Types of Pavements

There are two types of pavements based on design considerations i.e.

flexible pavement and rigid pavement. Difference between flexible and rigid
pavements is based on the manner in which the loads are distributed to the
subgrade.

Before we differentiate between flexible pavements and rigid pavements, it

is better to first know about them. Details of these two are presented below:

Flexible Pavements
Flexible pavement can be defined as the one consisting of a mixture of
asphaltic or bituminous material and aggregates placed on a bed of
compacted granular material of appropriate quality in layers over the
subgrade. Water bound macadam roads and stabilized soil roads with or
without asphaltic toppings are examples of flexible pavements.

The design of flexible pavement is based on the principle that for a load of any
magnitude, the intensity of a load diminishes as the load is transmitted
downwards from the surface by virtue of spreading over an increasingly
larger area, by carrying it deep enough into the ground through successive
layers of granular material.

Fig: Flexible Pavement Cross-section

Thus for flexible pavement, there can be grading in the quality of materials
used, the materials with high degree of strength is used at or near the
surface. Thus the strength of subgrade primarily influences the thickness of
the flexible pavement.
Rigid Pavements
A rigid pavement is constructed from cement concrete or reinforced concrete
slabs. Grouted concrete roads are in the category of semi-rigid pavements.

The design of rigid pavement is based on providing a structural cement

concrete slab of sufficient strength to resists the loads from traffic. The rigid
pavement has rigidity and high modulus of elasticity to distribute the load
over a relatively wide area of soil.

Fig: Rigid Pavement Cross-Section

Minor variations in subgrade strength have little influence on the structural

capacity of a rigid pavement. In the design of a rigid pavement, the flexural
strength of concrete is the major factor and not the strength of subgrade.
Due to this property of pavement, when the subgrade deflects beneath the
rigid pavement, the concrete slab is able to bridge over the localized failures
and areas of inadequate support from subgrade because of slab action.

Difference between Flexible Pavements and Rigid Pavements

Sl.
Flexible Pavement Rigid Pavement
No.

1. It consists of a It consists of one

series of layers layer Portland
 with the highest cement concrete
quality materials at slab or relatively
or near the surface high flexural
of pavement. strength.

It reflects the
It is able to bridge
deformations of
over localized
2. subgrade and
failures and area of
subsequent layers
inadequate support.
on the surface.

Its stability
Its structural
depends upon the
strength is provided
aggregate
3. by the pavement
interlock, particle
slab itself by its
friction and
beam action.
cohesion.

Pavement design is
Flexural strength of
greatly influenced
4. concrete is a major
by the subgrade
factor for design.
strength.

It distributes load
It functions by a
over a wide area of
way of load
subgrade because
5. distribution through
of its rigidity and
the component
high modulus of
layers
elasticity.

Temperature
variations due to
Temperature
change in
changes induce
6. atmospheric
heavy stresses in
conditions do not
rigid pavements.
produce stresses in
flexible pavements.

Flexible pavements Any excessive

7. have self healing deformations
properties due to occurring due to
 heavier wheel heavier wheel loads
loads are are not recoverable,
recoverable due to i.e. settlements are
some extent. permanent

There are a great variety of driveway finishes and materials available to meet
your design tastes, the lifespan you expect to have out of the driveway and how
much maintenance you are willing to commit.

• 01

Poured Concrete Driveways

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Poured concrete driveways are one of the preferred driveways types, offering a
permanent low-maintenance driveway. Concrete can be poured to form patterns
or sections, allowing for contraction and expansion of concrete. Concrete paved
driveways are more expensive than asphalt but they can last for decades without
decaying.

02
Asphalt Paved Driveways
Asphalt paved driveways are very popular, providing a durable surface for parking your vehicle.
Over a long period of time, asphalt paving needs to be resealed, so maintenance costs must be
considered. Properly installed asphalt paved driveways have a life expectancy of about thirty or
more years.
 03
Stamped Concrete Driveways

Stamped concrete paved driveways are an alternative to plain concrete. Stamped

concrete driveways create the impression that a different type of material is used, such
as stone, brick or any other construction material. Stamped concrete driveways are
created by pressing molds into the concrete while the concrete is still setting. Stamped
concrete could also be used on driveways, patios, roads and interior floors.

Interlocking Pavers

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Interlocking pavers are usually made of cement or concrete and shaped so they can
interlock with other pavers of the same type. This also makes them easier to install
without the use of mortar. The interlocking pavers simulate the appearance of
cobblestone pathways.

It is important that the interlocking pavers are built over a solid base to prevent pavers
from shifting, causing cracks and gaps to appear. Interlocking pavers could be designed
with patterns and color combinations to create special and personalized effects.

Because pavers are porous, they can become stained over the years and might require
pressure washing to remove marks from oil, tires and other contaminants.

• 05

Tar-and-Chip or Chip Sealed Driveway

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Chip sealed or tar-and-chip driveways are an affordable alternative to asphalt

paving. However, the appearance of this driveway will not be as attractive and
smooth as other paved driveways.
A chip sealed driveway starts with a gravel base, and then hot tar is poured over
the gravel. After the tar has been poured, stones are put on top of the tar, and
the surface is then pressed with roller equipment.

The tar-and-chip driveway finish can be enhanced by using colored stone,

though these stones may loosen over time. A tar-and-chip driveway can be
repaved for around half the cost of an asphalt driveway and requires little
maintenance. No sealing is necessary and the lighter color will absorb less heat,
making it more comfortable to walk on in hot weather.

• 06

Exposed Aggregate

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Exposed aggregate is one the hottest trends in finished driveways. Offering a

wide range of colors, sizes, and shades, exposed aggregate creates a special
and attractive driveway that will enhance this part of your home.

Exposed aggregate is one of the most popular driveway finishes, creating a non-
slip sealed surface that can last for nearly a decade with little or no maintenance.

Exposed aggregate is created using special concrete mixes that combine unique
aggregates that are exposed on the surface. The driveway finish reveals smooth
textured stones and pebbles that are part of the concrete surface.

This is in contrast to a smooth concrete finish in which the visible surface is

primarily composed of the concrete "fines" (very small concrete particles). Little
of the exposed surface is the characteristic dull grey of the concrete fines.