Selecting the appropriate base material for your civil construction, driveway, access road or landscaping project could mean the difference between having a successful long term project or not.
In Australian construction there are two types of common road construction materials-ferricrete and roadbase. While these two materials are comparable in their structural application, they are dramatically different in both composition, coloration and strength.
Further information can be found in this guide from Formula Transport on the difference between ferricrete and roadbase.
What Is Ferricrete?
Ferricrete (either naturally occurring or manufactured) is a combination of gravel, clay and iron oxide (which gives it the characteristic red-brown colour). The natural ferricrete iron oxide acts as a binder. In typical ferricrete the Fe O has excellent compaction properties and ensures a long-lasting stable bed after the installation and curing process. It is used extensively in much of Australia.
It is widely used for rural driveways and farm access tracks where a natural appearance is desired. Also used for landscaping.
What Is a Roadbase?
Roadbase (sometimes called crushed rock base or DGB - dense graded base) is a mix of blended aggregate made up of crushed rock, gravel and fines. Roadbase has been graded to a specific particle size distribution so that the material can be compacted to form a very dense, hard wearing surface. Roadbase is one of the most common aggregates used for roads, driveways, car parks and many other forms of construction.
Due to its consistent engineering properties such as strength, durability, roadbase is very dependable in many conditions of even high traffic movements and also in commercial and civil engineering, thus it is used extensively.
Key Differences Between Ferricrete and Roadbase
Composition and Binding
Ferricrete depends on naturally occurring forms of iron oxide to bind the particles, but consequently properties are variable depending on source and iron content. The second material, roadbase is a graded mixture of crushed rock which has been specifically prepared with uniform particle sizes to insure a mechanical interlock rather than a chemical bond. As a result, the roadbase should provide uniform compaction results irrespective of supplier or quantity.
Strength and Load-Bearing Capacity
In general terms, a roadbase could be considered the harder of the two materials, suitable for heavier loads and areas of heavier traffic. This is due to the engineered grading, which enables the material to be very dense when compacted. Though suitable for a driveway that will see vehicles, machinery or frequent usage, Ferricrete would be suitable for a lighter weight use in the short term, although the higher water content may cause the permanent load structure to be compromised in wet weather over the lifetime of the driveway.
Appearance
What makes ferricrete an attractive material is the natural warm colours of reddish brown. This tones in well with bushland or rural locations. The other colours are grey to brown for roadbase, varying with source of rock, and neutral industrial greyish.
Cost Considerations
The costs of both materials will also depend on your location and your supplier, as the cost will vary greatly depending on the relative proximity of the source of the material (i.e. A quarry). Ferricrete is typically less expensive in many locations where it is grown in close proximity to the site of the project and the cost of a Roadbase is normally dependent on the grade and quality specified. It is thus worthwhile to obtain quotations for both materials for your location.
Drainage and Weather Performance
In general, roadbase has better drainage characteristics as the particles are graded to allow water to flow through and also stop the surface from eroding. If not properly compacted, ferricrete will become loose and slippery in wet conditions for an extended period of time.
Which Material Should You Choose?
In other words, it really just comes down to your personal requirements as to whether you will decide on ferricrete or roadbase:
Choose a roadbase if you require a hard engineered surface such as a driveway, access road, car park or high-traffic area.
Choose ferricrete if you need a natural finish for rural properties, farm tracks or landscaping that does not need to be heavily trafficked.
Choose a material that will stand up over time based on the climate in your region including the amount of precipitation.
Think of budget and availability of material in your own region as local transport costs take a very significant part in the total cost.
Why Material Delivery Matters?
Whatever you choose, the key to the success of your project is to have it delivered correctly and on time. Lack of materials can delay compaction schedules, increase labour costs and delay other operations. Rely on experienced haulers to deliver your ferricrete or roadbase on schedule and in proportion.
Get Expert Delivery with Formula Transport
We are specialists in transporting construction materials like ferricrete, roadbase, and many other materials directly to any type of construction site at manual or large commercial or civil projects. We understand that your construction materials need to arrive on site in a timely fashion and in perfect condition.
At Formula Transport, we understand the requirements of transporting our fleet and logistics to your site allowing you to focus on your project, safe in the knowledge that your new materials will arrive on time and be ready to be compacted without delay.
If you are still deliberating which material to choose (ferricrete or roadbase) or you already know what you need, contact Formula Transport today. Our knowledgeable team will be able to advise you of the correct amounts, delivery hours and the most appropriate choice for your specific project.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, both kinds of soil stabilization materials have been used for construction and landscaping projects in Australia and proved to be appropriate. Roadbase should be used for more heavy-duty projects demanding better strength and homogeneity, while ferricrete would be a preferable choice for less serious projects that could involve a more natural outlook. Based on your projects' needs, you should now be able to make a wise decision.
For expert guidance and guaranteed delivery of ferricrete, roadbase or any other building product contact Formula Transport. We'll do our utmost to deliver the materials you're after and to wherever you're after.
FAQs: Ferricrete vs Roadbase
Which material is stronger, ferricrete or roadbase?
Roadbase is normally stronger because it has an engineered particle grading for better compaction and loadbearing capacity. This makes it suitable for driveway surfaces, car parks and heavy traffic commercial or civil construction.
Is ferricrete cheaper than roadbase?
Depending on your location, locally available ferricrete may be cheaper than roadbase. Always ask for a quote for your location and the exact amount of material needed.
Can ferricrete be used for driveways?
Yes. Ferncrete is often used for rural or domestic roads where traffic loading is relatively light. If you intend to carry overweight or commercial vehicles then the roadbase will generally be more durable in the longer term.
Does the roadbase perform better in wet weather?
Yes, roadbase generally drains better than ferricrete, thanks to the graded particle mix which minimizes pooling and erosion concerns, something important when in areas of high rainfall.
What does ferricrete's colour depend on?
The colour of ferricrete is a crimson brown. This colour is due to the presence of naturally occurring iron oxide. This not only causes the coloration, but will bind the earth when laid correctly and achieve compactability strength requirements.
How do I choose between ferricrete and roadbase?
Think about your project-traffic flow, climate, cost, appearance. Roadbase is appropriate for commercial projects that are very heavy duty, whereas ferricrete is better for rural, landscaling, or lower traffic projects.
