ADVISORY NOTE

NUMBER: 006 OCTOBER, 1990

PRECAST CONCRETE PAVING BLOCKS

ADVISORY NOTE
ON

PRECAST CONCRETE PAVING BLOCKS

NOTE NUMBER 006 OCTOBER 1990

CONTENTS
PAGE

1 2 3 4 5 6

INTRODUCTION STANDARDS CONCEPTS MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURE REQUIREMENTS QUALITY CONTROL

1 2 3 5 7 11

DM NOTE NUMBER 006, OCTOBER 1990

ADVISORY NOTE ON PRECAST CONCRETE PAVING BLOCKS

DUBAI MUNICIPALITY NOTE NUMBER 006 OCTOBER 1990

1.

INTRODUCTION

Concrete block paving is a product which has enjoyed increasing acceptance all over the world. It is a pavement surface particularly suited to the diverserequirements of to-day's traffic. The use of concrete blocks for paving came into prominence in Holland and Germany in the 1950 s. Since then it has grown extensively, both there and in many other European countries where the market increased at compound rates. This high acceptance level is in large measure due to versatility of concrete block paving, in response to both aesthetic and high load situations where its traditional features, combined with its appearance, scale and load supporting ability enable it to contribute in a beneficial way to the environment. Concrete block paving is also cost-effective, does not require the use of expensive specialist paving plant, simple and cheap to lay, low in initial cost and provides a maintenance free surface throughout the design life of the pavement. Although good appearance has undoubtedly had a major influence upon the popularity of concrete paving blocks, their practical advantages have helped considerably to extend their use and there has been a growing use of this form of paving in the U.A.E., in common with other countries. There are now many manufacturer's producing paving blocks in the country. Access to services, which are frequently and unavoidably laid beneath carriage ways, can create a major problem in breaking out and reinstating the pavement. With concrete blocks, this problem is minimal and involves very little cost. Once the road surface has been broken into, the blocks can be lifted and recovered for re-use. The authority responsible for maintenance need only hold a very small stock of blocks to replace the few damaged in opening the trench. Concrete blocks can be trafficked immediately after reinstatement and making-good is invisible. Modern housing estate roads are often complex in layout. Curves are introducedand road widths varied to add interest to the development, to make the best use of land and to restrict traffic movement and speed. This complexity adds considerably to the difficulties of construction and to the cost of traditional roads, but causes few problems when blocks are used.

DM NOTE NUMBER 006, OCTOBER 1990

Concreteblocks provide an ideal surfacing for many forms of pavement where the traffic travels at a low-speed (50-60 km/h). This includes many roads, goods yards, storage areas, dock side paving, roll-on roll-off and container terminals. The blocks can also be used as an industrial surface, being highly resistant to point loads associated with trailer jacks or heavy duty racking or impacts. They are not readily damaged by high surface stresses, but form a flexible surfacing which can accommodate uneven settlement whilst still retaining continuity. If unacceptable settlements does occur, the blocks can be removed and re-used after the settlement has been made good . This ability to re-use the surfacing makes for considerable long term economies. Some road surfaces are softened by oil spillage, but this cannot happen to blocks although their surface may become stained. This resistance to oil is probably a major reason for their choice for car and lorry parks, bus lay-bys, bus stations, and petrolstation forecourts. Colour can easily be introduced to produce colour concrete blocks. Pavers' range of colours make it possible to create a mosaic of parking space lines and directional signs, and eliminating painting. These will have an indefinite life which can, however, be terminated at will by unplugging the coloured blocks and replacing them with blocks of the surrounding colour. In areas liable to uneven ground settlement, such as trench backfills or reclaimed land, blocks have special advantage in that they can be lifted and majority recovered for re-use. Since its introduction to the country concrete block paving has consistently increased its range and volume of applications such as pedestrianization schemes (residential developments, town centers, shopping precincts, sports centers, hotel fore courts etc.) , car parks, or on roads catering for low-speed vehicular traffic. This ADVISORY NOTE states the requirements for precast concrete paving blocks, giving criteria for materials, performance levels, dimensional deviations and guidance on items that should be considered while specifying them. 2. STANDARDS

The pre-cast concrete paving blocks are covered by the following standard specifications.

