INTERLOCKING PAVERS UNILOCK interlocking pavers are generally composed of a surface consisting of precast modular concrete units of varying shapes, colours and texture, placed over a graded sand base and interlocked with bedding and joint sand, which can be constructed over a variety of subbases. The concept dates back to the roads of the Roman Empire, and was refined after the Second World War in Europe. The modern concept of high quality, precision manufactured concrete pavers has resulted in the construction of millions of square metres of interlocking pavers constructed each year in Europe, and an expanding market in North America. Due to the segmental nature of the pavement, concrete interlocking pavers can articulate under applied loads, much like flexible pavements. Unlike flexible pavements, the interlocking nature of the pavements increases significantly under traffic. Conventional flexible pavement design and construction methods have been easily adapted to the concept of concrete interlocking pavers. In North America, the present predominant use of interlocking pavers is in the residential/architectural segment. The acceptance of pavers in this market has contributed to the growing use of pavers as an alternative to asphalt and poured concrete in other pavement applications. Although aesthetic appeal has a great influence on their use, they are recognized as serviceable load-carrying interlocking pavers with a satisfactory ride quality and favorable safety characteristics. There are significant examples of pavers used for streets, industrial parking areas, container and multimodal facilities and airport taxiways and aprons, as designers and owners have realised the many physical and economic benefits of the system. Dura-Mat™ is an effective and practical erosion control product. Its interlocking pavers fasten together on all sides forming a permanent protective "carpet". The interlocking pavers system of Dura-Mat™ allows contouring to most terrain conditions. The solid-to-void ratio also allows for vegetation growth where desired. Ecoloc® combines the permeability properties of Uni Eco-Stone® and the interlocking pavers attributes of Anchorlock®. Ecoloc's surface pattern gives the appearance of a rectilinear design which can be incorporated into many different contemporary and classic design situations. The smoothness of interlocking pavers can be measured easily, depending on the ultimate use of the pavement. Low speed or architectural pavements can be easily spot checked using straightedges of varying lengths. Commonly, a variation of not more than 3/8 in. under a 10 ft straightedge (10 mm under a 3-m straightedge) is required. As speed increases, the tolerance is usually less (1/4 in. under a 10 ft straightedge (6 mm under a 3 m straightedge) for 30 mph (50 kph) plus pavements is suggested). |interlocking pavers|interlocking stones, interlocking paving, interlocking bricks|flagstone|pavers|