Load Capacity of driveway - Will a dump truck crack it?

Deavis · 08-30-2007, 03:05 PM

Been lurking for a while and finally have a question to ask. I'm going to have 12 yards of dirt delivered for some outdoor projects (ideas from the forum) and want it dumped in my backyard. However, the delivery guy asked me if I trusted my drievway to carry his fully loaded 12 yard truck. The driveway appears to be ~5-6" thick concrete at the edge (4" center probably) and appears to be laid over gravel. The builder, who built the house for himself a few years back, told me that it has mesh reinforcement. Does anyone have any idea of whether the driveway will support a fully loaded dump truck (15k per axle?) or if I should dump it in the front and wheelbarrow it to the back? It would save me a lot of work if he dropped it out back but not if it breaks my driveway.

Thanks!

jogr · 08-30-2007, 03:15 PM

My eyes aren't good enough to see from here. Do you really want to take the chance?

sendres · 08-30-2007, 05:36 PM

I've seen this done three times, twice successfully and the third a large crack was created. IMO I wouldn't risk it. I could see how, seeing this was the builders home he would have probably exceeded the normal prep work done on most homes but who knows what kind of settling can occur under the pad and that can go back to the developers initial work rather than the builder's. Besides do you really want to miss the 100 and some wheelbarrow loads to the back yard. It's part of the experience. Another option would to have the load split to minimize the weight. Of course that will cost more but if you really want to get out of having do it by hand its an option. Still a risk but less. I now have a trailer I can get 2yd's of pretty much anything and I have no concern (or it hasn'st failed me yet), but I have to shovel it out by hand and make 6 trips for your 12yds. Best of luck.

jogr · 08-30-2007, 05:50 PM

I don't suppose you could rent a 2 to 4 yard dump trailer and tip the trucker handsomely to dump his truck into your trailer in several loads. He shouldn't mind sitting in the shade drinking a nice cold beverage while you drive each trailer load to the back and dump it.

You'll still have some spillage to deal with but not 12 yards.

Tscarborough · 08-30-2007, 09:17 PM

A 12 yard dump is not able to do a yard or two here. When it dumps, it dumps. If he is good, he may be able to do 2 piles. The chances of breaking your driveway are pretty slim, but the consequence of him doing so can be costly. Air up the tire on your wheelbarrow and get after it. Your other alternative is to get a 6 yard load dropped,and then another as/if needed.

robertcdf · 08-31-2007, 12:07 AM

Personally I would get it dumped in the back and screw the driveway... But thats just me.

Deavis · 08-31-2007, 02:56 AM

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it.

tigerbalm2424 · 08-31-2007, 07:17 AM

No bearing on this case decision but I wanted to share!

Ahh yes. Across the street from my house they were excuvating basements for a new developement. They had one of those mega haulers (that are NOT even street legal) moving dirt around, asked them if I could have a dump and he said sure!

This is one truck load worth! I believe 20 plus yards, and only a 4" asphalt driveway! Held up fine!

Scary part is I moved it all via wheelbarrow, then found out next weekend that my neighbor has a skid I could have used. The next couple of loads went muchhh quicker!

handy man88 · 08-31-2007, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigerbalm2424

No bearing on this case decision but I wanted to share!

Ahh yes. Across the street from my house they were excuvating basements for a new developement. They had one of those mega haulers (that are NOT even street legal) moving dirt around, asked them if I could have a dump and he said sure!

This is one truck load worth! I believe 20 plus yards, and only a 4" asphalt driveway! Held up fine!

Scary part is I moved it all via wheelbarrow, then found out next weekend that my neighbor has a skid I could have used. The next couple of loads went muchhh quicker!

Um, you have an asphalt driveway. The OP has a concrete driveway. Asphalt gives, concrete doesn't.

tigerbalm2424 · 08-31-2007, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handy man88

Um, you have an asphalt driveway. The OP has a concrete driveway. Asphalt gives, concrete doesn't.

Settle...... Please read the first line in my reply.

"No bearing on this case decision but I wanted to share"

FatAugie · 09-01-2007, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handy man88

Um, you have an asphalt driveway. The OP has a concrete driveway. Asphalt gives, concrete doesn't.

I'm surprised he doesn't have to dips in his driveway where the wheels went.

handy man88 · 09-01-2007, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatAugie

I'm surprised he doesn't have to dips in his driveway where the wheels went.

That probably depends on when it happened, like if it was late afternoon on a hot summer day, it'd clearly have a big effect.

jiggyjack · 09-01-2007, 07:33 PM

Most reputable companies will ask you to sign a waiver before they drive on your driveway. Most seasoned drivers also can look and tell if it is safe to drive on.

If they stay away from the edges you should not have any problems but I have seen many that have cracked because the truck got too close to the edge. I have even seen Drivers that have refused to go on certain driveways.

Ron6519 · 09-01-2007, 11:23 PM

The apron will crack, the driveway will crack so much it will look like a road map of the US.
Ron

crecore · 09-02-2007, 07:26 PM

Why dont you hire a smaller scale landscaping guy with a duelly 1 ton dump pick-up or something to make 2 or 3 trips? Worth the extra $100 compared to shoveling and wheel barrowing believe me.