DM NOTE NUMBER 006, OCTOBER 1990

BS 6717 : Part 1. "Specification for Paving Block", is a manufacturing specification. It specifies requirements for the blocks intended for the construction of low speed roads and industrial and other paved surfaces subjected to all categories of static and vehicular loading and pedestrian traffic. ASTM C 936. "Standard Specification for Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units" covers the requirements for the pavers manufactured for the construction of the paved surfaces. DIN 18501 "Concrete Pavement Setts" applies to pavement setts with or without facing concrete manufactured from mineral aggregates for the paving of roads, paths and squares. 3. CONCEPTS

Paving blocks covered by the above specifications are designed to form a structural element and the surfacing of the pavements, having the block to block joints filled so as to develop frictional interlock. Concrete paving blocks form a 'flexible' surfacing because some degree of articulation can occur but the block still remain in contact. Friction between the vertical sides of the blocks provides interlock and load transfer to neighbouring units. This ability to articulate without significant joint opening can only be achieved with small units. Although blocks do have considerable load-spreading ability, without an adequate foundation they will be dislodged vertically. Block may also be moved horizontally by forces from vehicle tyres; to prevent this, blocks are made of special plan shapes or, in the case of rectangular blocks, are laid in a herringbone pattern. The blocks most commonly used for roads are 60 mm and 80 mm thick and are small enough, in width and weight, to allow them to be picked up in one hand. For heavy industrial applications, 80 mm /100 mm thick blocks are used and, in some instances, 120 mm. No scientific reason has been established for using thicker blocks, but one possibility is that thicker blocks are less liable to rotate about their horizontal axis in areas where there is a great deal of slewing or breaking of very heavy loaded wheels. In all cases, the blocks are laid on a layer of sharp sand and then vibrated with a steelfaced plate vibrator, which produces an even running surface and compact the sand, some of which is forced between the joints, starting the development of the interlock. The nominal thickness of the laying-course sand, after vibration, is 50 mm. Detailed advice on laying is covered by BS 6717: Part 3 "Code of Practice for Laying". 3.1 Shapes

DM NOTE NUMBER 006, OCTOBER 1990

The blocks are made in various shapes. The specifications place virtually no restriction on the plan shape of a block but seeks to ensure that the blocks can be picked up with one hand and that, when laid correctly, they will fit closely together. Convenient length : Width ratios are 1 1/2 and 2 but, to allow manufacturers freedom in shape design, the specification lay down only the limits for overall plan dimensions of blocks. BS 6717: Part 1 specifies that rectangular blocks shall be 200 mm in length and 100 mm in width. The shaped blocks shall be of any shape fitting within a 295 mm2 co-ordinating space and shall have a width not less than 80 mm. ASTM C 936 specifies that units shall not be greater than 240 mm in length, or 160 mm in width while DIN 18501 limits only the length to be not more than 280 mm. To minimize cutting and promote ease of laying, special starter blocks needed for various paved surface configurationsare also produced by manufacturers of repute associated with the standard block types. 3.2 Thickness

As per British standard, the preferred thicknesses are 60mm, 65mm, 80mm and 100mm, while German specifications provides, in addition to these, 120mm and 140mm. The American specification however, specifies that the thickness shall not be greater 140mm. The thickness of the paving blocks shall be selected in the light of the sub-base material, the subgrade soil, the load and the shape of the blocks. 3.3 Special Features

The blocks are produced with the following special features and the purchaser should specify the units having the desired particular features while ordering. 3.3.1 Chamfer. An edge chamfer around the wearing surface of blocks is to be preferred as it will subtly emphasises the laid pattern and reduces trip risk. The standard however, does not preclude the square edge profiles. British standard specifies that a chamfer size should not exceed 7mm in width or depth.

