Introduction

There are a number of fairly common techniques available that allow grass to be
incorporated into a pavement to provide 'the best of both worlds', ie, the appearance of
grass but the load bearing capability of a well-constructed pavement or driveway. They can
be utilised in those areas where the hard permanence of a typical pavement might be
undesirable, such as in conservation areas, roadside verges, emergency services access,
canal towpaths, farm tracks or rural settings, and they are also used for erosion control in
some situations, although the specification and type of system(s) used can be completely
different to that outlined below.

Different proprietary systems provide varying ratios of hard-pavement to grass, and the best
system for any given project will need to take into account these differences. Some systems
can only be installed by specialist contractors, while others can be installed by competent
workmen or even diy-ers. It should also be noted that special grasses ought to be selected
for planting the various systems, as most ordinary seed mixtures are unlikely to be
sufficiently hard-wearing to withstand being trafficked. A few suggested seed mixtures are
given further down the page.

The 5 techniques considered on this page are:-

o Hopsack Paving
o Spaced Paving
o Cellular Paving
o Reinforced Turf
o Mesh Protected Turf

All these techniques rely on a sub-base to give the paving its strength, although the types of
sub-base recommended will vary with type of system chosen, existing ground conditions,
and anticipated usage. A typical construction detail for each technique is given below.
Hopsack Paving
This is the simplest of the 4 techniques, and
utilises readily-available, plain rectangular
concrete paviors, laid to a pattern that
leaves significant 'holes' or 'pockets' that
are filled with soil and seeded.

This technique can be used for residential A Hopsack pattern created

driveways, or in the garden. For path use in
a garden with reasonably firm and stable from standard 100x200mm
soils, the sub-base can be omitted, but be block pavers, giving
prepared for the bricks to move.
50x50mm pockets for soil.
Any rectangular blocks can be used to create a hop-sack pattern resulting in varying sizes of
'pockets' in the finished pavement. The edges of a hopsack pavement sill need to be solid,
either against an existing sound structure, such as a wall, or with an edging unit or soldier
course laid on concrete, as described on the Block Paving Page.

For residential driveways, patios and paths,

a 100mm sub-base is usually sufficient (see
Sub-base Page), but heavier loads, such as
large vans, may need 150mm thickness. For
trackways, car-parking areas etc., consult a
paving contractor or civil engineer for
specific advice.

Once the blocks have been laid, the pockets should be filled with a well-draining, friable soil,
or soil/sand loam, and compacted as for normal block paving. It's worth spending a few
quid, if necessary, to get a decent planting medium, as the grasses will have only this small
pocket of soil to survive upon for the next few years. The soil in the pockets can be seeded
immediately with the selected grass mixture, although the soil will settle over the ensuing
weeks and may need 'topping-up', or it can be left to settle for 4-6 weeks and topped-up
prior to seeding.
 The relatively small proportion of grass to
each square metre of this type of grass
paving make it less reliable than other
techniques, and there is a tendency for the
grass to die off within a couple of seasons,
but it does have its uses, and, if fed with a
liquid fertiliser and watered in dry weather,
it can look quite attractive in the right
Typical Hopsack Paving situation.

construction detail

Spaced Paving
This technique again relies on commonly
available block paviors, that are laid on a
prepared sub-base and bedding layer, with
'spacers' between adjacent blocks giving a
wide, but consistent, joint, that is then filled
with the selected soil prior to seeding.
Different manufacturers have different
proprietary systems, but they all utilise a
square or rectangular 'standard' block with
some form of spacer, often plastic,
approximately 30-45mm wide. The number
of spacers per block is determined by
intended usage (more spacers used on
trafficked areas) and type of block. Full
instructions will be supplied by the Aquada Paving System by
spacer/block manufacturers. Marshalls
Again, this technique can be used for driveways, paths, patios, and, with a more substantial
sub-base, for trackways, car parks and other large-scale, low traffic-speed sites.
 The choice of block, and the width of the
joints, determine the ratio of grass:hard-
paving, and this allows this ratio to be
manipulated, by choosing larger or smaller
blocks, to suit individual site requirements.

For example, using 240x160mm blocks with

Typical plan layout of spaced 35mm joints results in approx 29% grass by
area, whereas using 160x160mm blocks, this
paving showing spacers ratio becomes 33% grass joint by area.
being used to create 30-
45mm joint between
240x160mm blocks
Again, soil and seed need to be carefully selected, before filling the joints, and the grass
should be allowed to establish itself before allowing vehicular traffic to use the pavement.

