Gridforce Paving Systems for Vehicular Traffic. Installation Guide for Stone Filling

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 geotextile membrane beneath the stone should be considered.

Bedding

A layer of 6mm limestone or sharp sand, approximately 25mm thick should be laid on top of the stone and screeded to provide a firm even bedding layer for the pavers.

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 until approximately 10mm of the bedding sand migrates through to fill the bottom portion of each paver cell.  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

Optimum grading for filling cells is 10-20mm single sized gravel.  A layer of stone is sometimes left on top of the pavers but complete containment of the stone within the cells will provide a neater and more manageable installation.

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