• Introduction

• AUTOWAY 90

• AUTOWAY 120

• AUTOWAY 150

• AUTOWAY 200

• AUTOWAY 240

• AUTO GRID

The standard 100 metre rolls of fabric should be laid out at appropriate intervals with the outer covering intact until required for use. Rain, snow or frost will not adversely affect the material.

In cases where the topsoil has been removed, it is essential that the surface is graded and any accidental rutting or soft spots filled and levelled before the fabric is laid. When possible, it is beneficial to lay the fabric direct on to unbroken topsoil or light vegetation. Care must be taken to remove all large debris, such as rocks, tree stumps and bushes, etc... which would be likely to damage the fabric and infilling any large depressions or holes with granular material.

The fabric should be pegged and rolled out, maintaining a reasonable tension across its width at all times to eliminate the possibility of creasing, then held in position by stones placed at intervals along its length. Should it be necessary to overlap more than one roll, the degree of compaction and grading will determine the amount of the overlap. In ideal conditions, a minimum of 300mm is sufficient, but in most cases a 500mm overlap is recommended to overcome uneven ground or weak areas of subsoil. In areas of very uneven ground and varying soil/surface conditions it may be necessary to overlay the fabric by one metre in order that the fabric can adequately fulfill its function and ensure that a degree of overlapping is always maintained.

It is essential that no vehicle is allowed to drive over the uncovered fabric.

The road material should be back tipped, beginning from the point of access and the centre of the fabric. The material should be spread and levelled using, when possible, a tracked vehicle working on top of the tipped material.

On certain occasions where the subgrades are exceptionally soft, it may be necessary to perform the compaction function in stages using the tracked vehicle for the preliminary work, before bringing the heavier plant into use, thus eliminating a possibility of the fabric being punctured. Should a second layer of aggregate be required, it is necessary to ensure that the first layer has been fully compacted before heavy vehicles are allowed to drive over the surface.

In the event of accidental puncturing of the fabric, the granular materials should be removed and a second layer of fabric placed over the damaged fabric for a minimum of 2 metres from the extremes of the puncture or tear, before covering and completing the area and its surroundings.