DM NOTE NUMBER 006, OCTOBER 1990

3.3.2 Colour. The blocks are produced in colours-red, buff, charcoal, grey, brown, etc.so that a wide variety of designs are possible for special effects and demarcation. The blocks are generally produced in "through " colours and when required the units can be "surface applied" reflective colour types. 3.3.3 Surface Finish. The blocks are made with different types of wearing course or textured surfaces. 4. 4.1 MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURE Materials

4.1.1 Cement used in the manufacture of precast concrete paving block should comply with the requirements of either OPC (BS 12) or SRPC (BS 4027) or MSRPC (ASTM Type 2) or DM ADVISORY NOTE NUMBER 002., as specified. 4.1.2 Aggregates used should consist of naturally occurring crushed or uncrushed materials comply with either BS 882 (except grading requirements in clause 5) or DM ADVISORY NOTE NUMBER 001., as specified. 4.1.2.1 Coarse Aggregate The coarse aggregate used should be 10 mm nominal size. 4.1.2.2 Fine Aggregate Paving blocks manufactured using fine aggregates containing excessive amounts of acidsoluble material are prone to develop polish quickly and become slippery. To ensure that paved surface does not develop polish but retains a micro-structure to give a good lowspeed skidding resistance when trafficked, limit on the acid-soluble material in fine aggregates is specified. Results obtained by using accelerated wear machine on pavement- quality concrete have shown that, when natural siliceous sand forms all or part of the fine aggregate, adequate resistance to skidding is retained. In the case of precast concrete paving blocks it is possible that other fine aggregates will have similar adequate skidding resistance but, unless evidence of this can be provided, it is preferred that the fine aggregate used in the manufacture of the blocks should contain a minimum of 25% natural siliceous sand.

DM NOTE NUMBER 006, OCTOBER 1990

Pending a development of a test method for skid resistance of precast concrete block paving, BS 6717 excludes the use of fine aggregate containing significant amounts of acid-soluble material, some of which have found to give poor polishing resistance. More specifically,the standard stipulates that the fine aggregate shall contain not more than 25% by mass of acid-soluble material. The percentage of acid-soluble material shall be determine by the test method described in BS 812 : Part 119 4.1.2.3 Deleterious Salt contamination In particular, deleterious salt contents in aggregates should not exceed the following limits depending upon the cement type used in the concrete mix.

Salts as % wt. of Aggregate. Acid soluble chlorides (Cl) % Max when SRPC cement is used when OPC or MSRPC cement is used Acid soluble sulphates (SO3) % Max.

Aggregate Fine Coarse 0.03 0.05 0.3 0.02 0.04 0.3

4.1.3 Water shall be clear and free from organic impurities, having a pH value in the basic range of 7 - 9. The inorganic impurities should not exceed the following limits :

Maximum concentration [1] [2] [3] [4] Chloride as Cl Sulphates as SO3 Alkali carbonate and bicarbonates Total dissolved ions, including 1, 2, 3 above

Limits, ppm 250 350 500 2000

DM NOTE NUMBER 006, OCTOBER 1990

4.1.4

Pigments used should comply with BS 1014.

4.1.5 Admixtures used should comply with requirements of BS 5075 : Part 1. However, chloride and chloride based admixtures should not be used. Preference should be for the use of lignosulphonate based water reducing agents. 4.1.6 Control of chlorides and sulphates The acceptable levels of equivalent acid soluble chlorides and sulphates as specified above for aggregates and water are indicative and subject to the over-riding limits for the mixes as given below : By weight of cement in the mix Acid soluble chlorides (Cl) % Max If concrete made with OPC / MSRPC If concrete made with SRPC Acid soluble sulphates (SO3) % Max 4.2 Manufacture

0.40 0.12 3.7

The manufacturing process of blocks is carried at some plants in the Emirate on the latest automatic machines. Batching of mix constituents, mixing and moulding operations does not involve any manual involvement. Accuracy in size and shape of the blocks is ensured through vibration presses. The block pellets are belt conveyed to the curing chambers. The curing process involves steam treatment. Curing time ranges from 8 to 10 hours. Following the curing process, the blocks are automatically depalletised and sent to the cuber. The block cubes are then dispatched to the storage yard. 5. 5.1 REQUIREMENTS Cement Content

Concrete used for paving blocks, in order to ensure durability, have a higher cement content of not less than 400 kg/m3 of the compacted concrete.

DM NOTE NUMBER 006, OCTOBER 1990

5.2

Condition

Pavement blocks shall be manufactured with a dense structure, free from cracks. Pores resulting from the manufacturing process are of no significance where serviceability is concerned, provided that the requirements specified in the following paras 5.3 to 5.7 are met. In composite paving blocks, the wearing surface layer must be formed as an integral part of the core concrete of the block and shall be not less than 5mm thick. These shall comply with compressive strength requirement (para 5.5) without delamination. 5.3 Dimensional Tolerances

Blocks must be manufactured to accurate dimensions. The dimensional tolerances are meant to ensure that blocks can be laid closely together and allow the development of interlock when the joints are filled with sand. The permissible deviation from the stated work size of paving blocks, measured in accordance with appendix A1 of BS 6717 : Part 1, shall be 2mm for length and width and 3mm for thickness. In addition, normality between block sides and the wearing surface; and parallelism of the opposite faces shall be assessed in accordance with appendix A2 of BS 6717 : Part 1. 5.4 Water Absorption

Water absorption (average of 3 specimens) tested in accordance with ASTM method C 140 "Method of Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units" shall not be greater than 5% with no individual result greater than 7%. 5.5 Compressive Strength

At the time of delivery to the work site, or at the latest when they are 28-days old, the compressive strengths as required by different specifications are given below : Standard Test sample size 16 Nos. (1) 3 Nos. 5 Nos. Conditioning of specimens Wet (2) Dry Dry Strength not less than Average Individual 2 (N/mm ) (N/mm2) 49 40 55 50 60 50

BS 6717 ASTM C 936 DIN 18501

DM NOTE NUMBER 006, OCTOBER 1990

(1) BS 6717, however states that, if the average crushing strength of the first four blocks tested is not less than 54 N/mm2 and if none of these four blocks has a crushing strength of less than 40 N/mm2, the consignment shall be considered to comply with this standard. (2) The wet specimen indicate a lower strength compared to its strength in dry condition. The loss of strength due to wetting of a specimen is caused by dilation of the cement gel by adsorbed water : the forces of cohesion of the solid particles are then decreased. The Dubai Municipality requires that average strength of 10 paving blocks sampled in accordance with clause 6.4 of this NOTE and tested as described in appendix B of BS 6717: Part 1 shall not be less than 49 N/mm2 and with no block less than 40 N/mm2. 5.6 Tensile Strength

The consensus of the task group responsible for formulation of ASTM C 936 is that compressive strength does not truly express a significant property of paving block. Rather, flexural property evaluated by means of a tensile splitting test will be more meaningful. Test data in this respect is being developed and evaluated to arrive at a specification value. 5.7 Performance

Field performance of paved surfaces in few cases has not been very satisfactory. The surfaces showing signs of erosion. The causes could be inadequate strength, poor resistance to attacks from sulphate and chloride bearing sub-soil water at places where the water table is too close to surface, and / or stagnant surface water where the paved surfaces are not laid to required falls and gradients to shed the water to drain away. Choice of suitable cement type, selection of suitable aggregates, proper design of concrete mixes, application of adequate vibro- compaction effort during manufacture of blocks and adoption of sound practices for the construction of paved surfaces would definitely ensure satisfactory service performance. As an additional measure, use of silicate or similar type of additives could be used integrally with the mix to reduce the permeability of cement matrix of the block to further enhance the service performance.

DM NOTE NUMBER 006, OCTOBER 1990

5.7.1

Test for Performance against Salt Attack

The blocks complying with the requirement specified in paras numbers 5.2 to 5.6 above are meant to ensure their satisfactory in-service performance. However, there is no specific standard test method for the direct assessment of overall service performance of block units and block paved surfaces exposed to aggressive actions of salt-laden surface conditions. There is a need to evolve an accelerated test method for this purpose. Perhaps, DIN 52206 "Testing Roofing Slates, Acid Resistance Test", ASTM D 3774 "Aggregate Durability Index" and ASTM C 88 "Standard Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates" could provide guidance in the development of such method. 5.7.2 Test for Abrasion Resistance

