UPDATED CONCRETE BLOCK PAVING MANUALS AVAILABLE FROM THE CMA:

Running to 28 pages, Book 3 is designed to assist with the preparation of construction specifications for the paving of roads, industrial hardstanding and other areas where concrete paving blocks are laid on sand beds and where the joints between the blocks are filled with sand.

The manual also provides extracts from SANS 1200 MJ which are useful for drawing up contract specifications and it includes comment which will further assist in formulating those specifications.

It is divided into eight sections, which besides the introduction and the SANS 1200 MJ extracts, includes information on materials, plant and equipment, construction technique, tolerances, as well as diagrammatic illustrations of concrete block paving. The latter covers details such as the various types of edge restraints, block orientation through curves, and drainage details, among others.

Book 4, which runs to 16 pages is more practically orientated. It covers physical laying aspects such as site inspection, construction planning and the construction of edge restraints. The laying and screeding of bedding sand, squaring up and laying the concrete blocks are also covered in this manual, as are pattern adjustment, block lining, block cutting and the vibrating of blocks into place.

Other aspects covered by Book 4 include in-filling, temporary restraints, a check list and maintenance. The manual is well illustrated with diagrams and pictures, making it easy to follow.

Building Roads highlights the technical, environmental and socio-economic benefits which accrue when using concrete block paving (CBP), especially for township and rural roads.

CMA director, John Cairns, says using CBPs to build roads creates jobs for members of local communities and also provides the unskilled with a skill which can be sold on the open market.

“For example the communities of Phuthaditjhaba and Bela Bela, both urban villages with populations of less than 25 000, benefitted from employment opportunities through road upgrading programmes. Those involved also developed marketable skills which some have used to start their own businesses or acquire work in other areas.

“There is also the multiplier effect of the revenues earned to consider. Much of it is retained and re-spent within the community, thereby stimulating the growth of small business and improving the quality of life for those residents,” observes Cairns.

In addition the leaflet highlights the other benefits of roads built with concrete block pavers, such as low maintenance, improved ride quality, reduced dust pollution and tyre spray, and enhanced skid resistance.

All three manuals list CMA producer members, associate members and contractor members with contact numbers. The manuals are available at no charge from the CMA. Contact Pam on
(011) 805 6742 or via email on main.cma@gmail.com .

DATE:     October, 2009
ISSUED BY:     David Beer Communication Consultants
FOR:     Concrete Manufacturers Association 
ENQUIRIES:     John Cairns (011) 805 6742
 David Beer (011) 478 0239 or 082 880 6726.  Email: bigsky@ibi.co.za