Practical standards and rules of thumb for subgrade and base compaction in driveways and garage slabs.
This page defines Subgrade and Base Compaction in plain language and summarizes common standards used in the field.
Uniform, well-compacted support reduces settlement and cracking.
Use appropriate base thickness; avoid soft spots and organic material.
Increase base quality for heavy loads and poor soils.
Confirm application, loads, and exposure (freeze-thaw, salts, abrasion).
Verify subgrade condition and compaction.
Verify reinforcement placement (chairs, ties, cover).
Plan curing method and weather protection before the pour starts.
Practical items that support measurement, placement, and curing (affiliate link).
Subgrade and Base Compaction is explained here with practical ranges, why it matters, and what changes for higher-demand applications.
Standards depend on application, loads, and exposure. This page summarizes common practice and when to step up requirements.
Top issues include poor curing, poor base prep, incorrect reinforcement placement, and premature loading.
No. Use this as a reference; follow engineered plans, product data, and local codes for structural work.