THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CONCRETE BLOCK PAVING

Concrete block paving is an ideal pavement for a wide range of municipal applications--from streets, to sidewalks, to outdoor mall areas. Concrete block pavers (also known simply as concrete pavers) are interlocking blocks (usually about the size of a brick) that are set on a compacted base of sand or sand and gravel. No mortar is required. Sand is vibrated into the space between the units, causing them to interlock, forming a tough, beautiful paved surface that is easily maintained. Pedestrian applications require 2-3/8-in. thick units. For other pavements subject to vehicular traffic, 3-1/8-in. minimum thickness units are recommended. Concrete block pavers allow easy access to underground utilities, and have many other repair advantages over conventional pavements. Concrete block pavers are manufactured to meet or exceed the ASTM specification C-936. They are more resistant to deicing salt than conventional pavements. They can be made in practically any color and in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are ideal for traffic markings, such as crosswalks, and for delineating parking spaces and areas. Concrete block pavers allow air and water to reach the roots of trees planted amidst them, thereby extending the life of of an investment in trees. Their skid resistance is comparable to asphalt, but night glare is less because the chamfered edges around the top of each unit form grooves that facilitate rapid removal of rainfall. Certain laying patterns can be installed mechanically. The Concrete Paver Institute has a wide range of technical and other information available on concrete block pavers, including a computer program, PAVECHEK, for use in designing concrete block pavements according to AASHTO standards.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1606878
• Publication Date: 1990-1

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 81
• Serial:
  • Public Works
  • Volume: 121
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Hanley Wood
  • ISSN: 0033-3840
  • Serial URL: http://www.pwmag.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefits; Building; Computer programs; Concrete blocks; Cost effectiveness; Design; Facilities; Glare; Installation; Performance evaluations; Skid resistance; Specifications
• Old TRIS Terms: Concrete block pavers; Interlocking
• Subject Areas: Construction; Design; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00490635
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 31 1990 12:00AM