New patio time - plate compactor - how much depth?

[180turbo]

Hi folks.

We're after a bit of advice on how when using a plate compactor, how much it does compress aggregate?

Info:
We are laying a new patio at the side of sleeper raised beds, and are currently digging down ready to install a sub-base of about 3 inch. We will be using a mortar bed of 2 inch, with 1 inch slate slabs for the surface.

So, if for example we want a 3 inch sub-base, do we need to tip in 3.5 or 4 inch of MOT type 1 aggregate, which when compacted drops to 3 inch? Can't see to find any information on this.

Thanks.

 

[Dan77]

It all depends on the size/weight of the wackier plate being used.
But with a decent sized one it should go down about an inch if compacted properly I.e. 6/8 passes over the whole area in both directions front to back and side to side

 

[180turbo]

Thanks Dan. That is handy to know.

We did contemplate using a manual ramming pole. It would be cheaper than hiring a plate vibrator, allow us to do the patio and paths at our pace/ leisure, but probably wouldn't do as good a job as a heavy plate.