An essential characteristic of precast concrete products is that they are fully engineered, manufactured and tested to British Standards under modern, controlled conditions. This means that they all exhibit the same slip resistance and many other characteristics, ensuring consistency, safety and accessibility for all users across the whole surface whichever combinations of products is used. Precast concrete paving and kerbs from Interpave manufacturers comply with all aspects of test procedures stipulated in the latest British Standards, designed to replicate performance in use over time, thus ensuring long-term performance and minimal replacement. This reassurance may not be available with imported natural stone or other materials such as plastic.
Interpave manufacturers have completely transformed precast concrete paving and kerb products with a palette of designs, colours and textures offering a visual richness and huge design choice atypical of mass production - and with a quality suitable for the very best in current urban design, whether traditional or modern, as demanded by current planning guidance. Paving blocks, flags and kerbs can undergo secondary processes in the factory to give different textures, some exposing their inherent aggregates. Surfaces can be honed for a flat finish or polished, or products shot blasted to look weathered or tumbled for a more rugged, natural appearance. This design flexibility also enables clear differentiation - particularly within shared surfaces - to help visually impaired people to make full use of the paved environment. Precast concrete is also best-suited for the prescribed range of tactile paving to guide blind and partially sighted people.
Therefore, precast concrete paving offers a unique combination of predictability and a single material with scope for endless variety in shape, scale, colour and texture to enrich the urban environment and facilitate accessibility for all.
An Interpave member has worked closely with Cardiff City Council to develop a special paving flag finish, adding to a specific local identity.
Further Information
Download Interpave's 'Planning with Paving' guidance document via this page.
