For gravelly soils, what is the appropriate lift thickness?

For gravelly soils, the appropriate lift thickness of 10-12 inches is crucial for achieving proper compaction and stability within the layer. Lifts that fall within this range allow for effective compaction by construction equipment, enabling the gravel to be adequately densified without becoming overly compacted or disturbed. This thickness is optimal because it balances the need for efficient workability while also ensuring that the applied loads can be properly distributed throughout the lift.

Using lifts that are either too thick or too thin can lead to ineffective compaction, resulting in weak spots or inconsistencies in the soil structure. Thicker lifts could lead to areas that remain uncompacted or experience insufficient stability under load, while thinner lifts may not provide enough material for proper compaction or could increase construction time unnecessarily. The 10-12 inch range ensures that gravelly soils are compacted effectively, providing the required performance characteristics needed for stability and load-bearing capacity in construction projects.