Protecting underground service pipes prior to compacting

senecabot

Hi this is a first post for me.

I have dug all the topsoil down to approx 18'' in my 6x8m lawned front garden with a view to putting down MOT type 1 limestone scalpings (40mm-dust) then gravelling
But running along side an existing concrete slab drive I have found three service pipes, these\are:

* a black coated metal cable presumably the electricty approx 1.5'' diam

* an black alcathene water pipe

* a grey/yellow plastic pipe (gas??) about 1.5'' diam

All these run parallel from the street to the house. The soil is clay but is hard subsoil (albeit is a bit soggy at the moment). House was built in the 1950's.

My question is can i put the MOT down and compact it with a vibrating plate without damaging the services. And if not how best to protect them. Will cutting a plastic soil pipe in half and laying over the top do the trick?

Any help would be great, cheers

Rob

mkaibear

senecabot wrote: »

Hi this is a first post for me.


* a black coated metal cable presumably the electricty approx 1.5'' diam

* an black alcathene water pipe

* a grey/yellow plastic pipe (gas??) about 1.5'' diam

I am sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I think there is a requirement for certain levels of protection for the gas and leccy supply - have you contacted the company which is responsible for the cabling / piping to check?

ormus

its common to use shingle or sharp sand to bed pipes and cables in.
better to compact it by hand at first. then go gently with a petrol engine wacker plate. maybe use an old scaffold board to spread the load?

gas and electric supply services require ID tape placed on top.

ormus

docmatt

senecabot wrote: »

Will cutting a plastic soil pipe in half and laying over the top do the trick?


Rob

Yes that will be fine, as Ormus said cover it all in pea shingle before wackering it.