CONCRETE & STONEWORK
MODERN METHODS OF PAVING
Modular concrete paving meets today ’ s Modern Methods of Construction ethos for engineered and prefabricated products , and the increasing use of efficient , fully mechanised site processes enhances its benefits , as the trade association Interpave explains .
Modular concrete block and flag paving offers proven longterm performance , durability and minimal maintenance while offering endless variety in shape , scale , colour and texture . In terms of design , distinct modular units and designed variations in colour , texture and shape , give precast paving visual interest and a human scale not possible with formless materials .
A wide choice of colours is available from Interpave members – ranging from vibrant to muted tones , as well as varied mixes of colours that can emulate other materials such as stone or clay . Surface treatments can also be applied to paving blocks , flags , kerbs and other products to give different textures , some exposing aggregates and others giving a weathered appearance .
Numerous Paving Styles In addition , different shapes and sizes , ranging from large flags to the smaller paving blocks , give the diversity needed to suit the particular scales of different spaces . Despite the huge choice , modular concrete paved surfaces give consistent frictional characteristics and joint widths ensuring safety and ease of use by the whole community . All these attributes combine to enable designers to select paving styles ranging from traditional to contemporary , giving each area its own special character .
The technology ’ s potential is expanded further with concrete block permeable paving , a uniquely flexible SuDS ( sustainable drainage systems ) technique . It provides an inherent drainage system that requires no additional land take for water storage , treatment or conveyance , and offers the same visual richness as conventional block paving . It also addresses both flooding and pollution issues by storing and cleaning water runoff at source . This technology eliminates pipework , gulleys and manholes , and should therefore cost less than conventional drainage and paving .
SuDS Webinar A new CPD webinar – presented by Bob Bray of Robert Bray Associates , with over 20-years ’ experience in SuDS and landscape design – explores how straightforward flow controls can optimise permeable paving and SuDS . It covers techniques including water storage in paving compartments deployed around a site , to integrate SuDS within development and avoid landtake . The webinar can be viewed at www . paving . org . uk / optimisingpermeable-paving
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