Abrasion resistance is one of the service performance requirements in ASTM specification. Neither BS nor DIN standards specify any requirement for abrasion resistance of paving blocks, while ASTM C 936, Clause 4.4 does. This clause requires that when tested in accordance with ASTM C 418, "Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Concrete by Sand Blasting", specimen shall not have a greater volume loss than 15 cm3 per 50 cm2 and average thickness loss shall not exceed 3 mm. This test method covers the laboratory evaluation of the relative resistance of concrete surface to abrasion. This procedure simulates the action of water borne abrasives and abrasives under traffic on concrete surfaces. As there is not much of water borne abrasive action in the prevalent service conditions of the Emirate, this test method is not quite applicable. Other test procedures are available in ASTM Standards for measuring abrasive resistance of concrete surfaces. They are outlined in : ASTM C 779 "Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Horizontal Concrete Surfaces" and ASTM C 944 "Test Methods for Abrasion Resistance of Concrete or Mortar Surfaces by Rotating - Cutter Method". The C 944 closely represent the prevalent service conditions and hence recommended as an alternative to C 418 for evaluating relative wear resistance of paving blocks. 6. QUALITY CONTROL

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DM NOTE NUMBER 006, OCTOBER 1990

6.1

Sources

Individual paving units shall be obtained from approved source(s) or manufacturer(s) but no section of the paving shall be constructed with a mixture of units from differing sources. 6.2 Visual Inspection

All units shall be hard, sound, square, clean with sharp well defined arises and free of cracks or other defects that would interfere with the proper placing of the unit or impair the strength and service performance of the paved surfaces. Minor chipping resulting from customary methods of handling in shipment and delivery, shall not be deemed grounds for rejection. The purchaser or his authorized representative shall be permitted access to the place where paving blocks are manufactured, for the purpose of examining and sampling the materials and the finished blocks from the lots ready for delivery. 6.3 Compliance

Compliance with the requirements specified shall be verified by inspection, comprising internal control and third party inspection. 6.3.1 Internal Control

The manufacturer shall operate a quality control scheme which shall be available for inspection by prospective purchaser and inspecting agency. Type, minimum scope and frequency of internal control shall be as follows : [a] Once per day of production and for each manufacturing machine, the block dimensions and squareness shall be checked for four units. Twice per week of production and for each manufacturing machine, but at least once per 1000 Nos. of blocks, the compressive strength shall be checked for four blocks deriving from the production of different days.

[b]

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DM NOTE NUMBER 006, OCTOBER 1990

Deviations from the scope and frequency of testing may exceptionally be permitted by the inspection agency and are also permissible in cases where the inspection, especially of the records of internal control, has not given rise to any complaints and are adequate for the works in question. 6.3.2 Third Party Inspection The

Third party mentioned herein shall be the Dubai Municipality Laboratory. inspection shall involve testing of the following : [a] [b] [c] [d] [e] [f] 6.3.3 Dimensions Compressive strength Water absorption Abrasion resistance Cement content of the mix Constituent materials of concrete

Certificate of Compliance

The manufacturer shall provide the purchaser with a certificate of compliance with the specification. This certificate shall state that the manufacturer has made arrangements for his products to be sampled and tested at regular intervals. 6.4 Sampling

A representative sample of paving blocks required for test purposes shall be selected to the mutual satisfaction of manufacturer, and purchaser. The sample shall be taken either immediately before delivery, or as soon after delivery as convenient to all parties. Two specimens shall be drawn at random from each group of 1000 blocks for every designated 5000 block section or part thereof in a consignment. All samples shall be clearly marked at the time of sampling in such a way that the designated section or part thereof and the consignment represented by the sample, are clearly defined.

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DM NOTE NUMBER 006, OCTOBER 1990

6.4.1

Number of Specimens

The number of specimens required for each test shall be as follows : [a] For routine testing For dimensional checks and compressive strength determination [b] For optional testing, when specified Water absorption determination Abrasion resistance test

10

: :

3 3

Test for cement content determination from the broken fragments of blocks tested for compression. 6.4.2 Identification [a] Mark on blocks: Line mark(s) not exceeding 3 mm projection and 5 mm wide on the side faces of units and groove(s) matching to the projection(s) on the opposite side face. Number of line marks, their position and spacing shall be according to those assigned by Dubai Municipality to each of the manufacturer. [b] The metallic strap tying each consignment unit / cube (e.g. package of blocks) to be embossed / clipped to furnish the following information : [c] Manufacturer's Logo Lot Number Production Number Date of Production D.M. Certification Mark

Certificate of Compliance as per 6.3.3

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