Issue 5 pave It 31/3/05 11:00 am Page 2

pave-it
news from interpave April 2005 > issue five

inside >>
news from Interpave and the
world of precast concrete
paving

quality streets
Pave-It finds out all about
home zones, looks at a
case study and interviews
an expert

then we review the history

of paving and its design
directions today – both in
the UK and the Netherlands

quality water
we take a worldwide view
of permeable pavements
and their contribution to
sustainable drainage and
water quality

quality
information
we launch our new and
extensive web-based
design and construction
information resource –
and update on the latest
paving standards

www.paving.org.uk the latest on concrete block paving, flags and kerbs >>
Issue 5 pave It 31/3/05 12:15 pm Page 3

Porous, pervious or permeable – call them

what you like but concrete block permeable
pavements are today’s sustainable alternative
to sealed-up hard surfaces, overloaded
drainage systems and flooded rivers.

Concrete block permeable pavements not

only combine efficient source control drainage
with an attractive loadbearing surface, so
optimising land-use, but also remove
pollutants. They are one of the main
Sustainable Drainage System (SUDS)
techniques and recognised as a preferred
method in the Building Regulations and
Technical Standards.

For the full story, take a look at our

introductory document ‘Sustainable Paving’
then, for more detail, edition two of
‘Permeable Pavements’ – our guide to design,
construction and maintenance’ – both
downloadable PDFs on our website.

60 Charles Street Leicester LE1 1FB

e: [email protected]
t: 0116 253 6161 f: 0116 251 4568
Issue 5 pave It 31/3/05 11:00 am Page 4

april 2005 > issue five pave-it page three

pave-it contents
The latest on training and CPD 4 /5
as well as health and safety, and
where to find up-to-date welcome & news
information.

Background on the latest 6 /7 cover pictures

sustainable communities above: Textured granite aggregate
techniques with a case study home zones concrete setts at the Falkirk Wheel
and interview with a (pages 8-9).
leading expert.
below: A concrete block paved
Home Zone in Portsmouth (pages 6-7).

A short history of paving and 8 /9

how it can be used to improve
our historic environment – and paving and conservation
urban spaces generally.

The Interlay page, focusing on 10

quality and training.
raising the standard
about Interpave
Interpave – the Precast Concrete
Paving & Kerb Association –
represents the leading
manufacturers of concrete block
A short tour of the latest in 11 pavings, flags and kerbs. Its
urban paving in the Netherlands main objective is to expand the
to celebrate the imminent BIBM
let’s go dutch use of these materials through
International Congress there. education, technical and
marketing campaigns.

Interpave is a product
association of the British Precast
Concrete Federation.
Recent developments around the 12/13
world with permeable paving,
reviewed by Dr Brian Shackel,
sustainable paving Published by Interpave, the
Precast Concrete Paving & Kerb
a leading expert on worldwide Association
block paving.
60 Charles Street,
Leicester LE1 1FB

t: 0116 253 6161

A review of the latest detailed 14 /15 f: 0116 251 4568
technical resource for design and e: [email protected]
construction, and all the relevant
guidance and standards
www.paving.org.uk
standards today.
ISSN 1740 6390

©2005 BPCF
Issue 5 pave It 31/3/05 11:00 am Page 5

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welcome...
to another busy issue of Pave-It covering a wide range of topical subjects
The government’s recent ‘Sustainable the English Heritage ‘Save our Streets’ new design and construction resource on
Communities’ summit in Manchester provides campaign but question their guidance on the Interpave website. This is the most up-to-
a theme for us in this issue. Using the widest paving materials (see page 9). The current date, detailed technical information on
possible definition of ‘sustainability’, the UK trend towards subtlety in the design of precast concrete block and flag paving
summit took forward the ODPM ‘Liveability’ our paving is not shared in other countries and kerbs available – essential for all
initiative for improving our day-to-day lives – and the Dutch experience (page 11) offers an pavement designers.
particularly in higher density communities. interesting contrast.
The clearest examples of this concept are the I hope you enjoy this issue of Pave-It.
recent, government backed ‘Home Zones’ Where there does seem to be international Do let me have your feedback – with letters
(page 6) where paving quality plays an agreement is the popularity of concrete block commenting on the articles, suggestions for
essential role in enabling spaces shared by permeable paving, as demonstrated by future topics or projects which we can
vehicles and pedestrians to work safely Dr Shackel (page 12). The government’s include – and, of course, your registration
without excessive signage. proposed ‘Code for Sustainable Buildings’ for future issues. If you haven’t registered
was also raised at the summit, albeit still in already, just visit the Interpave website.
This philosophy of deregulation to free our outline form and we shall continue to lobby
urban environment of superfluous signs, road for the recognition of concrete block
markings and clutter, while improving its permeable paving as an important John Howe
character, is being advocated by other Sustainable Drainage System (SUDS) Development Director
organisations including our corporate technique in the Code. Interpave
partners ‘Living Streets’. We also welcome Finally, on page 14, we explain all about our

