Interlock Paving
Types and prices for interlock pavers. El-Eman Office provides paving services.
Preparing the layers under interlock paving
The life of an interlock paving surface depends on what lies under the pavers more than on the pavers themselves. Uncompacted soil or a weak base layer leads to settlement and waves within a few months, especially in car parks.
- Remove weak or organic soil and reach a firm layer.
- Compact the natural soil in layers while controlling moisture.
- Spread a base of graded crushed stone and compact it to a thickness suited to the expected load.
- Spread a coarse sand bedding layer of even thickness and level it with a screed without walking on it.
- Lay the pavers, compact with a plate vibrator and fill the joints with fine sand.
The surface should have a suitable fall to drain rainwater toward gullies or soakaway areas, because water remaining on or under the surface weakens the layers.
Edges and lateral restraint
Interlock is a system that relies on friction between the units, so it does not work properly without an edge that restrains sideways movement. A frame of concrete kerbs or edge stones is therefore built around the area and fixed on a light concrete base.
- Without an edge, the units gradually spread apart under vehicle traffic.
- Cut pieces at the edges should be made with a cutting machine, and very small fragments should be avoided because they move.
- Work around manholes needs careful finishing, with a level that matches the surface.
Choosing the pattern and thickness for the use
Paver thickness and strength depend on the type of traffic. Pedestrian areas and gardens need less thickness, while garage entrances and roads used by trucks need thicker, higher-strength pavers and a stronger base. A herringbone pattern bonds better under moving loads because it spreads them in several directions, while straight patterns may be enough for light walkways. Order pavers from a reliable factory with uniform colour and dimensions, check a sample before delivery, and add an allowance for breakage and cutting to the quantity.
Frequently asked questions
Why does interlock settle and become wavy?
The usual cause is poor compaction, a bad base, water seeping under the pavers, or missing edge restraints. The remedy is to lift the affected area, rebuild the layers and relay the pavers.
Can the pavers be reused after lifting?
Usually yes, and this is one of the advantages of the system. Units can be lifted to reach utilities underneath and relaid after the base is repaired.
How do I stop weeds growing between the joints?
Fill the joints fully with suitable sand, remove roots before installation, consider a separating geotextile layer, and clean and maintain the surface regularly.
