Precast concrete paving blocks Part 3. Code of practice for laying oO Pavés en béton préfubriqué ‘Stetne aus Fertigheton fr die Partie 3. Code de bonne pratique pour la pose -_-Fahrbalinbefestigung ‘Til. Leitinden fut Verlegung. NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW BS 6717: Part 3 : 1989 [woe 62521: 008.76 (088.72)BS 6717 : Part 3 : 1989 ‘Draft for conument 85/15120 DC ISBN 0 580 1772.6 Committees responsible for this British Standard ‘The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Road Engineering Standards Policy Committee (RDB/-) to Technical Committee ‘RDB/32, upon which the following bodies were represented: Association of County Councils Association of London Borough Engineers and Surveyors Association of Metropolitan Authorities British Aggregate Construction Materials Industries British Cement Association British Civil Engineering Test Equipment Manufacturers’ Association British Precast Concrete Federation Ltd. ‘Cement Makers’ Federation ‘Cementitious Slag Makers’ Association Concrete Society County Surveyor's Society ‘Department of Transport (Highways) Institution of Civil Engineers Institution of Highways and Transportation Institution of Structural Engineers Interpave The Concrete Block Paving Association Landscape Institute Milton Keynes Development Corporation National Paving and Kerb Association Royal Institute of British Architects Sand and Gravel Association Limited Scottish Development Department Society of Chemical Industry Amendments issued since publication ‘Amd.No. [Date ‘Text affectedBS 6717 : Part 3 : 1989 ST Contents Page Foreword 2 Committees responsible Inside front cover Code of practice © Introduction 3 1 Scope 3 2 Definitions 3 3 Construction of pavement 3 4 Construction in inclement weather 6 ) 5___ Additional work after early trafficking 6 ‘Appendix A__ Recommendations for repairs and reinstatement 9 ‘Tables 1 Tolerances on surface levels 5 | 2 Grading for laying course sand and jointing sand (using sieves | complying with BS 410) 5 1 Typical block paving construction a | 2 Typical bond patterns 6 3 Order of laying 7 | 4 Typical edge details 7 | 5 Typical details around obstructions or iron ware a 6 Removal of paving blocks a | 7 Reinstatement of sand bed 9 O 8 __ Reinstatement of paving blocks 10 OQBS 6717 : Part 3 : 1989 Foreword ‘This Part of BS 6717, prepared under the direction of the Road Engineering Standards Policy Committee, is a code of practice for laying precast concrete block paving. BS 6717 : Part 1 is a manufacturing specification for precast concrete paving blocks while Part 2” will be a code of practice for design of interlocking paving. In accordance with the aim of simplifying building and civil engineering standards, as described in PD 6501 : Parts 1 and 2, this code of practice has been written as a set of instructions to be used in conjunction with a contract. For completeness, a particular contract will require additional information, either given in other publications or provided by the specifier. This code of practice is intended for use by building and civil engineering contractors, clerks of works and resident engineers. Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity from egal obligations. 7 tn preparation.oO BS 6717 : Part 3: 1989 Code of practice 0 Introduction ‘The performance of concrete block paving in a wide range of situations and applications over the last decade has been good, with few sites causing real concern. Certain sites, however, in the north west of England, carrying heavy channelized traffic have, after periods of one to three years, shown signs of distress. This is believed to be due to degradation of the laying course material into fine particles coupled with inadequate drainage. A simple and inexpensive test method for identifying sands liable to degrade in this way is to be published in a separate Draft for Development, Recommendations for drainage of the laying course are included in this British Standard. 1 Scope ‘This Part of BS 6717 gives recommendations for laying precast concrete block paving complying with BS 6717 : Part 1 and intended for low speed Toads and industrial and other paved surfaces subjected to all categories of static and vehicular loading and pedestrian traffic. Recommendations for repairs and reinstatement are given in appendix A. Although the illustrations in this document all show rectangular blocks, this is not intended to be a restriction on its use and the principles given apply to blocks of all shapes covered by BS 6717 : Part 1. NOTE. The titles of the publications referred to in this Part of BS 6717 are listed on the inside back cover. 2 Definitions For the purposes of this Part of BS 6717, the definitions given in BS 6717 : Part 1 and BS 6100 Part 2: Subsection 2.4.1 apply, together with the following. 2.1 block paving, Flexible surfacing consisting of paving blocks on a laying course. 2.2 creep. Relative horizontal movement of blocks, resulting from the action of braking, accelerating oF ‘comering forces from vehicular traffic. 