news >> >>

sustainable paving training

Following the excellent response and success of last year’s

seminar programme, Interpave, CIRIA, Sustainable Drainage
Associates and The Concrete Centre have joined together to
deliver a series of informative and interactive training seminars
on permeable pavements. These events will be presented by
Internationally renowned block Steve Wilson and Professor John Knapton, both of whom have
paving expert Dr Brian Shackel vast experience in civil engineering and impressive reputations
(centre) – a contributor to this issue for their research on pervious surfaces as well as practical
(page 12) – in discussion with experience in designing systems. John has been involved in
Interpave Development Director Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) and pervious surfaces for
John Howe (standing) and Pave-It ten years and has worked with numerous consultants and
editorial consultant and architect organisations on providing solutions and design guidance. Steve – as well as designing
Chris Hodson (left). They are joined systems – is co-author of the CIRIA publication Source control using constructed pervious
by Aziz Shafi who was Section surfaces and is lead author for SUDS hydraulic, structural and water quality advice.
Engineer at the Hong Kong
International Airport paving project, The training will build on guidance produced by Interpave and CIRIA, facilitating the effective
and contributed to the case study implementation of concrete block permeable pavements in the built environment. In particular
on the Interpave website. it will assist construction professionals with the specification and design of pervious
pavements. Each seminar will include: an introduction to pervious pavements; design
considerations; hydraulic design with a design example; pollution removal mechanisms in
pervious pavements; designing for traffic loads with a practical session; developing a
specification and a case study. Three seminars are planned so far, on May 5 2005 at The
Concrete Centre, Camberley, Surrey; 19 July in Manchester; and 23 September in Edinburgh.
These Interpave events are delivered by CIRIA and SDA in conjunction with The Concrete
Centre. For further information, visit the CIRIA website: www.ciria.org or the
Interpave website.
Issue 5 pave It 31/3/05 11:00 am Page 6

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handling kerbs
Updated, detailed guidance on the handling of concrete kerbs
has been developed by Interpave in partnership with the Health
and Safety Executive (HSE). These guidelines are available to
download from both the Interpave and HSE websites.

concrete evidence of CPD

As the central development organisation for the UK's concrete and cement sector, The Concrete
Centre has been formed to enable construction clients, designers, engineers and contractors
to realise the full potential of concrete. They offer a selection of regional or in house
CPD Seminars covering a wide range of topics including general guidance on the design and
construction of concrete block and flag pavements, permeable concrete block pavements and
kerbs. These seminars are available via The Concrete Centre's regionally based advisors.
If you would like more information or to book a seminar,
please contact Roger Makinson on 07904 117555 or
email [email protected].
Interpave in
Further information is available at partnership
www.concretecentre.com.

• with CIRIA, actively involved in

developing the latest
comprehensive SUDS design
more information from Interpave guidance

• with BALI, CITB and Interlay in

Interpave has been busy fulfilling its primary aim of supplying designers, specifiers, contractors delivering training for precast
and others with the latest information in the most useful form. A series of concise, colourful concrete paving installers
guidance brochures is under way, each covering a topical issue of particular importance today.
(page 10)
Three are already available covering: • with HSE in developing
• Accessible Paving – with design guidance common industry guidance on
for compliance with BS 8300, Part M of the
safe handling of concrete kerbs
and flags
Building Regulations and the Disability
Discrimination Act • with The Concrete Centre in
• Urban Paving – in response to the offering CPD seminars and
dedicated training courses
government’s Sustainable Communities
initiative for regeneration • with Living Streets to improve
• Sustainable Paving – an essential introduction to concrete block permeable pavements and our urban environment
Sustainable Drainage Systems. • with other organisations both
here and abroad to drive
A further document will be produced shortly on Home Zones (also featured on page 6) – forward precast concrete paving
technology
resident friendly community streets which the government is actively promoting at present.
All these brochures are available free of charge from Interpave or can be downloaded from the
Interpave website. Interpave has also produced detailed technical design and construction
guides available on the website, discussed in more detail on page 14.

www.paving.org.uk
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sustainable communities and liveability

