Learn about Paving
Paving involves more than bricks alone. We want to help you to buy or specify a paving installation that will last for 50 years. The intention of this section of the website is not to sell our products. Even if you decide to buy from another supplier, use this section to understand paving and the concepts around it. In this section we will refer to various international guidelines and other factual information. Yes, when it comes to the concepts around segmented paving, South Africa is not different to the rest of the world, irrespective of what the installer claims who has been doing it for 30 years. Also beware, even though segmented paving has proven itself since Roman times, things could go horribly wrong. We will try to objectively share common problems encountered with concrete and segmented paving and how to avoid them.
Click on the tab below for more information
The concept of segmented paving installed on an aggregate base, has been used for centuries. The Romans built a network of roads, some of them still functional today. This proves that done properly, a pavement paved with segmented paving could last for centuries.
How it works?
Weight is distributed to adjacent pavers and the aggregate base beneath the pavers.
The greatest problem
It costs money and takes time and effort to dig op soil found on site and replace it with a foundation of road building material, not to mention its compaction. Through the years, all kinds of shortcuts has been developed in South Africa in order to bypass this essential element of segmented paving and it has been proven time and time again, it does not work and it is not worth it. Please note: Bedding sand is NOT the foundation.
Distribution of forces
First Record of Paving, 4000BC
As a manufacturer of dry cast concrete paving with various factories, Bosun sells vast quantities of paving. Additionally our sister company (SmartStone) is also a leading manufacturer of wet cast concrete paving. Therefore we’ve learned a great deal about paving and acquired much knowledge through the years.
Our objective with this section is to provide information which is truthful, objective and accurate regarding paving and which is critical for the consumer to have, in order to make informed decisions when embarking on a paving project.
We have found that prior to installing a driveway, walkway, patio, or paving a pool area, the majority of people want truthful and objective answers to the same basic questions. Below is what we consider to be a road map to buying paving.
Click on the questions to read the articles.
- Did you know? Not all pavers are the same.
- How to select a good contractor.
- How much does paving cost?
- How long will paving last and what guarantees can I expect?
- Spotting the difference between a good and a bad paving contractor
- Common paving related problems associated with poor installation
- “I know nothing about paving”. What are the most important considerations when paving?
- Which is best: Wet Cast Concrete paving, Dry Cast Concrete paving, Clay paving or Tar?
The South African National standard for concrete paving blocks is SANS 1058 : 2012.
Bosun’s factories in Midrand, Brits and PE are amongst the first manufacturers of concrete paving blocks to be awarded the SANS 1058: 2012 mark. All three factories manufacture products according to the required specifications and product guarantees are based on the same rule.
Bosun kerbs and retaining wall blocks also comply with SANS specifications.
Bosun Installation Guidelines
- Printable PDF version of our Paving Installation Guide
- Installation guidelines for large pavers
- Grass Block Installation Guidelines
- Waterwise paver installation guidelines
CMA installation Guidelines
ICIP installation Guidelines
A range of Technical Specs have been developed by the American based Interlocking, Concrete Paving Institute. The principles of these Specifications are accepted throughout the world. Many specific aspects of bock paving are addressed in these specifications. Bosun is proud to sponsor the distribution of these specifications in South Africa.
Click on the individual technical spec link below for more information on each.
Tech Spec 1: Glossary of Terms for Segmental Concrete Pavement
Tech Spec 2: Construction of Interlocking Concrete Pavements
Tech Spec 3: Edge Restraints for Interlocking Concrete Pavements
Tech Spec 4: Structural Design of Interlocking Concrete Pavement for Roads and Parking Lots
Tech Spec 5: Cleaning, Sealing and Joint Sand Stabilization of Interlocking Concrete Pavement
Tech Spec 6: Reinstatement of Interlocking Concrete Pavements
Tech Spec 7: Repair of Utility Cuts Using Interlocking Concrete Pavers
Tech Spec 8: Concrete Grid Pavements
Tech Spec 9: Guide Specification for the Construction of Interlocking Concrete Pavement
Tech Spec 10: Application Guide for Interlocking Concrete Pavements
Tech Spec 11: Mechanical Installation of Interlocking Concrete Pavements
Tech Spec 12: Snow Melting Systems
Tech Spec 13: Slip and Skid Resistance of Interlocking Concrete Pavements
Tech Spec 14: Concrete Paving Units for Roof Decks
Tech Spec 15: Specifying Machine Installation
Tech Spec 16: Achieving LEED Credits with Segmental Concrete Pavement
Tech Spec 17: Bedding Sand Selection for Interlocking Concrete Pavements in Vehicular Applications
Tech Spec 18: Construction of Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement Systems
Tech Spec 19: Design, Construction and Maintenance of Interlocking Concrete Pavement Crosswalks
Tech Spec 20: Construction of Bituminous-Sand Set Interlocking Concrete Pavement
Tech Spec 23: Maintenance Guide for Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements
Segmented paving needs some essential maintenance. Although this maintenance is basic and simple, it is still essential and should be done in order to ensure your pavement is good to last for 50 years.
Click below to view maintenance guidelines
Australian Concrete Segmental Paving Maintenance Guide
Bosun’s Cleaning and Maintenance Guide