2.9 edge restraint. Device which serves to prevent sideways movement. of the blocks and to prevent loss of material from the laying course (see figure 1). 2.4 interlock. Effect of frictional forces between blocks which prevent them moving vertically in relation to each other 2.5 laying course. Layer of material on which paving blocks are bedded. 2,6 laying face. Working edge of the paving at, which laying of blocks is taking place. 2.7 roadbase. Layer of material between the sub-base and the laying course. 2.8 sub-base. Layer of material between the laying course or roadbase and the subgrade. 2.9 subgrade. Upper part of the soil, natural or constructed, that supports the loads transmitted by the overlying pavement. 2.10 surface course. Layer of interlocked paving blocks (which act as the wearing surface and part of the structure of the pavement). 2.11 sub-layer. Layer below laying course which may include either or both sub-base and roadbase layers above the subgrade. 8 Construction of pavement 3.1 Subgrade, sub-base and roadbase ‘Construction should generally be in accordance with the Department of Transport Specification for Highway Works 1986, except where that is varied by the project specification. Prepare the subgrade and sub-hase (and roadbase where necessary) s0 that: (a) the surface levels are within the tolerances given in table 1; (b) the longitudinal falls and crossfalls are such that no depressions hold water; NOTE. A minimum longitudinal fl of 1.25 % and a minimum ‘resfall of 2.5% are recommended. © the surface is tight and dense enough to prevent laying course material being lost into it during construction and use; (@) provision is made to: (2) drain water from the laying course in service, e.g. by installation of drainage when the laying course is on impermeable foundations; ) prevent migration and loss of laying course material into drainage, e.g. by using a Beotextile; (@) the extent of the site prepared for block laying includes enough room to provide adequate foundations and backing for any edge restraint, 3.2 Edge restraints Form edge restraints as shown in figure 1 or similar before compacting adjacent blocks. Do not vibrate the surface course until the edge restraint, togetherBS 6717 : Part 3: 1989 p——Haunching and bedding restraint (may be peter, usher tw (©) Without roadbase }—surface course -— Laying course. f— Roadbase Sub-tayer =>—Sub-base ‘Subgrade (@) With roadbase Haunching and bedding restraint (may be ‘end: flush or tow kerb) TIE Surface course yying course: b-base Sub-layer Figure 1. ‘Typical block paving construction rb) with any concrete haunching, has gained sufficient strength. Make haunching to an edge restraint on the paving face vertical down to the level of the underside of the laying course. [NOTE. Kage restraints should be adequate to support traffic Joads and to prevent loss of laying course material from beneath, the surface course. Examplea are kerb, combined kerbe and Channels, established structures or rigid abutments such as paving blocks fied vertically and bedded and haunched with concrete. 8.3 Laying course 3.8.1 Material. Use naturally occurring sand or crushed rock fines graded in accordance with table 2. See also clause 0. 3.3.2 Moisture content. Cover any material to be stockpiled. NOTE. The moisture content of the laying course should be as ‘uniform as possible and the material should be moist without being saturated. 8.8.8 Screesking. Construct the laying course so that after compaction it forms a layer approximately 50 mm thick below the paving blocks. (Where closer tolerances than those given in table 1 for the level of the sub-base have been, achieved, or where a roadbase has been used, a Z thinner laying course can be used. However, inno (_) ‘case should the material be less than 25 mm thick at any point.) Construct the laying course using theO Oo BS 6717 : Part 3: 1989 ‘Table 1. Tolerances on surface levels Taper of pevement TMaximam permissible | deviation om design level mm ‘Sub-layer: ‘sub-base £20 roadbase +15 ‘Surface course: overall +6 flatness 10undera3m straightedge 2 between adjacent blocks NOTE. The permissible deviations for the upper level of drainage inlets and channels should be +0, ~0 mum to ensure positive drainage. ‘Table 2. Grading for laying course sand and jointing sand (using sieves complying with BS410) a Ses Taye cure [sending % % 10.00mm 100 100 5,00 mm 90 - 100 100 236mm 75 - 100 95 - 100 118mm 55-90 90 - 100 600 ym 35-70 55 - 100 300 pm 8-35 15-50 150nm 0-10 0-15 75 pm 0-3 0-3 'NOTE Sen toi be gd by washing, doeting ard sieving in accordance with BS 812 : Part 103. 