zone home
Home Zones are growing Home Zones are residential streets or surfaces such as parking, junctions and non-
groups of streets where people and vehicles vehicular areas without the clutter of signs
rapidly in popularity, share the whole road space safely and on and painted lines common to our
equal terms – although the motorist should streetscape.
encouraged by government feel like a ‘guest’ in the area. They are
drives towards ‘Liveability’ designed so that quality of life takes Precast concrete block and flag paving, with
precedence over ease of traffic movement related products such as dished channels,
and ‘Sustainable and they aim to promote neighbourliness are ideally suited to Home Zones – whether
Communities’. Pave-It and a sense of security. Home Zones need
to be designed as vibrant public spaces to
created within existing streets or as part of
new residential developments. They meet
explains what they are, talks accommodate play, exercise and relaxation the criteria set out in the guidelines by
by residents including children, the elderly providing a firm, even surface enabling ease
to the author of an important and disabled people. They should be of movement by wheelchair users and
design guide and looks at individually designed to give a sense of others and offer proven long-term
identity and community. They must create a performance, durability and minimal
one successfully completed safe and secure environment while enabling maintenance while offering endless variety
Home Zone. vehicle access and parking. in shape, scale, colour and texture. With
existing streets, the Home Zone surface will
Detailed guidelines are now available generally be created by raising the
including Home Zone Design Guidelines: carriageway level up to meet the footway,
2002, from the Institute of Highway eliminating stepped kerbs. This can be
Incorporated Engineers (IHIE) and Home easily and economically achieved using an
zones – A planning and design handbook: overlay construction of block or small
2001 by Mike Biddulph (interviewed element flag paving. In addition, weather
opposite), published by the Joseph Rowntree independent ‘dry’ construction methods
Foundation. Interpave will also shortly without curing optimise available working
publish a design guide focusing on paving times to fit in with the requirements of
Home Zones. An essential ingredient of residents and, as only small plant and
Home Zones is street resurfacing – equipment is needed, disturbance is
frequently with precast concrete block and minimised.
flag paving. The various guidelines recognise
the need of paving materials to give each
Home Zone individual visual appeal and
definition of a specific character. Most of the
paving in Home Zones will be shared
surfaces but without traditional stepped
kerbs to identify the carriageway. So, a
variety of colours, patterns and textures is
needed to clearly differentiate various

Robyn Butcher of Terra Firma said: equally shared between pedestrians and vehicles
HOME ZONE CASE STUDY
North Portsea, Portsmouth was important. As a contrast to the predominantly
“Whilst the concept of a Home Zone is to give
bitmac surfaced road, block paving in raised
equal priority to all users, the redesign of a
tables was used in key spaces where the surfacing
complex existing residential area with its parking
Designed by The Terra Firma Consultancy for was to be perceived as a higher quality and where
problems, through-routes for lorries, pavements
Portsmouth City Council, these extensive the car is a ‘guest’ in the pedestrian environment
and budgetary constraints, made this very difficult.
environmental improvements make wide use of with pavements obsolete.
Differentiation between vehicular areas and those
precast concrete paving within the Home Zone Where below-ground service runs are regularly
concept. A complete Square was constructed as a altered and upgraded, block paving was the
raised table with road and pavements at the same obvious choice. We believe the flexibility of the
level, and traffic calming measures such as surfacing will avoid patchy ‘making good’ and
chicanes, pinch points and ramps incorporated ensure a continuing, consistent finish.
along streets. Contrasting surfaces were achieved Unsurprisingly, value for money was also an
with different forms of block paving and tactile important factor. In a scheme covering a large
paving used at crossing points. residential area, the design had to be carefully
costed in order to meet the budget. With the use
of concrete block paving, rather than natural
stone, the project achieved maximum impact
whilst still satisfying financial constraints.”

www.homezoneschallenge.com
Issue 5 pave It 31/3/05 11:00 am Page 8

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home zone update

Pave-It: How well are they being received MB: They must convey the message that
here in the UK? this is not a normal “black top” street
dominated by traffic, but rather a residential
MB: Home Zones have been received with
area and living space of which the street
mixed emotions. Some residents campaign
space forms a part. One of the key ways in
vigorously for the idea to be applied to their
which this meaning can be conveyed is by
street, whilst others are concerned about
the use of visually stimulating paving.
the loss of parking or the prospect of a lot
Additionally, designers often want to more
of children playing outside their home.
subtly designate parts of the streetscape for
But home zones are typically just pleasant,
particular functions – highlighting parking
quiet and safe residential environments
areas or a vehicular path and, of course,
Pave-It talks to where you can park your car as you always
variation in paving also serves a role here.
did. Professionals are very keen on the
Finally, it is often thought that home zones
Mike Biddulph, Senior concept and there is evidence that
might be more individual, and some
housebuilders are building them into new
Lecturer in Urban Design at schemes – although we still need to make
variation in character can be achieved in the
paving, through use of pattern and colour.
the School of City and sure that local authority highway engineers
Cost remains a big issue though, and
are supportive.
Regional Planning, Cardiff designers are looking for materials that are
robust and easy to replace, so that
University and author of Pave-It: How do shared external surfaces
maintenance doesn’t become an issue.
work in practice?
Home Zones: a planning MB: I always like to say that people already Pave-It: How do you see the future for
and design handbook. know how shared surfaces work, as most Home Zones?
car parks are shared surfaces – although a
MB: Now that we have home zone
home zone would be a lot quieter.
legislation there is the opportunity to
Essentially there is no footway, which means
develop more interesting and safer streets,
that a pedestrian can use the whole width
Pave-It: Where did the Home Zone concept but that opportunity mustn’t be lost as
of the street. Vehicles drive and park in
originate? it did for example with “play streets”.
designated areas just as they do know,
House buyers and tenants should demand
MB: In the Netherlands during the 1970s. although a street may be redesigned to slow
more home zones as resident expectations
It was applied initially as part of area-based the traffic. Residents have a little more
are gradually raised.
traffic calming initiatives where one or two space to move around. This is important for
streets would be treated as “woonerfen” or children and the elderly in particular, as
I would love to live in a home zone and I
“living yards”. Visiting these schemes has these are groups who often feel hemmed in
would pay a premium for living in such a
convinced practitioners in the UK that these by traffic.
place. That’s a message that needs to be
places work. The idea has since spread to conveyed to housebuilders in particular.
become normal practice for residential street Pave-It: What are the essential
design in a number of countries in northern characteristics for shared-surface paving
Europe, including Germany and Sweden. materials?

