This housing regeneration project optimises modular setting out prior to installation with any necessary cutting carried out off-site under factory conditions .
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 the benefits .
Concrete block paving – which has been used for decades on projects ranging from the most demanding heavy-duty applications to the purely decorative – is uniquely placed to satisfy both practical and aesthetic demands . With distinct , modular units and designed variations in colour , texture and shape , block paving gives visual interest and a human scale not possible with formless materials .
Permeable Paving for Climate Change The technology ’ s potential is expanded further with concrete block permeable paving ( CBPP ), 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 .
Helping to address climate change , street tree planting and retention of existing trees in developments – with provision for long-term maintenance – are now embedded in planning policy . CBPP offers an important opportunity to help satisfy these requirements simply . Unlike conventional impermeable hard landscape materials , CBPP allows the same pattern of run-off transfer to the ground as natural vegetation , enabling water to reach tree and shrub roots , despite providing an attractive hard surface above .
In addition to irrigation directly from rain , with CBPP there is scope for water storage and rainwater capture away from trees and their umbrella canopies , for gradual conveyance laterally to trees – essential during the summer . CBPP also enables air to reach roots and poisonous CO 2 to escape . The favourable environment created for tree roots avoids pavement surface disruption and facilitates natural growth into lower levels for stability and longevity .
Mechanised Installation Whether conventional or permeable , modular concrete block paving is particularly suited to well-established mechanised
58 www . landud . co . uk Follow us @ ludmagazine