Construction of Block Pavements

Block pavements, also called brick paving are a form of paving whereby individual building units are used. The main benefit of this type of paving is that bricks can easily be lifted and replaced. Block paving is typically used in ton centres, driveways and backyards.

1.     Planning and preparation

Typically, you need to prepare any form of work before starting and consulting an expert in a field will do you just that. An architect or civil engineer can mark out the area that is to be worked on and provide a working drawing as such saving you the time as a bill of quantities will also be provided. Anyhow, if you are working on your own little DIY project, like a new driveway, that might not be necessary. Do remember to inspect the area you wish to pave for any electric cables or pipes that might be buried.

2.     Excavation

This simply involve the digging and disposal of soil to level the ground and make way for a sub-base. The excavation depth of an average driveway is 200-250 mm below the paving level. The digging can be done with traditional tools such as a pickaxe and a shovel or a mini-digger can be hired to do the task.

3.     Filling the sub-base, base course and Edging

Sub-base is a layer of aggregate (normally a cement mixture) that holds together and evenly spreads out all the materials that will be used to make the pavement. A strong sub-base is of grave importance as it means your driveway can outlive the surface blocks should they sustain damage. The base course is the layer directly under the pavement, it is made of certain industrial aggregates to hold the paving blocks together. Edging simply involves the outlining of the pavement.

4.     Brick laying and Alignment

This step involves the laying of the pavement blocks in the desired pattern. Alignment can be checked with the use of a string or an alignment bar. The finishing touch is to cut in any bricks to fit in the missing spaces.