Definition of driveway length 2

[cadtocam]

I have one question regarding the residential driveway: For a “L” shape driveway (with smooth turn), what’s the definition of this driveway length – measure from outside, inside or center line? Please advise. Thank you.

 

[Ron]

Centerline. It is an average of the length for quantity computations, but is the direct path of travel most often take for a driveway.

 

[cadtocam]

Thanks Ron, but my contractor told me it is always measured from the outside for the driveway length. This confused me, as I am experienced mechanical engineer for similar application we always take the center line as length. Maybe the civil contractor have different standards ?!

John

 

[cvg]

find a new contractor

 

[brandonbw]

I would use the centerline. What's the reason for needing the length of the driveway?

B+W Engineering and Design
Los Angeles Civil Engineer and Structural Engineer

http://bwengr.com

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http://bwstructuralengineer.com

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http://bwcivilengineer.com

 

[Ron]

If your contractor uses the outside, he will overestimate the quantities and when he shows you his estimate, it will be higher than his actual cost....difference goes in his pocket.

As an example take a 70-foot L-shaped driveway that is 10 feet wide. If he takes the outside length, it will be 80 feet. That will result in a 14% overage. If his unit price is $20/sf for placement, he will be charging you $2000 more than if he had measured it correctly, but he will only pay for what he puts in....the $2000 extra goes in his pocket.

 

[Twinkie]

Definitely CL

 

[DDBPE]

Instead of using a linear method, just have him quote it by the square foot or square yard. Then you pay for what you get.
The only thing you have to watch out for is the depth of asphalt. A dishonest contractor will not give you the depth quoted and they save money in providing less materials. Also if they do offer something like 1-1/2" or 2" loose, tell them you want compacted depth, not loose depth. This is another trick they use as 1-1/2" loose compacts to around 1-1/8" and 2" to 1-1/2".