How to compact clay soil?

[mmryan]

clay based soil that I need to level and compact before I start building a besser block bench seat. I need to raise the height a little so that it is the same as the existing concrete. 

what is the best way to prep this for my project?

[JacobZ]

Hi @mmryan,

Thank you for your question.

You're actually in a wonderful position because you need to raise the height of the ground, so there would be minimal need for digging, if at all.

If you have around 100mm of height to work with, simply add a compactable base material such as road base or crusher dust, then compact with a plate compactor or tamper, periodically checking with a spirit level to ensure it is nice and level.

If you don't have 100mm of height, you'd want to remove some of the clay and then follow the same process.

Check out How To Lay a Base For Pavers for an example of a compacted base being installed.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob