What should hardcore comprise of?

[LadyM]

We've got two bulk bags of hardcore for a patio but unlike the other bags we've had these have no larger stones in at all and are just basically sand and really small gravel. Is that normal and would it be ok to go under a patio?

Thanks

 

[Ian H]

Sounds like you got ballast by mistake.

 

[Brigade77]

What did you ask for?

 

[LadyM]

We asked for hardcore and the third bag we had at the same time has some normal stones on top. We had to move the other two bags, and were surprised when taking it all out to shift it that there were no larger stones at all just little gravel, the third bag didn't need moving so not sure what it's like all the way through.
Is ballast normally yellow sand as this is still the same pinky red sand that's in the hardcore bags?

 

[Notch7]

We asked for hardcore and the third bag we had at the same time has some normal stones on top. We had to move the other two bags, and were surprised when taking it all out to shift it that there were no larger stones at all just little gravel, the third bag didn't need moving so not sure what it's like all the way through.
Is ballast normally yellow sand as this is still the same pinky red sand that's in the hardcore bags?

Maybe you got type 2 instead

type 1 is 40mm down to 0

type 2 has more fines and doesnt interlock as well.

or you got type 1 with less big bits!

 

[scbk]

Maybe post a photo, with a £1 coin or whatever as a guide to size

 

[lonner]

Aggregate changes from area to area.
It does sound like they sent a ballast or a topping off blinding type small grade hardcore by mistake

 

[Brigade77]

It might be worth your while to sit back & consider whether this project is beyond you.

 

[LadyM]

Thanks for all your replies

Just managed to find the receipt and it lists 3 bags of MOT Type 1, it has no 'big bits' at all so it looks like the wrong thing has been delivered.

This project has been a nightmare and we aren't even doing much of the work. The supplier has been crap, had issues with damaged paving too! The landscaper has not been great and looking for a new one but having trouble getting quotes.
I never would have thought a patio would be so difficult

 

[Mottie]

I thought hardcore was broken bricks/crushed concrete etc?