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BRITISH STANDARD BS 6717-1:1993

Precast concrete paving blocks —

Part 1: Specification for paving blocks

UDC 625.821.5

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BS 6717-1:1993

This British Standard, having been prepared under thedirection of the Road Engineering Standards Policy Committee,was published under theauthority of the StandardsBoard and comes intoeffect on15 December 1993

© BSI 12-1998

First published August 1986 Second edition December 1993

The following BSI references relate to the work on this standard:Committee reference B/507Draft for comment 92/14326 DC

ISBN 0 580 22313 2

Committees responsible for this British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Road Engineering Standards Policy Committee (B/-) to Technical Committee B/507, upon which the following bodies were represented:

Association of County CouncilsAssociation of London Borough Engineers and SurveyorsAssociation of Metropolitan AuthoritiesBritish Aggregate Construction Materials IndustriesBritish Civil Engineering Test Equipment Manufacturers’ AssociationBritish Precast Concrete Federation Ltd.Cement and Concrete AssociationCement Makers’ FederationConcrete SocietyCounty Surveyor’s SocietyDepartment of Transport (Highways)Institution of Civil EngineersInstitution of Highways and TransportationInstitution of Structural EngineersInterlocking Paving AssociationLandscape InstituteMilton Keynes Development CorporationNational Paving and Kerb AssociationRoyal Institute of British ArchitectsSand and Gravel Association LimitedScottish Development DepartmentSociety of Chemical Industry

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No. Date Comments

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Contents

PageCommittees responsible Inside front coverForeword ii

1 Scope 12 References 13 Definitions 14 Binders and binder constituents 15 Aggregates 16 Water 27 Admixtures and pigments 28 Finishes 29 Binder content 2

10 Sizes and tolerances 211 Compressive strength 312 Sampling 313 Marking 3

Annex A (normative) Measurement of dimensions and plan area 4Annex B (normative) Determination of compressive strength 5

Table 1 — Binders 1Table 2 — Aggregates 2Table 3 — Thickness and chamfer correction factors forcompressive strength 5

List of references Inside back cover

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Foreword

This Part of BS 6717 was prepared under the direction of the Road Engineering Standards Committee. It supersedes BS 6717-1:1986, which is withdrawn. Part 1 is a manufacturing specification for precast concrete paving blocks, while Part 3 is the code of practice for laying precast concrete block pavements.BS 7533 is the guide for the structural design of pavements constructed with clay or concrete block pavers.This edition introduces technical changes only. It does not reflect a full review or revision of the standard.It is desirable that paving blocks do not develop a polished surface of low skid resistance when trafficked. Pending the development of a test method for skid resistance, this standard excludes the use of fine aggregates containing significant amounts of acid-soluble material, some of which have been found to give poor polishing resistance.Work to develop a satisfactory test for durability of concrete paving blocks is continuing. Until such a test has been established, the requirement for minimum binder content will be retained.A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.

Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligations.

Summary of pages This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,pages 1 to 6, an inside back cover and a back cover.This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the inside front cover.

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1 ScopeThis Part of BS 6717 specifies requirements for precast concrete paving blocks intended for the construction of low speed roads and industrial and other paved surfaces subjected to all categories of static and vehicular loading and pedestrian traffic.NOTE Paving blocks covered by this Part of BS 6717 are designed to form a structural element for the surfacing of pavements, having the block to block joints filled so as to develop frictional interlock.

2 References2.1 Normative referencesThis Part of BS 6717 incorporates, by reference, provisions from specific editions of other publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate points in the text and the publications are listed on the inside back cover. Subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications apply to this Part of BS 6717 only when incorporated in it by updating or revision.2.2 Informative referencesThis Part of BS 6717 refers to other publications that provide information or guidance. Editions of these publications current at the time of issue of this standard are listed on the inside back cover, but reference should be made to the latest editions.

3 DefinitionsFor the purposes of this Part of BS 6717, the following definitions apply.

3.1 concrete paving block

concrete element fitting within a 295 mm square coordinating space with a work size thickness (see 3.5) not less than 60 mm

3.2 wearing surfaces(s)

surface(s) of a paving block designed to be laid uppermost and to be trafficked in use

3.3 plan area

area bounded by those faces that are approximately normal to the wearing surface but excluding any spacer nibs

3.4 compressive strength

average crushing strength of a sample of 16 paving blocks when tested as described in annex B

3.5 work size

size of paver, normally expressed in terms of dimensions of length, width, thickness and chamfer, specified for its manufacture to which its actual size should conform within specified deviations

3.6 spacer nib

a projection on the vertical face of a unit intended as an aid to laying

4 BindersPaving blocks shall be made using one or more of the binders conforming to the appropriate British Standards as given in Table 1.

