Another Arena Q? Why Mix Sand With PVC Granules?

[staceyn]

as title, i have spoken to a pvc granule manufacturer and here is my idea.

Why do you mix the sand with the pvc granules? if there a reason does it not compact on it own?

He said if it compacts i would not need hardcore or drainage as it is self draining and sells it as an alternative to hardcore but is soft enough to ride on

So
Dig out, membrane then pvc granules depending if it compacts

already has drainage from ages ago if anyon asks.

Will be getting a sample this week but wanted to know if there is a specifid reason for mixing with sand as if there is i shall mix.

 

[catkin]

Our school is pvc and sand.
The reason we were given was that on its own the pvc is too mobile and will track easily and/or be blown or washed away so the sand gives it stability as a surface. On ours, which has been down 15+ years, the two mix together with use or grading but after heavy rain the pvc tends to come all to the surface. It's a 'truer' surface for the horses when mixed.

The choice of surface comes down to the characteristics of the site and the type of use you wish to put the surface to - a lowland school primarily used for jumping and lots of it is going to need a different surface to one that is cut out of the windward side of a hill and used by just a couple of horses for flat work.

 

[staceyn]

Thanks for that!. Its just a space to work and break my babies in when they are old enough and after that will be used occasionally for a plod around and the odd jump it wouldnt be used that much.

Apparently there is already drains and membrane down whatever happens we need to dig to see what is under it but due to the fact i only want it for 2-3 years i will just be digging membrane and surface as the guy said it acts as self draining and i would get away with it. Just wanted to know if there was some reason for mixing with sand as his stuff is 5mm pvc beads and he stated that they were heavier then the usual stuff and that i could possibly get away with just the granules without sand but that depends on how they will compact dont want the horses sinking.