Some frequently asked questions about machine lay block paving.
Why should I be considering machine laid block paving?
The single most important reason for using machine lay block paving
on larger sites is Health and Safety. Large areas of block
paving laid by hand have traditionally carried a high risk of RSI,
back injuries, knee injuries, wrist injuries and tendonitis. Properly
conducted machine lay dramatically reduces these risks.
Don't wait until machine lay is forced on you like it was with
kerbs and flags!
In addition, machine lay is usually much faster than hand lay thus
either ensuring you meet your handover dates or in situations such
as occupied roads on new estates, avoiding conflict between residents,
contractors and developers
Can any blocks be laid by machine?
No. In order to be machine laid, blocks must be produced in a format
suitable for the laying machine to pick up each layer of the pack
and place it within the laying pattern.
What blocks are currently available in the UK for machine laying?
Most UK manufacturers are working on producing blocks suitable for machine laying but currently there are two shaped blocks available for conventional laying, Marshalls Eskoo and Cemex’s Unicoloc. There are also two permeable, shaped blocks available Cemex’s Uniecoloc and Hanson Formpave's ML block.
The best news is that for some years,Tolly Paving have been working with UK block manufacturers and Probst,who manufacture blocklaying machines in Germany, to provide a solution to machine laying conventional 200 x 100mm rectangular blocks in herringbone pattern and this has resulted in the 45herringbone layer. This block can be laid in either 45 or 90 Herringbone pattern on site and has the benefit that the only hand lay involved is at the edges of the paved area.
This format is now available in both standard and permeable versions from several manufacturers.
All previous herringbone systems have relied on blocks being inserted by hand to tie adjacent clusters together entailing between 10 and 40% of the blocks (according to system/layout) still being laid by hand, this both increases manual handling risks and reduces production rates and whilst Tolly Paving can lay these systems, the above factors make this format less competitive
Are all sites suitable for machine laying?
There are very few sites which cannot be machine laid. However,
like tarmac, it may not be economic to lay very small sites by machine
as the cost of moving plant to site for small areas may not be justifiable.
Sites with complex patterns or many different colours or products
in the design may also be uneconomic to machine lay.
We are always happy to look at projects at the design stage and
advise on their suitability for machine lay.
Can I hire a machine and lay the blocks myself?
Would you hire a Blaw Knox and lay your own tarmac? Like Tarmacing,
machine laid block paving is a whole system, not just a machine
to place the blocks and relies upon a team of experts working together.
Hence we know of nobody who would hire a machine for this purpose.
Is machine laid paving more expensive than hand lay?
It depends on site layout/conditions but usually machine lay is
competitive with hand lay and on larger sites it is often less expensive.
Where do I go for more advice on machine laying?
You speak to us. As the UK's leading
experts on all systems of machine lay paving and world leaders in
the 45 herringbone system we are always happy to give you advice
without obligation.
If you think we are biased then make sure you go to an Interlay
member with experience of machine lay (see members
listings) to ensure that you are using a reputable contractor
.
What else do I need to consider in respect of machine lay?
Site layout, access, logistics, interfacing with other trades, delivery
times, programming and protection are all more critical with fast
track machine laid block paving and we are not only pleased but
need to get involved in all these areas at the pre-contract planning
stage. As the UK's most experienced machine lay contractor we have
wide experience of forseeing and overcoming problems at pre-construction
stage. This saves time and money for both you and us and of course,
our quotations include this service.
For further information please contact
Mark Pointer
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