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ROADS AND BRIDGES
“In the first instance it allows for the creation
of a level paved surface on a base which is
sloped for drainage purposes. Flat surfaces
are achieved by altering the thickness of the
supporting sandbags to compensate for the
slope. Secondly, because the paved surface
is permeable, there is no water pooling even
during the heaviest of storms. This means that
as soon as the rain has abated, the surface
can be walked on without any concerns for
wet feet.
“Another major advantage is the fact that
the paved surface creates a protective layer
which shields the waterproofing on the base
layer from the sun’s UV rays and from other
forms of possible damage. However, in the
event that the base layer does require some
routine or other maintenance work, it is easily
effected by simply lifting the pavers and then
re-inserting them once the job is completed.
“Contrast this with the expense and
inconvenience of lifting and replacing pavers
which have been grouted to the base layer.
Moreover, no expansion joints are needed
with suspended paving and there is no chance
that the pavers will crack or lift due to wind or
earth-induced movement,” says Schwartz.
Revelstone director, Alex Cyprianos, says
that suspended paving is generally used
in low-traffic areas such as concrete roofs,
balconies and terraces.
“The pavers tend to be large, averaging
600 mm² and 55 mm thick. We produce a
wet-cast flagstone paver for the purpose
which is steel reinforced, and we can also
SUSPENDED
PAVING
make up special shapes to accommodate
curved borders.”
The sandbags used in suspended paving
are filled with a mixture of sand and cement
which hardens once the laying process has
been completed. Over time the polythene
outer casing will deteriorate leaving a hard
and durable concrete core.
The completed suspended paving surface at Wembley Square.
LEFT:
Wembley Square, Cape Town, where
a suspended paving installation is taking place.
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