Tough enough for roads

摘要

Why should concrete block paving, a material normally associated with urban regeneration and pedestrianisation schemes, be considered ideal for surfacing roads? Why have the Dutch and Germans long recognised it as an equal contender to asphalt for urban roads? And why is the material widely used in demanding applications involving severe loads, such as container terminals, airports and bus stations? The answer is, quite simply, that concrete block paving provides a highly functional, attractive and hard-wearing surface which is more economical than asphalt in terms of whole life costs due to its longer lifespan, infrequent and simpler maintenance and ease of reinstatement. What is more, mechanised laying can further reduce the material's initial costs and reduce construction time for large uninterrupted expanses such as roads. These factors are especially significant at a time when our roads are subjected to heavier and more frequent traffic flows and frequent utility excavations which exert punishing routines on any pavement surface.