Grass does seem to survive better in the joints of spaced paving than it does in the small
'pockets' of hopsack paving, and, along with feeding and watering in dry spells, it may even
need the occasional attention of a mower.

Cellular Paving
See also Cellular Systems Page

This is the most widely used type of grass-paving, and is claimed to be structurally sounder
and stronger than other forms. Basically, specially-shaped, interlocking 'cell' pavers are laid
on a prepared bedding layer over a sub-base, and the 'cells' filled with the chosen soil and
seed. There are a good number of proprietary systems available, in 3 formats; pre-cast
concrete cells, plastic cells, and cast in-situ concrete cells.
Different proprietary
systems have
differing bedding
layer requirements,
and you will need to
check with
manufacturers
whether their system
requires a granular, a Sigma block
grit sand, or a
sand/soil bedding from Brett
layer.

Generally speaking, these pre-cast

concrete units are laid using the same
methods as outlined on the block paving
page. Turfstone by Tobermore
This technique is suitable for all but the very heaviest applications. The scale of the project,
and its intended use, will determine the best system to be used. Some manufacturers are not
equipped to cope with orders of less than 300m², although it may be possible to arrange for
a local builders' merchant to obtain a smaller quantity. These systems are quite popular with
local authorities looking to provide hard-standing or emergency access to otherwise 'green
areas', such as pumping stations on residential estates, and access trackways for service
vehicles, fire engines, etc..

12 month old GrassGuard Established GrassGuard

system system
Grasscrete® is a proprietary system that relies on
placing disposable plastic 'pots' at equal spaces over a
prepared base and then pouring concrete to fill the
spaces in between the 'pots', which act as temporary
formers for the eventual pavement. Once the concrete
has hardened, the flimsy plastic pots can be removed,
and a selected soil mix used to fill the resulting voids.
The soil can then be seeded.

Grasscrete Paving
Grasscrete slab with temporary
plastic formers
Some systems allow gravel, decorative aggregates or bark to be used to fill the cells in place
of the more usual grass, and some manufacturers will supply cells ready-turfed if required.
Filled with a gravel, these plastic cells can bring stability to an inclined access way, and help
minimise the inevitable drift of the gravel to the bottom of the slope. Plastic cell matrices (as
they are sometimes known) are considered in more detail on a separate page.
 Grass-filled plastic cells Gravel-filled plastic cells

The type of system chosen dictates the grass:hard-

paving ratio, with some thin-walled plastic cells,
offering up to 94% grass surface, rendering the
structural elements virtually invisible, while others,
such as the pre-cast concrete units that are
available, make a feature of the cell shape, which is
usually rectangular or hexagonal.

All of these cellular systems have been specially

developed to ensure that the grass can and does
survive, so much so that they can sometimes become
overgrown if not tended regularly. Indeed, some
systems are so successful at nurturing a natural
overgrowth that they have been used on SSSI and
sensitive heritage projects.

Grass paving at Stirling

Castle

Points to consider when specifying a cellular reinforced grass system

(From a discussion by RE Howden, MD of GC Group Ltd)
Precast Concrete block systems

The grass jointing is essential to the structural integrity

of such systems. Where grass growth is absent or poor,
the individual blocks have a lowered resistance to
differential movement when trafficked. In regularly
trafficked situations, this can result in sub-base
pumping via the gaps between the individual units. Firm
edge restraint is essential as any rooting through to the
sub-base will be tenuous at best and the units will
spread under load.

Castellated or studded systems can be difficult for

pedestrians as the soil fill within the units settles under GC Group's
vibration or is washed from the surface, leaving a Grassblock
protruding 'stud' which presents a significant trip
hazard.

Plastic systems
(HDPE and Polypropylene)

Only really suitable for low-speed

occasional use. The relatively
thin depth of these systems and
their inherent flexibility can
result in 'trampolining', where
the units 'bounce' when
trafficked. This can turn the
surface into a quagmire in
regularly trafficked areas, such
as car-parks. The trade-off for a
GC Group's Grassroad pavers, before higher ratio of grass cover is a
reduction in tolerance to wear
and after and loading. Should not be used
on gradients where slip
resistance is essential.

In-situ castings

Each job can be individually designed according to traditional slab design methods to ensure
competence and adequate drainage control. No differential settlement or lateral spread, so
no need for edge restraint. The only system suitable for vehicular loads of 40 tonnes.
Other considerations

Gravel fill is acceptable in low-traffic situations, but

hoggin should never be used as it will 'set' and kill off
any grass.