www.homezonenews.org.uk
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conservation

a short history of paving

Today, attention is being focused on improving our street environment and
there is much talk about use of ‘traditional’ paving materials. To put the
issues in context, it helps to look back at how paving developed historically.

The use of segmental paving laid to create blocks, wood blocks, rubber and cork
a hard surface for roads can be traced back attempting to provide a better surface for
to about 4000 BC with the stone-paved wheeled vehicles. In the 18th century, John
streets of Ur in modern-day Iraq, while the McAdam used tar to bond together crushed
royal processional roads of ancient Babylon stone to give a smooth surface, followed by
had limestone slabs laid on burnt brick asphalt during the 20th century. With the
foundations. The practice continued in Greek rapidly increasing demands of wheeled
and Roman times, with the Romans traffic, the use of asphalt for carriageways
becoming sophisticated builders of roads has become almost universal. This uniform,
between settlements as a military expedient. lifeless material has eroded the character of
Their roads were built up with layers of many towns and cities, exacerbated by a
crushed rock decreasing in size from the proliferation of road marking and signage
bottom up and usually surfaced with large attempting to control the invasion of
stone setts retained by edge abutments – vehicular traffic.
much as our modern roads are with
concrete kerbs. The pattern of street design Concrete block paving from the 1970's
established in the earliest planned towns of

high strength and close tolerances. This

enables installation by semi-skilled labour
or machines – unlike stone setts, cobbles
and bricks which demand highly skilled
tradesmen. It also allows substantially
higher performance levels to be achieved
and designed for, particularly with heavier
duty pavements. Concrete block paving was
introduced into the UK in the 1970’s from
mainland Europe and has continued to
develop here both as a decorative surface
An illustration of Roman road construction with numerous designs, colours and
patterns, and as a strong, durable pavement
ancient Egypt endured almost up until the for the most taxing applications.
last century. This consisted of local stones
laid across the street in courses with a
central drainage channel and was adopted
Roman roads survive today
by the Romans, who established our first
real towns and cities. Although there was
sometimes a distinction between footway Finally, we shouldn’t forget that precast
and carriageway, streets frequently ran from concrete paving products have a tradition of
building to building and medieval streets, their own. Concrete paving flags have been
where they were paved at all, continued used as a lower cost alternative to stone for
this tradition. at least 100 years and concrete kerbs in
place of granite for 70 years. Use of
Perhaps the most important event to concrete blocks for paving started in
influence the development of urban paving Germany at the end of the nineteenth
was the passing of the 1762 Westminster century, although just as a substitute for
Paving Act which set up a Paving stone setts. They were also used in Holland
Commission to improve the city’s streets. after the Second World War as a substitute
This was widely copied throughout the for traditional brick paving but it was here
country and established the use of distinct that cost-effective mass production led to a
footways, usually constructed with stone or rapid growth in their popularity, copied in
concrete slabs, separated from the Germany from the 1950s. At this stage,
carriageway by kerbs. A much wider variety concrete block paving technology flourished
of materials was then used on the and fundamentally departed from that of
carriageway itself including stone setts and, stone setts and bricks. In essence, concrete
from the 19th century, asphalt – as well as paving blocks are engineered products,
more unusual choices such as cast iron factory manufactured to give consistently Concrete block paving in an historic Conservation Area
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...in practice

