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Quick answer
A 500x450ft building pad was constructed on a T-shaped ridge using JD850K dozers, with a 1ft slope over 450ft for drainage. The deepest fill reached 8ft, and final grading was done by eye and flagging, followed by compaction with a sheepsfoot roller and box blade.
Site layout and elevation strategy
The pad was built on a bald ridge running north to south, with a natural 2ft drop toward the south. The final design introduced a controlled 1ft slope over 450ft to ensure drainage without compromising building stability. Two structures were planned: one 50x100ft and another 60x300ft, requiring a large, flat, and well-compacted surface.
Fill was distributed across all four corners, with the southwest corner requiring up to 8ft of material. The west side received moderate fill, while the east side remained close to grade. This distribution minimized cut volume and balanced the site’s natural contours.
Equipment and grading technique
Two JD850K dozers were used in tandem, often double-pushing to increase efficiency. Double pushing involves two machines working side-by-side, multiplying the volume of material moved per pass. This method is especially effective on long pushes and wet clay, where single machines struggle with traction and load.
Grade was carried visually, with flags marking elevation points once the pad was within 4 inches of target. Final smoothing was done by skimming the surface at low speed, a technique borrowed from motor grader operators. A wheeled box blade was used behind a tractor to finish the surface and prepare it for construction.
Material composition and compaction
The site had 3–4 inches of topsoil over dense Missouri clay. The clay had ideal moisture content for compaction, though a few areas bordered on saturation. A sheepsfoot roller was used to compact the fill layers, ensuring density and minimizing settlement risk. After construction, the topsoil will be pushed back over the pad for landscaping and erosion control.
Clay-rich soils like those in Missouri offer excellent load-bearing capacity when properly compacted. However, they require careful moisture management. Overly wet clay can pump under load, while dry clay resists compaction and may crack.
Slope and drainage considerations
A 1ft drop over 450ft equates to a slope of approximately 0.22%, which is shallow but sufficient for surface drainage. This gentle grade prevents water pooling while maintaining a level base for large buildings. In regions with heavy rainfall, such slopes must be paired with perimeter swales or subsurface drainage to prevent saturation.
Operator skill and teamwork
The lead operator demonstrated finesse in finishing the pad, using visual cues and experience rather than GPS or laser grading. His ability to “see” grade and skim the surface at speed was praised by fellow crew members. Such skill is often developed through years of road grading and pad finishing, where subtle blade control makes the difference between rough and smooth.
Conclusion
Building a large pad on a ridge with Missouri clay requires strategic fill placement, moisture-aware compaction, and skilled blade work. The JD850K dozers proved effective in double-push operations, and visual grading techniques delivered a smooth, level surface. With proper drainage and topsoil restoration, the pad is ready to support long-span structures with confidence.
A 500x450ft building pad was constructed on a T-shaped ridge using JD850K dozers, with a 1ft slope over 450ft for drainage. The deepest fill reached 8ft, and final grading was done by eye and flagging, followed by compaction with a sheepsfoot roller and box blade.
Site layout and elevation strategy
The pad was built on a bald ridge running north to south, with a natural 2ft drop toward the south. The final design introduced a controlled 1ft slope over 450ft to ensure drainage without compromising building stability. Two structures were planned: one 50x100ft and another 60x300ft, requiring a large, flat, and well-compacted surface.
Fill was distributed across all four corners, with the southwest corner requiring up to 8ft of material. The west side received moderate fill, while the east side remained close to grade. This distribution minimized cut volume and balanced the site’s natural contours.
Equipment and grading technique
Two JD850K dozers were used in tandem, often double-pushing to increase efficiency. Double pushing involves two machines working side-by-side, multiplying the volume of material moved per pass. This method is especially effective on long pushes and wet clay, where single machines struggle with traction and load.
Grade was carried visually, with flags marking elevation points once the pad was within 4 inches of target. Final smoothing was done by skimming the surface at low speed, a technique borrowed from motor grader operators. A wheeled box blade was used behind a tractor to finish the surface and prepare it for construction.
Material composition and compaction
The site had 3–4 inches of topsoil over dense Missouri clay. The clay had ideal moisture content for compaction, though a few areas bordered on saturation. A sheepsfoot roller was used to compact the fill layers, ensuring density and minimizing settlement risk. After construction, the topsoil will be pushed back over the pad for landscaping and erosion control.
Clay-rich soils like those in Missouri offer excellent load-bearing capacity when properly compacted. However, they require careful moisture management. Overly wet clay can pump under load, while dry clay resists compaction and may crack.
Slope and drainage considerations
A 1ft drop over 450ft equates to a slope of approximately 0.22%, which is shallow but sufficient for surface drainage. This gentle grade prevents water pooling while maintaining a level base for large buildings. In regions with heavy rainfall, such slopes must be paired with perimeter swales or subsurface drainage to prevent saturation.
Operator skill and teamwork
The lead operator demonstrated finesse in finishing the pad, using visual cues and experience rather than GPS or laser grading. His ability to “see” grade and skim the surface at speed was praised by fellow crew members. Such skill is often developed through years of road grading and pad finishing, where subtle blade control makes the difference between rough and smooth.
Conclusion
Building a large pad on a ridge with Missouri clay requires strategic fill placement, moisture-aware compaction, and skilled blade work. The JD850K dozers proved effective in double-push operations, and visual grading techniques delivered a smooth, level surface. With proper drainage and topsoil restoration, the pad is ready to support long-span structures with confidence.
