the stationary engine line, Find one that is belted to a brick crusher. Have conversation, result bricks to the size you need.

 

[tony1851]

go to a steam fair, Look at the stationary engine line, Find one that is belted to a brick crusher.

I'm sure there are many of those around at suitable locations and at suitable times.

 

[^woody^]

Oh, I recall the Great Empire Traction Engine Exhibition of 2016 when I required suitable broken material for my carriage standing and garden folly. I donned my cap and tweeds and ventured forth to make such arrangements with a suitable fellow.

Alas, whilst the truly marvellous collection of beasts was a sight to behold, non were belted to a brick crusher. There were weaves, mills, pumps, beating and hammer presses, but no brick crushing machines. I aquired a refund of my 2d fee, and left disappointed.

 

[noseall]

You are a card Woodshop.

 

[tony1851]

When laying down hard core rubble into a foundation, can one get away with using complete and partial bricks? Something like: http://www.mccarthywaste.co.uk/images/uploaded/recycling/hardcore-recycling-article-main.jpg

I've got a lot of leftover bricks from the patio, and I am wondering whether I can throw them into the foundation base and use a compactor to flatten/break them up. Never tried it before, and no idea whether the compactor will actually break the bricks up into finer pieces. If it is possible, I can save me quite a few bob .

You have to be careful using crushed reclaimed brick as hardcore under concrete, as it may contain salts, which can cause problems with heave.

 

[noseall]

Correct Tony. Sulphate free is a must. Don't use any broken up Giscol commons!

 

[tony1851]

Correct Tony. Sulphate free is a must. Don't use any broken up Giscol commons!

You're right - dreadful bricks visually; as a matter of interest, do you know what Giscol stands for?

 

[noseall]

You're right - dreadful bricks visually; as a matter of interest, do you know what Giscol stands for?

Not got a Scooby, no.

 

[tony1851]

Not got a Scooby, no.

Glasgow Iron and Steel Co. Ltd.
(they used waste slag from the blast furnace, hence the black bits in the bricks).

 

[noseall]

Yeah, you learns your lessons......

Giscol

• noseall
• 11 Feb 2017