Where reinforced grass paving is used for Fire Path

access, special note should be given to the sub-base,
which can quickly become saturated.
Erosion Control by GC
Group

Reinforced Turf
This is a comparatively new development and, as far as I can ascertain, there have been only
a few case studies of this type of technique, but it does have its admirers, and there will
most probably be a small, but steady, market for it. The basic principal is that a specially
selected grass is grown on a geo-membrane, which is then laid over a prepared bedding
layer and sub-base. The sub-base provides the strength and stability, while the geo-
membrane holds the grass layer together.

Manufacturers claim that this type of system can be

used for most normal, low traffic-speed applications,
although whether it will ever be developed and
promoted to the sports industry or the general public
remains to be seen. This system ensures 100% grass
coverage, and the usual maintenance, such as
feeding and mowing, will need to be undertaken on a
regular basis. The life-time of this system is an
unknown quantity at the time of writing, but should
be good for 10 years.

There are also reinforced turfs developed specifically

for erosion control, rather than trafficking, and are
beyond the remit of this site. However, Some of the
manufacturers listed on the links page also supply
these 'erosion control mats', and their technical Tensar Mat® by Tensar
departments will be more than happy to help you
with your queries.
International
Mesh Protected Turf
This system is becoming quite popular with those responsible for overspill car-parking and
pedestrian usage at occasional events, with groundsmen looking after areas of lawn, and
with caravan/leisure parks, where the natural appearance of grass with the load-carrying
ability of a pavement, all at a minimal cost and with little or no construction work required,
is very appealing.

The basic premise is that a tough polypropylene or HDPE

mesh is laid over an area of turf or grass, and this allows
foot-traffic, low-speed cars and vans to use the area without
completely ruining the grass. The mesh may need to be
anchored to the ground at regular intervals by means of
ground pegs, to prevent slippage and to help disperse the
loads. The mesh works to protect the grass roots from being
damage, to minimise 'pumping' of wet ground, and to avoid
rutting of soft spots.

The soil type, the type of grass/turf cover and the level of
protection required will determine the best mesh to choose
Turf Protection for each application, and the better manufacturers have
dedicated technical teams to help in identifying the best
Mesh solution.
by Tenax Ltd.

For lawned areas, the mesh is simply rolled out over the close-
cropped turf, with adjacent rolls overlapping by 150-300mm, and
anchored with ground pegs. Any dips, hollows, soft-spots etc,
should be levelled out with grit sand or top soil before placing the
mesh. Once laid, they can be left in-situ for the season, or even
permanently, as most commercial mowers will ride over the
embedded mesh without hindrance. For areas with longer grass,
the meshes are placed after a mowing, and the grass is allowed to
grow up and through the mesh, hiding it from view, yet providing
sufficient stability to permit trafficking.

Grass mixtures
all at approx 20-30 g per m²
General Parking Driveways
50% Perennial Ryegrass 80% Chewings Fescue
20% Slender Creeping Red Fescue 20% Browntop Bent
25% Strong Creeping Red Fescue
5% Browntop Bent

Verges and Picnic areas Accessways

35% Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass 30% Hard Fescue
30% Slender Creeping Red Fescue 20% Chewings Fescue
25% Perennial Ryegrass 20% Slender Creeping Red Fescue
10% Browntop Bent 25% Strong Creeping Red Fescue
5% Browntop Bent

Introduction
Cellular paving is a rapidly expanding sector of the British and Irish paving market, as it is
meeting a demand to provide a permeable, traffickable surface at a relatively low cost and
with simple, low-skill installation techniques. It is also known, in some quarters, as "Matrix
Paving" or "Geo-matrices".
Originally developed as a cheaper, lighter method of providing a Grass
Paved surface, the potential uses for these moulded plastic systems are
being expanded all the time. In our experience, the largest area of
growth over the last few years has been their use with gravels. They
stabilise a gravelled area, making it much more user-friendly to both Gravel
pedestrians and vehicular traffic, as well as reducing scatter and drift,
problems that have troubled gravels and other loose surface dressings filled
for aeons. matrix
by Hex-a-
path

Uses identified for cellular/matrix pavers include occasional and/or overspill car parks,
access lanes, fire access roads, caravan hardstanding, amenity areas and picnic sites, event
areas, rural/canalside paths, helicopter pads, golf course paths and parking, erosion control
and stabilisation of earthworks, along with applications for residential paths and driveways.

