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Block Paving
CURVE DETAIL
Curves are a common feature of most block paving. The small unit size lends itself perfectly to constructing curves, arcs and circles, which give a pavement a more organic look than does regular geometric shapes such as triangles and rectangles.
In practice, it's very simple to construct arcs of more than about 2 metres radius using full blocks. Mathematically, a 2.1 metre radius arc gives a maximum joint width of 10mm,although this figure will be 10-13mm on site, which is about the limit for a sand-filled joint. Any curve or arc of less than 2 metres will need extra work to deal with the wider-than-acceptable joints.
2 metre arc formed from full blocks
There are two solutions to the problem of these wide joints, to fill the joint with mortar or to cut the block to a taper shape. While both solutions are perfectly acceptable, the cutting option gives a more professional looking finish and requires a higher degree of skill.
In practice, it's very simple to construct arcs of more than about 2 metres radius using full blocks. Mathematically, a 2.1 metre radius arc gives a maximum joint width of 10mm,although this figure will be 10-13mm on site, which is about the limit for a sand-filled joint. Any curve or arc of less than 2 metres will need extra work to deal with the wider-than-acceptable joints.
2 metre arc formed from full blocks
There are two solutions to the problem of these wide joints, to fill the joint with mortar or to cut the block to a taper shape. While both solutions are perfectly acceptable, the cutting option gives a more professional looking finish and requires a higher degree of skill.
On fast arcs of radius 1 metre or less, the mortared joint option becomes impractical as the open joint width exceeds 30mm, and these bricks will have to be taper cut. Any joint wider then 30mm pointed in mortar looks shoddy and cheap and is usually a good indicator of a slap-dash approach to the job. From an engineering viewpoint, unless the mortar is strengthened with Sbr or similar, it will more than likely crack away from the brickwork over time, and be prone to damage from sharp heels etc.
If a mortared joint is to be used, then the mortar should include a strenthening/bonding agent, such as Sbr, and should be coloured with a quality concrete dye to complement the paving. A red mortar looks good with any of the red colourways, such as 'Brindle', and a black mortar looks best with charcoal or dark brown blocks. If using a black mortar, use a silver sand, as this requires less dye per kg to acheive a good black colour than does red or yellow building sand, which tend to turn dark brown rather than black.
If a mortared joint is to be used, then the mortar should include a strenthening/bonding agent, such as Sbr, and should be coloured with a quality concrete dye to complement the paving. A red mortar looks good with any of the red colourways, such as 'Brindle', and a black mortar looks best with charcoal or dark brown blocks. If using a black mortar, use a silver sand, as this requires less dye per kg to acheive a good black colour than does red or yellow building sand, which tend to turn dark brown rather than black.