paving and conservation

‘Conservation’ is a difficult term to define. Visually, stone setts and cobbled pavements are available as well as other subtle uses of
It is not preservation, refurbishment or provide a richness and diversity which exposed stone aggregates. These finishing
copying historic features – but could include remain very appealing today but they techniques can also apply to concrete
any of these. We have a particularly rich cannot provide acceptable levels of paving flags and kerbs to give a similar
architectural and urban heritage in the UK technical performance in many situations. texture and richness to their natural stone
and few would disagree with the general These requirements could well include equivalents but with better performance. In
principle of protecting it for future vehicle passenger comfort, noise control, particular, concrete alternatives are available
generations. But to ensure this protection skid resistance and surface uniformity. In derived from the random, riven profiles of
over the long term, our heritage must particular, accessibility – notably for old stone flags and rough-hewn kerbs.
remain viable and largely usable in the disabled people, the elderly and those
modern world. This applies particularly to using pushchairs – is substantially
paving which needs to be accessible for all compromised with stone setts and cobbles.
pedestrians as well as vehicle traffic.
How do we reconcile the conflicts that this It is the segmental nature of stone setts
situation often generates? and cobbles which makes them so
attractive, compared with formless asphalt,
Numerous sites are designated for and so concrete block paving offers
conservation in the UK including over 9,000 potential for a cost effective, technically
‘Conservation Areas’ and nearly 400,000 superior alternative bringing texture back to
individual ‘Listed Buildings’, not to mention the wider urban environment. However, the
Scheduled Monuments and World Heritage use of uniform sized pavers in single
Sites. Alterations to these buildings and pigment colours seen on some 1970’s
areas require formal consent from local projects is not the answer. Today, the
authority Conservation Officers and/or precast concrete industry offers a huge
government agencies such as English range of different block paving styles,
Heritage, CADW (in Wales) and Historic surface finishes and colour blends, generally
Scotland – and this consent generally taking a more subtle approach. Some of Rumbled concrete block paving laid in varying row widths
extends to the external paving. But these products seek to replicate natural
discussion of what are appropriate paving materials including stone, with the flexibility
materials is expanding beyond the to cater for traditional laying patterns While in some instances stone paving may
controlled historic environment, targeted at incorporating varying row widths, whilst still be justified in terms of historic integrity,
all our streets and public spaces, for others have an individual character and for many projects the cost and availability
example with English Heritage’s ‘Save our integrity of their own, further developing of stone is simply prohibitive and an
Streets’ campaign. Initiatives such as this precast concrete paving’s own long insistence on its use unrealistic. Here,
are admirable in their drive towards removal tradition. budgetary pressures, usability, accessibility
of unnecessary signs, road markings and and long-term viability clearly point towards
general clutter from our streets and a desire Styles include blocks of varying sizes which precast concrete paving. So, urban
to enliven and ‘humanise’ the urban can be ‘rumbled’ to give a random edge, designers are increasingly utilising the huge
environment. However, the guidance offered finished with a more engineered profile or choice available from the latest products as
on paving materials is open to question – embossed to give a textured surface. Other part of an holistic approach to urban design
particularly with a generalised preference surface finishes can be achieved with – incorporating traffic management
towards stone paving as a ‘traditional’ shot-blasting, grinding and bush measures and the needs of all users from
material. hammering. Close replicas of granite setts the start and enriching the environment.

Concrete setts with granite aggregate give a quality finish A huge range of styles, patterns and colours is available Precast concrete paving allows demarcation without level
with concrete changes
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the Interlay page

beating the skills THE ASSOCIATION OF

BLOCK PAVING CONTRACTORS

shortage in barrow
Nine unemployed young men recently their work will be assessed and should lead
became the first candidates to participate in to the achievement of a National Vocational
a radical approach to training in the Qualification (NVQ). Further training courses
construction sector. are being planned to meet the growing
demand for skilled labour.
Barrow Training Partnership has been set up
to provide a quality training and assessment Barrow Training Partnership Managing
service for the construction industry in the Director Keith Dymond said “The
Barrow area and has a mission to ensure regeneration of Barrow is now underway
that local workers have the skills and and there are already worries over a
qualifications required to work in an ever shortage of skilled construction workers.
changing industry and that local employers The skills these young men will develop
have sufficient trained and qualified workers over the coming months will enable them to
to meet their business needs. get into the job market and play a vital role
in the changing face of the area. We would
A two week intensive practical course gave like to thank Interlay and Interpave for their
participants an insight into such things as help with this exciting initiative, particularly
kerb, flag and paving block laying as well in providing technical information packs, as
as drainage installation prior to them being well as an Interpave manufacturer member
placed in industry. Over the coming months which supplied products for the course”.

training with BALI

Interlay and Interpave – as product
associations of the British Precast Concrete
RAISING THE STANDARD
Federation (BPCF) – aim to set
up a Specialised Training Group for clients
jointly with the British
Association of Landscape ✓ maintaining the highest standards of laying
Industries (BALI) under a practice
Construction Industry Training
Board (CITB) initiative. The ✓ developing new techniques and influencing
launch of the Hard Landscape standards
Training Group at BALI HQ is planned for
13th April and we aim for the commitment ✓ increasing the pool of competent tradesmen
of both Interlay and BALI members. BALI
has already ✓ maintaining an up-to-date list of specialist
appointed a installers
dedicated Training
Officer, Kath Walker.
for installers
The scheme will offer Interlay members a
wide range of benefits including: a single ✓ detailed website listing recognised as the
contact to organise all their training reliable source of specialist installers
requirements; quality Instructors from within
the industry; training carried out either at ✓ helping with training, qualifications and the
their own premises or at a local venue; CSCS card
Training Needs Assessments to identify staff
training needs; practical and ‘hands on’ ✓ keeping up to date with a regular newsletter
courses with individual attention; a closer
link to the qualifications and qualification
✓ access to Interpave, CITB and The Concrete THE ASSOCIATION OF
BLOCK PAVING CONTRACTORS

structures; compliance with Health & Safety Centre

requirement to ‘Train & Assess’ staff, as well
as meeting insurer’s demands and future
Join Interlay today – call Christine Farmer on 0116 222 9840
‘CPD’ requirements.