Types
There is a good selection of systems on the market, and choice of the
most suitable systems for any particular project will need to take into
account planned usage, anticipated loads, volume and type of traffic,
existing ground conditions, drainage and, of course, cost. Grassway
Many of the most popular systems are based on a hexagonal cell, Geoblock
although square cells systems are available. The key points to note with by WT
any system is the open percentage, both at the top surface and at the
base. Burdens

The open percentage for the top surface indicates just how much of the cell is visible once
it's laid and filled. Most of the modern systems offer a minimum of 90% open surface.
The open percentage for the base affects the load-bearing capacity of the system. The
manufacturers need to find a compromise between a fully open cell base, which offers best
drainage but will be driven into the laying course when trafficked, and a fully closed cell
base, which offers best load-bearing capacity, but cannot drain through. A typical
'compromise' for the amount of open base is in the range 40-70% and many of the systems
on the market are capable of carrying loads well in excess of 150 Tonnes per square metre.

Some systems offer accessories and other 'extras' such as bay

marking caps and edge units, but one big drawback is that the
various systems tend not to be compatible, so if a project is likely to
be extended or amended at some future date, it's essential to
ensure the range will be supported by the manufacture for several
NetPave 50 years to come.

from Netlon

It is not necessary for this site to catalogue and detail the various systems available –
comprehensive information on the products is readily available from the manufacturers
listed on the Links page, and they will also be able to provide details of their stockists and
distributors.
Aco Groundguard with 10mm Nidaplast with 10mm
golden gravel quartzite gravel

Construction
Although there are a wide variety of cellular systems available, the construction methods
recommended by the manufacturers are fairly similar and a typical construction is detailed
here.

Sub-Grade
The sub-grade is prepared by removing vegetation and other unacceptable material and then
digging down to formation level, creating a reasonably level and compact sub-grade in the
process. A drainage composite or separation membrane is often recommended and this
should be installed as directed by the manufacturer at the sub-grade/sub-base interface.

Sub-Base
The sub-base layer is typically constructed from a selected free-draining material depending
on the planned end use of the surface. Where vehicular traffic is expected, a traditional Type
1 or 2 sub-base material may be used, often incorporating some form of integral drainage,
but on those projects where sharp drainage is the prime requisite, the sub-base is more
likely to be constructed from a gravel or an approved filter medium. Other projects may opt
for a select fill.

Sub-base thickness will vary according to planned usage and ground conditions but is
generally somewhere between 100mm and 200mm.

Kerbs/Edgings
Although kerbs and/or edgings are not always essential, they can improve the finished
appearance of the paving by providing a neat and tidy edge. On projects subjected to regular
vehicular traffic, then a kerb/edging is beneficial as they help restrain the matrices and
prevent slippage or movement under turning forces.

Transverse restraining edgings are also a good

idea when cellular matrices are used on
gradients. As the name suggests, these are laid
across the slope to prevent slippage of the units
under load or because of gravity. The amount of
separation between transverse restraints will
vary depending on the gradient itself and the
ground conditionsb but is generally somewhere
between 4m and 10m.

Transverse restraints are typically a rigid edging,

most often a flat-topped edging kerb (Type EF)
laid on and haunched with concrete. Where only
occasional traffic is anticipated, a securely
anchored timber edging may also be used.

Almost any form of edging or kerb is suitable; where a rustic or natural look is required, a
timber edging may be preferred, but for traffic schemes, a concrete edging may be a better
choice. If edgings/kerbs are to be used, then they should be installed at this stage, ie,
before placing and screeding the laying course material.

 
Laying Course
The laying course material for most cellular pavers is typically a grit sand. However, some
manufacturers prefer to recommend a mix of sand and selected topsoil (usually 2 parts sand
to 1 part soil) for use as the bedding layer when the cells are to be grassed.

The chosen bedding material may be

laid over a separation membrane if
there is a potential problem with the
laying course material settling or
being washed into the sub-base, or,
in the case of grass paved cells, if
there is the need to prevent the roots
of any vegetation penetrating the
sub-base.

The prime purpose of the laying

course is to provide a well-profiled
bed for the cellular tiles, and so
thickness is kept to a minimum,
generally 35-50mm, although this
may be increased to 60-100mm or so
where the cells are being used to
support grass or other vegetation.

