Installing NatraTex
Your guide to laying NatraTex products.
Choosing the correct material is very important, but does not need to be complicated with NatraTex.
If you already have a pavement construction design it’s very straightforward, if not this brief introduction should assist but if you need further assistance please contact one of our team.
One of the principle factors when engineers design a flexible pavement construction is the type and frequency of loading the whole construction will need to withstand, whether it’s pedestrian or for HGV’s etc
The final layer of the pavement is generally referred to as the “Surface Course” or “Wearing Course” and this element can be substituted for one of our NatraTex products.
NatraTex manufacture various sizes and Mix Designs which can be a direct replacement for conventional Black asphalt or macadam within the original design, for the vast majority of applications. See our Terms and Conditions.
Overview
Understanding the technical specifications of NatraTex is crucial for several reasons, particularly when it comes to making informed decisions about its application, ensuring optimal performance, and meeting project requirements.
Technical Details
| Nominal Aggregate Size | Mix Design | Loadings & Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 6mm | Dense Grade (DG) | Light domestic
Cycleways Pedestrian |
| 6mm | Fibre Enhanced (FE) | Driveways Occasional utility vehicles |
| 6mm | Heavy Duty (HD) | Driveways Residential Roads Turning area Parking area |
| 6mm | Porous – SUDs Compliant | Light domestic Cycleways Pedestrian** |
| 10mm | Dense Grade (DG) | Light domestic Cycleways Pedestrian |
| 10mm | Fibre Enhanced (FE) | Driveways Residential roads Turning area Parking area Occasional HGV |
| 10mm | Heavy Duty (HD) | Residential roads Turning area Parking area HGV High volume motor vehicles Busy driveways |
| 10mm | Porous – SUDs Compliant | Light domestic Cycleways Pedestrian** |
Installation
Preparation
Proper preparation of the area before surfacing with NatraTex is crucial to ensure a durable, high-quality finish. The preparation process involves several key steps, each designed to create a stable, even base for the surfacing material. This includes site assessment and planning, clearing and excavation, subgrade preparation, sub-base installation, edge restraints, base layer preparation, surface cleaning, and final checks. Conduct a thorough site survey to assess the existing ground conditions, including soil type, drainage, and any existing surface materials. This helps in planning the necessary groundwork and identifying any potential issues. Remove any vegetation, debris, or existing surface materials from the area, and excavate to the required depth, ensuring that the subgrade is exposed and ready for further preparation. Compact and grade the subgrade to the required slope and level, ensuring proper drainage and preventing water pooling. Install a sub-base layer made of crushed stone or gravel, and compact thoroughly to ensure it is solid and even. Install edge restraints or kerbs around the perimeter of the area, securing them in place and level with the planned height of the finished surface. Depending on the project requirements, a base layer of asphalt or another suitable material may be installed over the sub-base, providing additional support and helping to distribute loads evenly. Clean the prepared base to remove any loose materials, dust, or debris, ensuring proper adhesion of the NatraTex surfacing material. Conduct a final inspection of the prepared area to ensure all steps have been completed correctly and the surface is ready for the application of NatraTex.
Compaction
The compaction stage is a critical part of the preparation process before surfacing with NatraTex, ensuring a stable and durable foundation. It begins with subgrade compaction, where the primary goal is to increase the soil’s density to prevent future settlement or shifting. This involves using mechanical compactors, such as vibratory rollers, plate compactors, or rammer compactors, to compact the soil, making multiple passes to eliminate air pockets and ensure uniform density. Maintaining the correct moisture content is essential for effective compaction. Following this, sub-base compaction involves compacting a layer of crushed stone or gravel, which provides additional stability and aids in drainage. This layer is also compacted using mechanical compactors, often in multiple lifts to ensure thorough compaction throughout the depth. The level of compaction is checked using methods like the Proctor test. If a base layer of asphalt or another material is required, it too undergoes compaction to ensure a smooth, even surface for the NatraTex application. Ensuring even compaction of the base layer prevents irregularities in the final surface. After all layers are compacted, a final inspection is conducted to verify uniformity and density, with any insufficiently compacted areas reworked. The compacted base is then cleaned to remove any loose particles, dust, or debris. Proper compaction at each stage is essential for creating a stable foundation that supports the long-term performance and aesthetic quality of the NatraTex surface, significantly reducing the risk of structural issues and ensuring a high-quality, lasting finish.