[Ferro List] optimal usage of materials

[Janoahsh]

Right you are Walter,
The idea is to drain the surrounding soils.  It's best to make the perimeter
deeper than the center so the center can dry out as well.  This is
particularly true if there is any chance of freezing.

-----Original Message-----
From: list-bounces at ferrocement.net [mailto:list-bounces at ferrocement.net] On
Behalf Of Walter Jeffries
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2008 3:09 PM
To: Ferrocement Discussion List
Subject: Re: [Ferro List] optimal usage of materials

On Jan 14, 2008, at 5:44 PM, Kosta Dellios wrote:
> My intention is to use a gravel bed on the bottom of the pool. When  
> you say "lots of gravel fill" what is lots?

First, realise I don't have clay soil so I'm talking theory... But,  
what I've read is that when you have expansive clays you should put  
in gravel below, around the sides and put in drainage tiles and lots  
of drains sloping away that can be cleaned out. Again, just theory  
since I have gravel soils and ledge. Do read up on that issue very  
carefully. What I have read is the expansive soils crack foundations  
and thus I would expect the same for pool walls. Others on the list  
may have personal experience with this sort of soil.

> I didn't know that the clay can cause so much problem as to pop the  
> pool.

If the clay expands and lifts the pool a little each year you could  
end up with it popping upward. Frost action is similar. Once it is  
raised soil filters under keeping it raised. Then it raises again.  
This is why we grow such wonderful crops of rocks in Vermont and  
other places of the north country. :)

Have fun with your project and keep us posted!


Cheers,

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