Drainage
Drainage can save some path surfaces from water damage. We incorporate this as sensitively as possible, preferring to install crude water bars and turf-lined drains where possible. We study the site so drainage is placed in the most appropriate positions to gain the most protection.
Anchor bars
Anchor bars form a solid immovable structure within the path surface to hold back the movement down natural aggregate paths. Depending on the path material, bars can be used on slopes from 5 to 15 degrees and at intervals of 3 to 20 metres. We take great care selecting the stone and placing it to give a natural appearance and avoid creating a flight of steps.
Construction
- The stone used should be as large as possible with a natural appearance. It should be dug in to at least 300mm below the path surface leaving the top surface or tread flush with the path. On steep paths it may be necessary to have a slight step. However this should be minimal as it will grow with time as the material below moves.
- The bar should be at 90 degrees to the path and span the full width. This may take more than one stone depending on the width of the path and size of the stones available, but no more than three.
- The bars must be wedged up solid and the path well compacted above and below the bar. If this is done correctly, there will be minimal excess spoil as it will all be used in firming up the bar and path.
- The anchor bar can also be used as part of or be in itself a water bar, therefore minimising the intervention on the path.
