Resin-bound paving is a mixture of aggregate

stone In geology, rock (or stone) is any naturally occurring solid mass or aggregate of minerals or mineraloid matter. It is categorized by the minerals included, its Chemical compound, chemical composition, and the way in which it is formed. Rocks ...

s and

resin A resin is a solid or highly viscous liquid that can be converted into a polymer. Resins may be biological or synthetic in origin, but are typically harvested from plants. Resins are mixtures of organic compounds, predominantly terpenes. Commo ...

used to pave

footpaths A footpath (also pedestrian way, walking trail, nature trail) is a type of thoroughfare that is intended for use only by pedestrians and not other forms of traffic such as motorized vehicles, bicycles and horses. They can be found in a wide ...

driveways A driveway (also called ''drive'' in UK English) is a private road for local access to one or a small group of structures owned and maintained by an individual or group. Driveways rarely have traffic lights, but some may if they handle heavy ...

, etc. It is a kind of

permeable paving Permeable paving surfaces are made of either a porous material that enables stormwater to flow through it or nonporous blocks spaced so that water can flow between the gaps. Permeable paving can also include a variety of surfacing techniques fo ...

solution. It is a flexible surfacing material, so is resistant to cracking.

Overview

The system is mixed on site and cold applied, using a high-quality clear UV resistant resin binder to coat the aggregate particles prior to laying. Unlike resin-bonded surfacing, where a thin layer of resin is applied to the surface and then the aggregate scattered on top (which can then become loose over time and is impermeable), resin and aggregates are thoroughly mixed together prior to laying, ensuring that the aggregate is completely coated and so providing a totally bound surface. As a result, a resin-bound surface is more durable and requires less maintenance – it needs to be swept or power washed at least twice a year, to avoid the build-up of detritus and prevent the growth of moss or algae. In the UK Resin-bound surfacing can conform to the guidance notes set out by the Resin Flooring Association (FeRFA). The quality of the resin-bound surfacing is dependent on a variety of factors.

Applications

pavements Pavement(s) or paving may refer to: Surfacing * Road surface, the durable surfacing of roads and walkways * Sidewalk, a walkway along the side of a road, called a pavement in British English * Asphalt concrete, a common form of road surface * Co ...

natural aggregate mix blends tested to BS 8204-6:2008+A1:2010 Appendix B for slip resistance will, when installed correctly, provide a slip-resistant, permeable, decorative finish suitable for pedestrian and light vehicular traffic. Natural aggregate and recycled rubber blends are available from UKAS ISO9001 manufacturers and are suitable for pathways and nature walks where environmental benefits are required from the specifier. The resins available should be UV resistant polyurethanes. UV resin-bound paving is a fully permeable paving solution which allows water to freely drain through the surface. Meeting the requirements of

Sustainable urban drainage systems Sustainable drainage systems (also known as SuDS,water runoff Runoff is the flow of water across the earth, and is a major component in the hydrological cycle. Runoff that flows over land before reaching a watercourse is referred to as ''surface runoff'' or ''overland flow''. Once in a watercourse, runoff is ...

. This may also mitigate the need for planning permission when installing a resin driveway, depending on jurisdiction, as they are permeable. Resin-bound systems incorporating 6-10mm dried aggregates and larger sizes are generally used as tree surrounds known as tree pits. These are a cost-effective and practical alternative to metal tree grilles that are stolen for scrap value, are costly to purchase and harbour litter thus increasing maintenance costs for local authorities and tax payers. Tree pit systems work in a similar way to UV resin-bound surfacing systems only using larger aggregates to allow more water to permeate through to feed the trees they surround. Tree Pit systems are generally installed at a depth of 40 to 50 mm, depending on the specification; they have a reduced ratio of 6% UV light stable polyurethane resin to 100 kg kiln dried aggregate.

Disadvantages

Resin bound gravel is particularly sensitive to moisture during the curing process and the presence of water in the mix can cause a reaction in which the polyurethane binder becomes white and bubbles start to form. This issue is quite common but is often due to poor installation practices. Moisture should be completely eliminated from any aggregate used in the mix and the use of kiln-dried sand and gravels is vital to the success and integrity of the surface. Decorative coloured recycled crushed glass and pigmented quartzes are suitable generally for visual purposes only, as they are susceptible to damage due to having low crush values, and so will become damaged if walked on.

References

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External links

*https://www.ferfa.org.uk/
The Environment AgencyScottish Environment Protection Agency
Road infrastructure

Overview

Applications

Disadvantages

See also

References

External links