Table 1 — Binders

5 Aggregates5.1 General

Paving blocks shall be made using one or more of the aggregates conforming to the appropriate British Standards as given in Table 2.

Type of binder Standard

Portland cement BS 12:1991

Portland blastfurnace cements

BS 146:1991

Sulfate-resisting Portland cement

BS 4027:1991

Portland pulverized-fuel ash cements

BS 6588:1991

Pulverized-fuel asha BS 3892-1:1982

Ground granulated blastfurnace slag for use with Portland cementb

BS 6699:1992

High slag blastfurnace cement

BS 4246:1991

a Where pulverized-fuel ash is used the proportions and properties of the combination with Portland cement shall conform to BS 6588:1991.b Where ground granulated blastfurnace slag is used the proportions and properties of the combination with Portland cement shall conform to BS 146:1991 or BS 4246:1991.

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Table 2 — Aggregates

5.2 Acid-soluble material (fine aggregate)

When tested as described in BS 812-119:1985, the fine fraction of the combined aggregate used in manufacture (that material passing a 5 mm sieve conforming to BS 410:1986) shall not contain more than 25 % by mass of acid-soluble material, either in the fraction retained or in the fraction passing a 600 µm sieve.NOTE This test should be repeated whenever major changes in aggregate source take place or when there is evidence of variation within a source.

6 WaterThe water shall be drinking quality or shall conform to BS 3248:1980 or shall be recycled process water free from visual contamination by oil.

7 Admixtures and pigments7.1 Admixtures

Proprietary accelerating, retarding and water reducing agents shall conform to BS 5075-1:1982 and BS 5075-2:1982.Where admixtures are formulated from a combination of materials, including those specified above, then the accelerating, retarding and water reducing ingredients, where they are included in such combinations, shall conformto BS 5075-1:1982 and BS 5075-2:1982.Any other admixtures employed shall be supported by evidence confirming that no adverse effect on the properties required by this standard will result.

7.2 Pigments

Pigments supplied in powder form shall conform to BS 1014:1975. Where pigments are used in the preparation of suspensions or slurries the pigments shall conform to BS 1014:1975.

8 FinishesNOTE The finish should be agreed between the manufacturer and the specifier.

Concrete described as “natural colour” shall contain no pigment.In composite paving blocks the surface layer shall be formed as an integral part of the block and shall be not less than 5 mm thick.

9 Binder contentThe binder content of the compacted concrete shall be not less than 380 kg/m3.NOTE For equivalent durability, paving blocks made with binder constituents other than ordinary Portland cement(see clause 3) should have a higher binder content than paving blocks made in a similar way using only Portland cement. The development of strength with mixed binder constituents is generally slower than with ordinary Portland cement. Until a satisfactory durability test is available the compressive strength test will be the only guide to the amount of additional binder needed.

10 Sizes and tolerances10.1 Sizes

Paving blocks shall have a work size thickness of not less than 60 mm. Type R blocks shall have a work size length of 200 mm and a work size width of 100 mm. Type S blocks shall be of any shape fitting within a 295 mm square coordinating space. Spacers shall not be included in the work size of the block.NOTE 1 The preferred work size thicknesses are 60 mm, 65 mm, 80 mm and 100 mm.NOTE 2 Spacer nibs are an aid to laying.

A chamfer around the wearing surface shall be permitted, and the work size of the width and depth of any chamfer shall be declared by the manufacturers.NOTE The use of chamfers deeper than 7 mm has not been taken into account in BS 7533 and chamfers are normally checked only upon commissioning of a new or refurbished mould.

All arrises shall be of uniform shape.

10.2 Tolerances

The maximum dimensional deviations from the stated work sizes for paving blocks measured in accordance with A.1 shall be as follows:

length ± 2 mm;width ± 2 mm;thickness ± 3 mm.

For paving blocks assessed in accordance with A.2, each side shall be perpendicular to the wearing surface and the opposite face.NOTE A side is considered to be perpendicular to the block faces if the difference between the two readings measured as described in A.2 does not exceed 2 mm.

Type of aggregate Standard

Natural aggregates BS 882:1992 (except grading requirements in clause 5)

Air-cooled blastfurnace slag

BS 1047:1983 (except grading requirements in 4.8)

Pulverized-fuel ash BS 3892-1:1982 and BS 3892-2:1984

Ground granulated blastfurnace slag

BS 6699:1992

NOTE The use of recycled material is permitted.