7 method described in either item (a) or item (b) as follows. (a) Precompaction. Spread the material in a loose uncompacted layer to approximately the required final depth below the surface profile. Compact this layer using a vibrating plate compactor (see 3.4.2), Spread a further layer of material about 15mm thick and screed it to create a loose surface on which the paving blocks can be placed. (b) Compaction after laying. Spread the material loose in a uniform layer, and screed it to a thickness required to give the specified design thickness after the paving blocks have been laid and vibrated into place. NOTE 1. The object of sereeding the laying course is to produce 2 uniform surface, to the specified design profiles and fais, at a uniform degree of compaction. When setting up screeding rails allowance should be made for the subsequent compaction of the [NOTE 2. The precompaction method (tem (a) preferable Decause it helps to ensure uniform density and compaction of the sand and hence improves surface tolerances [NOTE 2. For & nominal compacted thickmess of 60 mm, a loose Jayer of material 65mm to 70 mm thick I generally necessary. However, where previous experience of a particular material is Jacking, a small ial area will be needed to determine the allowanee. If any disturbance of the prepared laying course ‘sand by pedestrian or wheeled traffic occurs, prior to placing paving blocks, re-screed areas of laying course material. NOTE 4. The area of laying course prepared should generally be ‘such that Its boundary Is not Tess than 11m ahead of the laying face, except al the end of the working period when the boundary should be no more than Im ahead ofthe laying face. 3.4 Surface course 3.4.1 Laying block paving. Lay paving blocks so that the surface levels are within the tolerances given in table 1. Make minor adjustments to maintain the bond pattern and ensure that the Joints remain wide enough for sand filling. [NOTE 1. Details of the bond pattern should e agreed before commencement, Typical bord patterns are shown in figure 2. ‘Where rectanguiar blocks are being used in areas subject to vehicular traffic, herringbone bond should be wsed to minimize creep and to ensure better radial distribution of wheel leads. Follow an order of laying which maintains an open ‘working face and does not trap paving blocks (see figure 3). The first. row of blocks should be aligned against the edge restraint or by using a straightedge or string line. Check the alignment of blocks periodically, e.g. by using string lines, and make adjustments where necessary, NOTE 2. Manufacturing tolerances and variations in surface brofle do not enable the achievement of perfectly straight lines. [NOTE 3. Block paving is designed to function with sand-flled Joints, which will normally He in the range of 2 mim to 6 mmn ‘when placed hand tight. The joint width will be influenced by block shape and bord patter.BS 6717 : Part 3: 1989 Lay whole paving blocks first, followed by closers. Complete the area to be laid, as far as possible using whole blocks. Where appropriate, incorporate lock shapes designed to assist with the formation ‘of boundaries and with changes in direction. ‘Complete infilling before compaction commences. Wherever possible, infilling to boundaries and obstructions should be completed as the laying of the surface course proceeds. ‘Trim paving blocks to shape and size to form boundaries. Do not insert pieces of a size less than one-third of a full block. ‘This can often be achieved by altering the bond pattern slightly at the edges of the paving and ‘trimming some of the paving blocks inboard of the ‘edge blocks (see figure 4). ‘To work round any obstructions, trim paving blocks or surround the obstruction with concrete with a maximum aggregate size of 10mm and a 28-day cube compressive strength of 40 N/mm® to form a ‘more regular shape, and cut the paving blocks to abut this surround. Where new iron ware is being provided in conjunction with paving blocks, careful choice should be made to ensure minimum cutting of blocks. (See figure 5.) [NOTE 4, Careful selection of materials or pigments may be evesary to aclieve an adequate exiour match. Proper Curing of fhe concrete is essential 3.4.2 Compaction of block paving. Fully compact the surface course using a plate compactor with a plate area of not less than 0.25 m?, transmitting an effective force of not, less than 75 kN/m? of plate at a frequency of vibration in the range 75 Hz to 100 Hz. Alternatively, use any compacting equipment which will achieve the same degree of compaction of better. It is important to fill the lower portion of the block-to-block joint with the laying course material. NOTE, The contsct arva ofa plate compactor may be measured by standing the plate on flak smooth level surface and siding 8 plece of card in from both front and rear wilt meets the position where the plate touches the ground. Carry out compaction as soon as possible after laying but not within 1 m of any laying face. Apart from this edge strip, do not leave any area of paving uncompacted at the completion of the day's work. Check that the finished surface levels are within the tolerances given in table 1. 