Council Works Team — Subgrade Preparation

Subgrade Preparation

Subgrade preparation creates the surface that supports the next pavement or structural layer. The visible level and the condition of the material both matter.

Before moving material

Remove unsuitable material according to the project instructions and establish the formation reference.

Receiving operation and checks

Prepare for the specified compaction and acceptance process. Check levels, moisture and soft areas before the next layer is placed.

A geometric check cannot replace material testing.

Councils & Public Works

Council and public works briefs should state the asset outcome, scope boundaries and evidence needed for acceptance. Naming a machine too early can obscure whether the work requires design, bulk excavation or surface correction.

Before moving material

Identify the asset owner, procurement brief and work-zone controls.

Receiving operation and checks

Record the verified result and any work outside the contractor's scope. Check that the completed work answers the brief rather than a machine-based promise.

No council endorsement, supplier approval or procurement status is implied.

Gravel Road Preparation

Gravel-road preparation begins below the gravel. A stable accepted formation and an appropriate layer thickness reduce the need to use loose surface material to hide deeper defects.

Before moving material

Check subgrade condition and the material specification.

Receiving operation and checks

Compact at the specified condition and verify before opening to traffic. Check layer depth and drainage at edges and transitions.

Adding gravel without assessing soft spots can waste material.

Record the job inputs

Use this checklist to turn the scenario into a specific brief. Retain the design revision and agree who accepts each completed layer.

• Existing condition, extent and the reason for intervention
• Required finished purpose, receiving operation and acceptance criteria
• Material type, layer role, source, receiving area and volume state
• Reference levels, datum, survey method and issued design revision
• Available tractor, implement configuration, travel route and turning space
• Checks before work, stopping points and evidence retained at handover

Checklist ticks apply only while this page is open. Include the completed brief in your project records.

Continue through the network

Surface and verification · Applications and rental · Equipment and technology