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For type S blocks the manufacturer shall declare all leading dimensions and shall not deviate from these dimensions by more than 2 mm.

11 Compressive strength11.1 The compressive strength (see 2.4) of paving blocks, sampled in accordance with clause 11 and tested as described in annex B, shall be not less than 49 N/mm2 and the crushing strength of any individual block shall be not less than 40 N/mm2.

11.2 However, if the average crushing strength of the first four blocks tested is not less than 54 N/mm2 and if none of these four blocks has a crushing strength of less than 40 N/mm2, the consignment shall be considered to conform to this standard.

11.3 When this test cannot be carried out, due to the shape or size of a unit, a test specimen, approximately 200 mm long and 100 mm wide, shall be cut from units sampled in accordance with clause 12. The specimen shall be tested in accordance with annex B, and shall conform to 11.1, taking into account the thickness.

12 SamplingThe following sampling procedure shall be used for the compressive strength test.

a) Before laying paving blocks, divide each designated section, comprising not more than 5 000 blocks, in a consignment into eight approximately equal groups. Clearly mark all samples at the time of sampling in such a way that the designated section, or part thereof, and the consignment represented by the sample are clearly defined. Take two blocks from each group.

b) Dispatch the sample to the test laboratory, taking precautions to avoid damage to the paving blocks in transit. Each sample shall be accompanied by a certificate from the person responsible for taking the sample stating that sampling was carried out in accordance with BS 6717-1:1993.c) Protect the paving blocks from damage and contamination until they have been tested. Carry out any tests as soon as possible after the sample has been taken.

13 MarkingThe following particulars relating to paving blocks made in accordance with this standard shall be indicated clearly on the delivery note, invoice, manufacturer’s or supplier’s certificate or brochure supplied with the consignment of blocks:

a) the name, trade mark or other means of identification of the manufacturer;b) the number and date of this British Standard, i.e. BS 6717-1:19931)

c) type of binder constituent(s) used(see clause 3);d) type of admixture(s) used (see clause 6).

1) Marking BS 6717-1:1993 on or in relation to a product represents a manufacturer’s declaration of conformity, i.e. a claim by or on behalf of the manufacturer that the product meets the requirements of the standard. The accuracy of the claim is solely the claimant’s responsibility. Such a declaration is not be confused with third party certification of conformity, which may also be desirable.

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Annex A (normative)Measurement of dimensions and plan area

A.1 Determination of thickness, length and width

A.1.1 Apparatus

A.1.1.1 Linear measuring devices, with an accuracy of 0.5 mm.

A.1.2 Procedure

A.1.2.1 Type R blocks

A.1.2.1.1 Thickness

Measure the thickness of the block at four representative positions to the nearest 1 mm. Report the value of each measurement to the nearest 1 mm.

A.1.2.1.2 Length and width

Measure the length and width across two oppostie faces of the block to the nearest 1 mm. Two representative positions shall be used for length measurement and three positions for width measurement.Report the value of each measurement to the nearest 1 mm.NOTE Care should be taken to measure each block in a sample using the same representative positions.

A.1.2.2 Type S blocks

A.1.2.2.1 Thickness

Measure the thickness of the block at four representative positions to the nearest 1 mm. Report the value of each measurement to the nearest 1 mm.

A.1.2.2.2 Length and width

Measure the length and width declared by the manufacturer to define the shape of the block to the nearest 1 mm. Report the value of each measurement to the nearest 1 mm.

A.2 Determination of squareness

A.2.1 Apparatus

A.2.1.1 Profiled template or an engineer’s square, conforming to BS 939:1977.

A.2.1.2 Feeler gauges, conformingto BS 957-2:1969, or calibrated gauge block.

A.2.2 Procedure

With the stock of the square or the profiled template (A.2.1.1) in contact with the top or bottom face of the block, bring the blade into contact with the side of the block. Carry out the test by measuring with the feeler gauges or calibrated gauge block (A.2.1.2) the clearance, if any, between the square or profiled template and the side of the block at points 10 mm from each top and bottom edge. Take measurements at six different points spaced approximately equally around the block.All details, including dimensions of blocks with profiled sides, shall be declared by the manufacturer.

A.3 Determination of plan area

A.3.1 Rectangular paving blocks

Calculate the plan area by multiplying the length by the width.

A.3.2 Shapes other than rectangles

A.3.2.1 Apparatus

A.3.2.1.1 Balance, capable of weighing 100 g to an accuracy of 0.01 g.

A.3.2.1.2 Sheets of thin cardboard, of uniform thickness.

