STEPS FOR PREPERATION OF A PAVEMENT

Pavements are used to enhance the life of different road surfaces,such as driveways. Pavements are durable surface area laid on an intended area.

What are some advantages of pavements?

•  They are durable
• They are eco-friendly
• They are easy to replace
• There is no waste
• They are cost effective

Have a look at the following steps on how pavement preparation should be done

1. preparation

•  Sketch out the area to be paved
• Make a clear view about dimensions and laying pattern
• Consider the quantities of cement and sand required for bedding
  
• Sub-layers must be made ready, depending on the size of the paver
• Dig out(excavate) the soft soil and replace with crushed stones

The level of the sand must be approximately 40mm

The final paving level below the finished level should be as follows;

1.  For 60mm paving units:approximately100mm
2. For 80mm paving units: approximately 120mm
   

       3   For 100mm paving units: approximately 140mm 

2.Installation of edge restrains

Edges improve the life and appearance of a paved area 

• Consider the edge restrains to avoid border erosion and improve the durability of the pavers .
  

Take care of the stability of the paver at the sub- base level.

3.Laying course

This process is done in the basement and it consists of well graded sand(both fine and and course particles)

•  Ensure that the sand is spread uniformly,and it has uniform smoothness and moisture content
• Make sure that the layer laid does not bare any weight at least  a day

• Keep cement away from the laid surface to avoid staining

4.Screeding

Screeding used to level to level the decided area. 

It can either be done from kerb stone or using rails to level the sand

• Level of the paver can be checked by placing screeding guides.
• Once the levels of the pavers have been checked,guides can be
  
  
  
  removed and screeding continued.
• Generally,laying must be started at the longest straight side area,so as to keep the lines straight.

5.Placing the paving units

Suitability is an important criterion

Select a pattern of a paver according to suitability,for example; herringbone pattern(45 DEGREE or 90 DEGREE) is usually recommended on vehicular movement.

• Leave a gap of 3mm to ensure an even interlock after vibration.
• Start laying at the  longest straight side area to keep the lines straight,to minimize the amount of cutting required

6. Vibrator and compaction

Sweep the blocks  clean,then compact with a plate vibrator

•   Use a frequency of 75-100 Hz, this helps to settle the pavers into the bedding sand and create a smooth surface.

• Vibrate the surface after completing a day's work.

7. Joining sand

Brushing fine sand into the joints of the paver, locks the pavers together .

• Spread a thin layer of sand evenly over the top of the pavers.
• Sweep the sand into all the spaces between the pavers working on one section at a time.
• Sweep any excess sand off the surface of the pavers.Sweep lightly to avoid disturbing the sand in  between the pavers.
• Spray with water to help in packing down the sand in between the pavers and wash the remaining sand off the surface.
• Start over by pouring more sand over the pavers and repeat the process,to ensure that all the spaces between the blocks are filled with sand