3.4.3 Joint filling. After compaction of the surface course, spread sand or crushed rock fines over the surface and brush it into the joints. Do not use a sand which might stain the pavement surface, if this is an important consideration. (@) Running, or stretcher, bond NOTE. The two bond patterns shown are the most commonly wsed but other patterns are available Figure 2. Typical bond patterns [NOTE 1. Filling between the joints is very important. The use of ‘dry material will asdist in rapid Joint penetration, Materials ‘complying with the grading in table 2 should be used. Vibrate the block paving to ensure complete filling of the block-to-block joint by the surface-applied sand, Where necessary, add further sand and revibrate the paving. Complete joint filling and final compaction as soon as practicable after laying. [NOTE 2. Where block paving is to be used by industrial vehicles posing exceptionally high point loads, it is advisable to further compact the entire pavement after joint fling. [NOTE 3. Conerete blocks should not be vacuumed for at least three weeks after laying in order to reduce the risk of jointing sand being lost. 4 Construction in inclement weather If weather conditions are such that the performance of the pavement may be jeopardized, discontinue all operations. 5 Additional work after early trafficking Inspect the surface after an early period of traffie use and brush in additional sand filling where necessary. oOBS 6717 : Part 3: 1989 Fignre 3. Order of laying (0) Open laying face () Stretcher bond edge deta (@) Inboard cutting edge detail, Figure 4. Typical edge details JIT = of If movement of the surface course takes it out er the tolerance given in table 1, remove the paving ble ent not carried out immediately, the surrounding pavement structure might be damaged extensively by the ingress of surface water remedy the cause and re-lay OoBS 6717 : Part 3 : 1989 ——— (a) Wik in situ nt (©) Without in situ nga Figure 5. Typical details around obstruction or iron wareoO Appendix Appendix A. Recommendations for repairs and reinstatement A.1 Removal of blocks Remove the sand from the Joints around the first block and lever it out. Remove and stack further blocks until the working area is exposed. ‘NOTE, Ifthe area has been heavily trafficked it may be necessary to break the first one or two blocks to get them out, A.2 Excavation and backfilling A.2.1 Excavate as necessary to carry out specified work and store excavated materials suitable for re-use. A.2.2, Using suitable excavated or new materials backfill the excavation and compact sufficiently to avoid subsequent settlement, A.3 Reinstatement of laying course A.3.1 Remove a few further blocks from around the area to ease replacement, taking care to include any blocks that have moved during previous operations (see figure 6). A.3.2 Place laying course material complying with 3.3.1 over the backfilled excavation and screed to the level of the material exposed by A.8.1. Compact this using a plate vibrator (see 8.4.2 and figure 7(a)). Carefully loosen the top of the compacted laying course material exposed by A.8.1, Place further laying course material, complying with 3.3.1 to allow a small surcharge for further compaction when the blocks are vibrated. Screed off using a board slightly cambered over the width of the excavation to counter any tendency for the fill material to settle slightly after completion (see figure 7(b)). [NOTB. Where a pavement which has had considerable trafficking i to be reinstated, the structure wll have become fully compacted. If the procedure above has been followed there ‘may stil be further compaction of the excavated area but 2 laying course surcharge to provide a finished bck surface slightly higher (typically 2mm to Smum) than the surrounding area wil help to ensure that final levels after trafficking are correct. A.4 Relaying blocks Before the original blocks are re-laid, clean off all loose and extraneous material. Re-lay the blocks and bond them into the existing pavement (see figure 8(a)). Compact the blocks using the method described in 3.4.2 (see figure 8(b)) until no further compaction of the blocks can be achieved. Spread Jointing sand (see 3.4.3) and apply the final vibration (see figure 8(¢)). BS 6717 : Part 3 : 1989 () Sand sereed off to required level Figure 7. Reinstatement of sand bedBS 6717 : Part 3 : 1989 (2) Blocks re-tad on to sand bed ie ne {6) Joint filing and vibration Figure 8, Reinstatement of paving blocks¢ BS 6717 : Part 3 : 1989 Publications referred to BS410 BS 812 BS6100 BS6717 PD 6501 Specification for test sieves ‘Testing aggregates Part 103 Methods for determination of particle size distribution Glossary of building and civil engineering terms Part 2 Civil engineering Subsection 2.4.1 Highway engineering Precast concrete paving blocks Part I Specification for paving blocks ‘The preparation of British Standards for building and civil engineering Part 1 Guide to the types of British Standard, their aims, relationship, content and application UPart 2 Guide to presentation Department of Transport Specification for Highway Works Daaferred ton te foreword ony. ?)btainable om ‘rom HMSO.BS 67. 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