www.interlay.org.uk
Issue 5 pave It 31/3/05 11:01 am Page 12

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paving the world – Holland

let’s go dutch
products and processes such as iron oxide surfaces for pedestrians and vehicles – and
colours, natural stone mixes, additives for of course cyclists – for many years now.
new colour tints and designs that create Today, even more use is being made of
three-dimensional and other eye-catching variety in colour and texture of concrete
effects. The use of attractive stone paving blocks and flags to emphasise and
aggregates on the surface and the various clarify separation of different areas and
types of secondary treatment available – uses, without creating obstacles to
such as washing to expose the aggregate, accessibility for pedestrians. We are
shot-blasting, grinding and bush hammering committed to promoting quality in the
– make it possible to produce virtually any design of our public spaces and precast
desired surface effect. Concrete block concrete paving is playing a major role
permeable pavements are also becoming in this.
Mark Swinkels
more commonplace here, as well as ‘Green’ To register for the BIBM congress go to
block paving which enables water drainage www.bibm2005.com.
and air infiltration to the subsurface, with
Next month the International Bureau for the natural appearance of grass areas
Precast Concrete – BIBM – holds its 2005 combined with a hard-wearing pavement.
International Congress in Amsterdam.
To celebrate, Mark Swinkels, a Board Our designers are, very deliberately,
Member of the Dutch association for the employing the full range of colours, shapes,
producers of concrete paving materials and sizes, textures, designs and patterns now
street furniture (BeST) takes us on a ‘paving available. They are increasingly looking for
tour’ of the host city to see some of the architectural coordination between horizontal
latest developments in Holland. and vertical surfaces. This may be between
building facades and paving or between
Producers of concrete paving products in the paving and a wide range of street furniture.
Netherlands are continually introducing new In the Netherlands we have enjoyed shared
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permeable pavements

worldwide progress in
Dr Brian Shackel has conducted research into concrete block paving since the 1970’s and is the author of
numerous publications on this topic. His book The Design and Construction of Interlocking Concrete Block
Pavements has been republished in German, Japanese and Hungarian editions. He has lectured on block paving
in more than 25 countries, has acted as a consultant to major paving projects worldwide and is Professor of the
School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.

“Worldwide, the usage of concrete block permeable pavements is increasing

steadily... and is the fastest growing area in the world paving market.”

Although concrete block permeable minimal cost to communities. This has been such they are referenced by planning
pavement (CBPP) concepts only began to a strong incentive in the USA where the guidelines and drainage regulations, and
emerge in Germany and Austria some Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provide a rational framework for
25 years ago they have subsequently places its main priority on controlling incorporating CBPPs into urban design.
spread rapidly throughout the UK and stormwater pollution. For more than 2 years Elsewhere, the adoption of CBPPs has been
Europe, Australia, Japan and the Americas to the EPA has required developers of projects assisted by the increasing use of
become a viable option for sustainability in greater than 1 acre in size to apply for environmental rating systems such as LEED
most developed countries worldwide. permits for stormwater management. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
This article identifies some of the factors Although in practice some projects smaller Design) or LCA (Life Cycle Assessment).
that have driven this growth. than 5 acres may receive waivers, about In North America the LEED system
97% of all development now proceeds administered by the US and Canadian Green
Originally in Europe, CBPPs were seen under EPA permits which must conform Building Councils has been adopted by
principally as a means of flood mitigation to recognised Best Management Practices many cities which now require LEED
and control that minimised the very high (BMP). BMPs approved by the EPA certification of their projects. LEED uses a
land use costs associated with installing include CBPPs. point system for measuring sustainability.
retention ponds and soakaways by CBPPs can earn up to 13 points for such
combining these with the paving already The EPA’s use of permits and BMPs for factors as stormwater and pollution control,
required on site. This concept remains a stormwater management is typical of the high albedo (the ability to reflect heat and
powerful argument for using CBPPs in highly worldwide response to environmental light) and the use of local and/or recycled
urbanised societies such as Australia where challenges. Almost invariably, the uptake of materials. This score, in itself, is half the
government enforced urban consolidation is CBPPs has been a response to national or minimum number of points required for
placing ever increasing demands on existing local regulations for achieving sustainability project certification and is a powerful
and often barely adequate stormwater and managing the environment. The UK argument for using CBPPs. The LCA system
infrastructure. However, it was soon concept of Sustainable Drainage Systems is a more sophisticated “cradle to grave”
demonstrated that CBPPs could also make (SUDS) and its Australian equivalent, Water rating system. Significantly, in the UK,
significant contributions to trapping, Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD), both aim to the BRE Green Guide to Specification rates
removing and treating pollutants from manage stormwater and pollution at either all forms of concrete block paving ahead
stormwater “at source” and therefore at the site level or on a regional basis. As of granite setts and bricks and far

