What It Is
Aggregate base is a compacted layer of crushed stone placed between the native subgrade and the asphalt pavement. It spreads vehicle loads over a wider area of soil, drains water away from the pavement, and provides a stable platform for compaction of the asphalt.
Without proper base, no amount of asphalt thickness will produce a lasting pavement.
Materials
- Georgia DOT Graded Aggregate Base (GAB): crushed granite or limestone with a specified gradation. Standard for most Georgia commercial work.
- Crusher run: dense-graded crushed stone, similar performance
- Recycled concrete aggregate: an approved alternative in many applications
- 57 stone: larger open-graded stone used for drainage and stabilization layers
Typical Thickness
- Residential driveway: 4 inches
- Standard commercial lot: 6 inches
- Truck lanes and dumpster pads: 8 to 10 inches
- Poor soil / clay areas: additional thickness or geotextile reinforcement
Placement And Compaction
- Subgrade prepared and proof-rolled
- Stone spread in controlled lifts (typically 4 inches or less per lift)
- Water added if needed to reach optimum moisture
- Compacted with vibratory rollers to 95%+ of maximum density
- Final grade verified with laser or GPS
Quality Control
- Stone gradation must match the specified spec
- Compaction is verified in the field
- Grade tolerances typically ±1/4 inch on commercial work
- Poor compaction shows up years later as settlement — but the money is already spent
Why We Care About This Layer
Every callback we have ever answered for premature pavement failure traced to base preparation, drainage, or both. Getting the base right is the highest-leverage investment in the entire project.
Related Services
Explore the services connected to this topic in our Services library. Every job is scoped and priced in writing by the same family-owned team.
Get a Free Estimate
Quality Paving provides estimates throughout Middle Georgia and surrounding communities, subject to project location and scheduling. If you would like an honest assessment of your property, request a free estimate or call (770) 946-5355.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gravel from any local pit?
Only if it meets the spec. Off-spec stone will not compact properly.
What is proof rolling?
Running a loaded truck over the compacted subgrade to identify soft spots that need correction.
Do I always need aggregate base?
On any long-lived asphalt pavement, yes. Direct-to-soil paving fails quickly in Georgia clay.