A.3.2.2 Measurement of plan area

Place the block, wearing surface uppermost, on the cardboard (A.3.2.1.2) and trace around its perimeter with a pencil. Cut out the shape accurately and weigh it to the nearest 0.01 g, using the balance (A.3.2.1.1).Weigh a rectangle measuring 200 mm × 100 mm, cut accurately from the same cardboard, to the nearest 0.01 g.Calculate the plan area of the paving block As (in mm2) to the nearest 10 mm2, either by using the equation:

wherems is the mass of the cardboard shape matching the block (in g);mr is the mass of the 200 mm × 100 mm cardboard rectangle (in g);

or by using other means capable of measuring to 10 mm2;or by using the manufacturer’s declared value.

As20 000 ms

mr--------------------------=

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Annex B (normative)Determination of compressive strength

B.1 Apparatus

B.1.1 Compression testing machine, conforming to BS 1881-115:1986.

B.1.2 Plywood packing, 4 mm thick and larger than the specimen by a margin of at least 5 mm at all points. The packing shall be knot free.

B.2 Procedure

Measure the dimensions of each block before storing it in water and calculate the plan area, as described in annex A.Test a sample of blocks taken as described in clause 11 after storing them for (24 ± 4) h in water maintained at a temperature of (20 ± 5) °C.Wipe clean the platens of the testing machine. Remove any loose grit or other material from the contact faces of the block. Place plywood packing between the upper and lower faces of the block and the machine platens. Use fresh packing for each block tested.Place the block in the machine with the wearing surface in a horizontal plane and in such a way that the axes of the block are aligned with those of the machine platens.

Apply the load without shock and increase it continuously at a rate of (15 ± 3) N/(mm2·min) until no greater load can be sustained by the paving block or delamination occurs. Record the maximum load applied to the block.NOTE Textured or profiled blocks may be capped as described in BS 1881-120 or they may be ground to remove the surface or profile. For non-rectangular blocks, use a sample sawn from the the block to determine the strength of the block.

B.3 Calculation of compressive strength

Calculate the crushing strength of each block to the nearest 0.1 N/mm2 by dividing the maximum load by the plan area and multiplying by the appropriate factor from Table B.1. Calculate the compressive strength, expressing the value to thenearest 1 N/mm2.Table 3 — Thickness and chamfer correction

factors for compressive strengthWork size thickness

Correction factors

mm Plain block Chamfered blocka

60 or 65 1.00 1.06

80 1.12 1.18

100 1.18 1.24a Blocks with chamfer of work size greater than 5 mm in width

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List of references (see clause 2)

Normative references

BSI standards publicationsBRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, London

BS 12:1991, Specification for Portland cement.BS 146:1991, Specification for portland-blastfurnace cement.BS 410:1986, Specification for test sieves.BS 812, Testing aggregates.BS 812-119:1985, Method for determination of acid-soluble material in fine aggregate.BS 882:1992, Specification for aggregates from natural sources for concrete.BS 939:1977, Specification for engineers’ squares (including cylindrical and block squares).BS 957, Specification for feeler gauges.BS 957-2:1969, Metric units.BS 1014:1975, Specification for pigments for Portland cement and Portland cement products.BS 1047:1983, Specification for air-cooled blastfurnace slag aggregate for use in construction.BS 1881, Testing concrete.BS 1881-115:1986, Specification for compression testing machines for concrete.BS 3148:1980, Methods of test for water for making concrete (including notes on the suitability of the water).BS 3892, Pulverized-fuel ash.BS 3892-1:1982, Specification for pulverized-fuel ash for use as a cementitious component in structural concrete.BS 3892-2:1984, Specification for pulverized-fuel ash for use in grouts and for miscellaneous uses in concrete.BS 4027:1991, Specification for sulfate-resisting Portland cement.BS 4246:1991, Specification for high slag blastfurnace cement.BS 5075, Concrete admixtures.BS 5075-1:1982, Specification for accelerating admixtures, retarding admixtures and water reducing admixtures.BS 5075-2:1982, Specification for air-entraining admixtures.BS 6588:1991, Specification for Portland pulverized-fuel ash cements.BS 6699:1992, Specification for ground granulated blastfurnace slag for use with Portland cement.

Informative references

BSI standards publicationsBRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, London

BS 1881, Testing concrete.BS 1881-120:1983, Method for determination of the compressive strength of concrete cores.BS 6717, Precast concrete paving blocks.BS 6717-3:1989, Code of practice for laying2).BS 7533:1992, Guide for structural design of pavements constructed with clay or concrete block pavers.

2) Referred to in the foreword only.

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