Gridforce Paving Systems for Vehicular Traffic. Installation Guide for Grass Finish

Systems

The Gridforce range offers five combination of size and shape to cover all applications from footpaths to car parks to HGV trafficking.

Base Preparation

The base must be constructed so that it is capable of withstanding the maximum bearing load likely to be applied and in the wettest of conditions.  Assuming the existing ground is reasonably free draining, then a typical base for a car park would comprise a minimum 150mm deep layer of well compacted graded crushed stone.  MOT Type 1 is unsuitable and should be avoided as it is not free draining.  The Department of Transport ‘Specification for Highways Works Road Pavements’ (clause 805 Type 3) details a suitable grading (which we can provide). This is effectively the former MOT Type 1X and is widely available.  The incorporation of a geotextile membrane beneath the stone should be considered.

Bedding

A 25mm deep layer of sharp sand or accredited 60:40 rootzone, comprising of 60% sharp sand and 40% top soil, should be laid on top of the stone base.  Consolidate the sharp sand or root zone with a light vibrating plate before laying the grid and filling the cells.

Laying

1)  Park Pavers - Lay the pavers starting in the right hand corner of the site.  The female (receiving) edges of the paver units should face forward and to the left (see diagram). 

The pavers arrive on site in pallets which comprise layers of 4 pavers pre-connected to speed installation.  Place the next panel of pavers, align edges with previous panel and apply foot pressure to complete connection.  Continue laying in a forward direction and to the left, stand on the laid pavers when laying the next panel.  For fitting around obstructions, pavers can easily be cut with a hand or power saw.  When laying is complete, consolidate the entire area with a vibrating plate or small roller.  Cut pavers should be nailed down using Gridforce pins.  For large unobstructed areas of Gridforce, it may be necessary to make provision for expansion/contraction.  If in doubt, please call us on 0115 9657303.  Pinning of Gridforce units is only required where severe gradients are involved - we can advise on this.

2) GF Pavers - The lugs on edge of pavers should be pointing forwards and to the right (see diagram).  Offer next panel in same orientation so that slots slide on to lugs on previous panel.  Continue laying panels in a forward direction and to the right.

Filling

Fill the pavers with good quality topsoil ,screened loam or 60:40 root zone.  Scrape away any overfill so that the top edges of all cells are visible.  Settlement of the cell fill will occur and should not be topped up.  This permits grass growth without direct impact from vehicles.

Seeding

Grass seed can be applied to the finished surface or for best results, mixed in with the cell fill before filling.  It should contain a high proportion of rye grass appropriate to the local area and sown at the upper level of the supplier’s recommended sowing rates.  Water regularly until grass is established.

Note:  Building regulations stipulate a maximum 1:12 gradient on applications where disabled access is required.