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pave-it page thirteen

sustainable paving
superior to asphalt in terms of life cycle sustainability issues. The EPA has listed where conventional block paving has
assessment. unfamiliarity by pavement engineers with already become well established. Examples
the concepts of permeable pavements as an of CBPPs around the world cover footpaths
The benefits of CBPPs not only embrace obstacle to the wider adoption of such and pedestrian plazas including large areas
stormwater management and pollution techniques. It is significant, therefore, that at the Sports Ground and in the Olympics
control but are increasingly being the countries that are most advanced in the Precinct in Sydney (reviewed in Pave-It,
demonstrated to have economic advantages use of CBPPs are those such as Germany, Issue Four). Car parks, often combined with
by minimising the costs of surface drainage Austria, Canada, the UK, Australia and the bio-swales, have become a major
works, reducing the demands on stormwater USA that have invested in fundamental application of CBPPs worldwide, a good
sewerage and optimising land use. Initial research into CBPPs. Such research normally example being the Arboretum in Chicago.
concerns about the long term maintenance includes pollution, infiltration and Roadways and residential streets are also
costs of CBPPs due to clogging have largely stormwater management studies. These becoming a staple use of CBPPs in the UK,
been allayed by tests in Europe, North have been supplemented by studies of Europe and Australia. In Europe and North
America and Australia. These indicate that structural performance in Australia, Austria America, factory and truck loading areas
CBPPs can achieve service lives in excess of and the UK. From this substantial body of increasingly use CBPPs to achieve both
25 years even without maintenance and, information industry-based environmental and land use/cost benefits.
more importantly, that pollutants accumulate recommendations for the design and In both the USA and Brazil CBPPs have
mainly in the uppermost 25 to 50 mm of construction of CBPPs have emerged in been successfully used in container
aggregate used to fill the joints or drainage the USA, UK and Europe whilst a National handling areas and ports subject to high
apertures. Such polluted material can be Standard is in preparation in Australia. wheel loads, including the Howland Hook
easily and economically removed and Software is also available for both the container facility in New York State and the
replaced if necessary. In this respect it is structural design and stormwater Port of Santos.
worth noting that, except where block management of CBPPs. The main problem
paving manufactured from permeable has been to bring these design aids to the Worldwide, the usage of concrete block
concrete has been used, no special needs attention of practitioners and substantial permeable pavements is increasing steadily
for maintenance have been demonstrated. efforts are now being made to educate and is attracting the attention not only of
For CBPPs relying on water movement designers through seminars and landscape architects and environmental
through vertical drainage apertures or joints, publications in the UK, Europe, North engineers but also municipal and civil
several projects have already been in America and Australia. engineers. Overall, whilst CBPP is the
service for periods of around 15 years fastest growing area in the world paving
without the need for anything but routine An interesting factor to emerge from the market, its full potential is still to be
maintenance. worldwide research into CBPPs is that, achieved. Nevertheless, it already provides a
structurally, their performance is similar to powerful tool for both environmentalists
It may be seen that, for CBPPs, the role of that of conventional block pavements. and designers seeking to achieve a
the pavement designer needs to be This means that CBPPs have the potential sustainable future.
expanded to consider environmental and to be used in many types of application

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pave-it page fourteen

technical update

the latest guidance

Interpave has just published a series of detailed design, construction and maintenance guides
covering all aspects of concrete block paving, flags and kerbs – offering the most up-to-date
information on precast concrete paving available today.

This essential resource – designed for civil Why not explore this wealth of information urban regeneration, accessible paving, home
engineers, architects, landscape designers, on the new COMMERCIAL section of the zones and sustainable permeable
contractors and all those involved with the website? Before the product specific detailed pavements. Elsewhere on the site, the
paved environment – brings together the information, the Precast Concrete Paving Interpave Information and News sections
very latest standards and industry section includes information on applications have also been substantially updated with
experience. It can be found on the updated of particular importance today, such as the latest on paving.
Interpave website www.paving.org.uk –
designed for ease of use and simple
navigation. Specific guidance is available for
block paving – including the latest
sustainable permeable pavements – flag
paving and concrete kerbs, channels and
similar products.

