Design and Construction of Interlocking Concrete Block Pavements

Concrete block pavement has recently emerged as a major new form of construction both for landscaping where aesthetics are of prime concern and for pavements carrying traffic ranging from cars and trucks to the heaviest of industrial loads. Since the 1960s extensive research into this form of paving has been conducted worldwide. For the first time this information is brought together in a form that benefits the practising civil or municipal engineer, architect or landscaper. Written by a recognized authority in the field, the book summarizes the history of segmental paving and discusses both the advantages and limitations of this form of construction. The wide range of block pavement applications is illustrated by reference to projects around the world. The technology of block paving is then systematically outlined and procedures for the design of roads, municipal applications and industrial pavements are presented and critically evaluated. These procedures are supported by specifications for the materials and methods of installation. Detailed descriptions of construction and maintenance techniques are given. The three main features that this book provides are: a wide ranging review of research into the in-service of block pavements; comprehensive summary of design procedures for pedestrian areas, roads, airports and industrial pavements; illustrations of a range of block paving applications around the world.

Table of Contents:
Introduction to concrete block paving; the history of segmental paving - an overview; the nature of concrete block paving; advantages and limitations of concrete block paving; comparison of concrete blocks with other forms of pavement; application of block pavements; types of blocks; chamfers, grooves and surface relief; laying pattern; use of blocks; architectural applications; engineering applications; the performance of block pavements in service; surface characteristics of block paving; tests of concrete block paving; an overview of the performance of block pavements under traffic; factors affecting the structural performance of trafficked block pavements; the structural design of concrete block pavements; the design of lightly-loaded block pavements; design criteria for trafficked block pavements; pavement characterization; the analysis of concrete block pavements; design procedures; design of road pavements; the design of industrial block pavements; the design of airport pavements; verification and selection of design procedures; the role of costs in pavement design; pavement materials; concrete for paving units; the manufacture of concrete block pavers; specifications and tolerances for paving units; choosing the paving unit; selection and specification of the materials in the pavement substructure; construction and management of block pavements; construction of pavement substructure; construction of the base and sub-base; installation of the paving units; detailing block pavements; maintenance, rehabilitation and management of block pavements.