Installation Steps

1. Excavate area and prepare base

2. Spread the Organic-Lock blended and pre-hydrated aggregate

3. Compact the Organic-Lock blended aggregate

4. Provide final watering of compacted Organic-Lock blended aggregate

Click to download a detailed Installation Brochure

Aggregate Blending Options (when pre-blended material is unavailable)

When a pre-blended aggregate is not available from an Organic-Lock dealer, mixing the aggregate with the Organic-Lock powder can be done by following these instructions.

Before blending can occur, the ideal aggregate must be sourced.

What Makes an Ideal Aggregate:

Crushed material
Angular to Subangular particles (not rounded)
Well Graded (even portion of different particle sizes)

Below is the Optimal Particle Size Distribution for Organic-Lock Blended Aggregate Surfaces:

The following are examples of optimal gradation aggregates:

Once Aggregate is sourced:

Organic-Lock must be blended to achieve a completely thorough and homogeneous mixture. The mixing percentages are provided in our specifications, which can be downloaded here. Blending times differ depending on means of blending, but mix the material until you feel it’s completely mixed, then double it.

Safety:

It is important to follow proper safety precautions when blending, as the binder is very light and becomes airborne very easily. Full clothing coverings and face mask are recommended.

Loss of Material:

Because the powder is so light, it is important to layer the binder into the aggregate in a way that minimizes loss of material through airborne dust.

Blending Equipment:

Blending can be performed using bucket blending, a volumetric mixer, a pug mill, a ready mix truck or an asphalt blending plant. The key is to get a thorough and homogeneous mix. Blending can be done onsite, using a clean pad void of contamination.

Bucket Blending

Volumetric Mixer

Pug Mill

Ready Mix Truck

Asphalt Mixing Plant

Moisture content

Proper hydration of the Organic-Lock blended aggregate is crucial to the installation and longevity of the surface. Water should be blended into the Organic-Lock pre-mixed aggregate before installation either on site or, if ordered from an Organic-Lock dealer, the Organic-Lock will generally be pre-mixed with water to achieve optimal water content and delivered to the site.

In order to determine the correct moisture content if blending on site, it is ideal to perform a snowball test until the proper consistency is established on the first batch. The ideal moisture percentage is 10-12% by weight, so it’s best to establish an estimate and slowly add 1% until the proper consistency is achieved (take note of the specific overall % added so it can be easily replicated in all subsequent batches).

One way to get an estimate is to use a moisture meter.

Moisture Meter

Too dry

Too wet

Ideal Moisture content

When compressed with a foot test, there should be no sheen or glissening of water.

INSTALLATION

1. Excavating and Preparing Base

Excavate and prepare base according to specifications. Compact the subgrade to 95% Modified Proctor Density using a single or double drum static roller or vibratory compactor.

Install approved and specified base material (3/4 crushed aggregate etc.) at a depth depending on the traffic application type (compact in 3 inch lifts).

2. SPREADING ORGANIC-LOCK PRE-BLENDED AGGREGATE

Spread OL blended and hydrated aggregate to the depth associated with applicable traffic type (click here for our specifications). The use of a paving machine is highly recommended as the ideal installation method for larger projects to evenly spread Organic-Lock blended aggregate at the specified depth. This is recommended because of its depth consistency as well as its speed and resulting overall efficiency. It is otherwise possible to use a box Gannon or similarly equipped tractor or other machinery.

For small projects spread and grade by hand as per plans. If installing more than 3 inches, separate lifts are required. (although, it is possible to install 4 inches for your first lift).

Achieve best results installing Organic-Lock blended aggregate in dry conditions and temperatures above 40° Fahrenheit (5° Celsius). Both wet and cold conditions slow down the curing/drying process.

3. Compaction

Compact the Organic-Lock blended aggregate using a minimum 1000lb roller.

4. Final Watering

Apply a light spray to the surface of the material to ensure full bonding throughout the matrix of the aggregate. Apply water until the water begins to run-off. Do not allow any traffic on the newly installed pathway until fully cured.

Click to download a detailed Installation Bochure

Download Brochure