For each product type, introductory web

pages lead directly to individual PDF
downloads each covering – where
appropriate – Properties, Structural Design,
Detailing, Handling, Construction and
Reinstatement. These PDF downloads
replace the old Interpave publications
Precast concrete paving: a design handbook
and Precast concrete paving: installation
and maintenance. Edition Two of Permeable
Pavements – guide to the design,
construction and maintenance of concrete
block permeable pavements is also
available as a PDF download on the
website, replacing the previously published
Edition One.

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pave-it page fifteen

the latest standards

characteristics are classified into classes, Splitting Strength – a measure of the ability
which the manufacturer must declare, so of the concrete block paving to withstand
that the specifier and supplier have the load. It is determined under laboratory
relevant information needed to make conditions applying a tensile splitting test.
informed selections.
Weathering Resistance – a measure of the
Before any product is launched it is ability of the concrete paving block to
Dr Allan Dowson, technical subjected to the rigours of ‘Initial Type withstand weathering where specific
Testing’ which demonstrates conformity to conditions exist such as frequent contact
consultant to Interpave, the BS EN for a product family. A family of of the surfaces with de-icing salt under
reports on the latest standards product types is best described as covering frost conditions.
those manufactured to give a similar surface
for precast concrete paving using the same equipment, process and raw Abrasion Resistance – a measure of the
and kerb products. materials, irrespective of dimensions or ability of the concrete paving block to
colour. Each manufacturer will declare their withstand erosion caused by trafficking
definitions of product families if requested. in service.
Three new European Standards – BS EN
1340: 2003, BS EN 1339: 2003 and BS EN The continuing conformance to the BS EN is Slip/Skid Resistance – a measure of the
1338: 2003, covering Requirements and supported by ‘Routine Type Testing’ and ability of the concrete block paving laid in
Test Methods for Concrete Kerb Units, additional measures established under service to resist relative movement between
Paving Flags and Paving Blocks respectively ‘Factory Production Control’. The BS EN a pedestrian’s foot or a vehicle tyre and the
– introduced a different approach to the old describes how the performance trafficked block surface.
British Standards that will give specifiers characteristics are to be assessed with
and suppliers more confidence in the use of detailed test methods and procedures.
these products. The BS EN stipulates that These methods are to be used in all cases
the manufactured concrete must conform to of dispute resolution. Other methods can be
a wider range of performance characteristics, used routinely to check compliance with the
determined on actual manufactured concrete BS EN provided correlation is established
products. Additionally, instead of having with the standard method. The tests for
“one size fits all”, the performance concrete paving blocks, for example, cover:

Current standards for precast concrete paving and flags

PROPERTIES with clay, natural stone or concrete ■ BS 7533-4: 1998, Pavements constructed
pavers, Part 2: Guide for the structural with clay, natural stone or concrete
■ BS EN 1338: 2003, Concrete Paving
design of lightly trafficked pavements pavers, Part 4: Code of practice for the
Blocks – Requirements and Test Methods
constructed of clay pavers or precast construction of pavements of precast
■ BS EN 1339: 2003, Concrete Paving concrete paving blocks concrete flags or natural stone slabs
Flags – Requirements and Test Methods
■ BS 7533-8: 2003, Pavements constructed ■ BS 7533-6: 1999, Pavements constructed
■ BS EN 1340: 2003, Concrete Kerb with clay, natural stone or concrete with clay, natural stone or concrete
Units – Requirements and Test Methods pavers, Part 8: Guide for the structural pavers, Part 6: Code of practice for laying
design of lightly trafficked pavements of natural stone, precast concrete and clay
STRUCTURAL DESIGN precast concrete flags and natural kerb units
■ BS 7533-1: 2001, Pavements constructed stone slabs
with clay, natural stone or concrete REINSTATEMENT AND MAINTENANCE
pavers, Part 1: Guide for the structural CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION ■ BS 7533-11: 2003, Pavements constructed
design of heavy duty pavements ■ BS 7533-3: 1997, Pavements constructed with clay, natural stone or concrete
constructed of clay pavers or precast with clay, natural stone or concrete pavers, Part 11: Code of Practice for the
concrete paving blocks pavers, Part 3: Code of practice for laying opening, maintenance and reinstatement
■ BS 7533-2: 2001, Pavements constructed precast concrete paving blocks and clay of pavements of concrete, clay and
pavers for flexible pavements natural stone
Issue 5 pave It 31/3/05 11:00 am Page 1

60 Charles Street
Leicester LE1 1FB
United Kingdom
e:[email protected]
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f: 0116 251 4568 www.paving.org.uk

INTERPAVE IS A PRODUCT ASSOCIATION PUBLISHED WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE

OF THE BRITISH PRECAST CONCRETE CONCRETE CENTRE
FEDERATION LTD

THE ASSOCIATION OF
BLOCK PAVING CONTRACTORS

t: 0116 253 6161 t: 0116 222 9840

f: 0116 251 4568 f: 0116 251 4568 t: 0700 4 822 822
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