The laying course is prepared is the same way as any other screeded laying course and the
methods used are described on the Screeding page.

Laying the Cells

Finally, the cellular tiles themselves are laid in accordance with the manufacturers'
instructions. Some systems rely on small pegs or pins that are driven through adjacent units
into the laying course and/or sub-base, tying the units together and anchoring them in
place. Others feature a click-together system or lock-pins that connect adjacent units.
 Full units are laid first and then the gaps are in-
filled with units cut to size using a basic saw
(hand saw, hacksaw or power saw). It is not
usual for the unfilled units to be compacted:
this is typically carried out once the cells are
filled with the chosen material, be it gravel, soil
or some other loose fill.

In the case of grass paving, the soil fill should

be in accordance with the manufacturers'
recommendations, which is normally a free-
draining sandy loam type of soil. Care should
Laying Grassroad Pavers alos be exercised in choice of grass seed to
ensure a tough, hard-wearing mixture is
from GC Group selected.

Gallery

Gravel fill to Nidaplast Gravel filled Hex-a-path garden

Matrix path and steps
 Car parking area for
Hexagonal cells with grass
occasional use

Hauraton Recyfix system

Construction Diagram
Uses and Applications

Shredded bark can be used to form

paths where a very informal look is
required, such as in the garden and
it is also useful as a safer surface
for children's play areas. Other
applications are severely restricted
as bark can only provide a surface
dressing, not any form of structural
Children's load-bearing capability. Bark used to cover
Playground trackway

There are several different types and grades of bark, and it can be worth shopping around to
find the most suitable bark for a particular project. Factors that ought to be taken into
consideration include:

o Colour - usually determined by source, but some bark is artificially coloured

o Fire Testing (BS4790)
o Particle size (10-50mm is a typical range for Play Areas)
o Wood content - look for 10% or less
o Dust/Fines content - ideally, should be less than 5%
o Lifespan - 2 years should be a minimum
Construction
Very simple to do. Decide where you want the path to run, and mark out with sand lines if
required. Any surface vegetation should be scutched off to a depth of 35-50mm and
disposed. Any slutchy or muddy patches should be excavated and backfilled with dry
material such as crushed stone or sandy sub-soil. The bark can be laid directly onto the
prepared sub-grade, ideally 50-70mm thick and trampled in to the surface soil. Depending
on moisture content of the bark, this should give a coverage of around 20 m² per tonne.

For private play areas, such as in a family garden,

it's usually recommended that the "loose-fill" be at
least 300mm thick, and retained with an edging.
Areas beneath swings and at the foot of slides are
prone to having loose-fill kicked away, reducing
effective cover, and requiring regular maintenance.
Commercial or Local Authority Play Areas will
typically need to comply with the relevent
standards, and bark may not be acceptable as a
surfacing.
Playground Bark
See also....
Construction Detail
 Safety Paving
 Links to Play Equipment Manufacturers

No edging restraint is required for a simple path, but the addition of such an edging can
'tidy-up' its appearance, giving a more formal look, and keeping the bark from straying too
far. Bricks, lumps of stone, timber gravel boards or wooden poles normally used as stakes all
make good edgings.

Permeable geo-membranes, also known as landscape fabrics, may be used beneath the bark
to deter weed growth through the path, but the bark then has a tendency to be scuffed off
the membrane, leaving it exposed and unsightly. These landscape fabrics often cost as much
as, if not more, per unit area, than the bark surface dressing. They certainly have their uses
in large-scale or commercial schemes, but their benefit to a small garden path is less
obvious.

Coverage
Commercially, bark is sold by the cubic metre, and 1 cubic metre = 1,000 litres

1 cubic metre will cover 20m² at a depth of 50mm, the usual depth for paths and tracks, or
3.3m² at 300mm, the usual minimum depth for playgrounds.

The density of bark varies according to source wood and type/size of chippings, but is
generally around 400-550Kg per m³

Pros and Cons

o Very cheap to do and easy to remove if you change your plans.
o Will need 'topping-up' at intervals as the older bark decomposes or blows away.
o Can become soggy on waterlogged ground - See land drainage.
o Price is highly variable, dependent on quantities purchased, as is coverage, which is
dependent on moisture content.
o Source quantities of over 1 tonne via local landscape contractors, horticultural or
agricultural suppliers.

Woodchips
An alternative, and often cheaper alternative to bark is processed
woodchips. These are manufactured from reclaimed or scrap timber,
such as old pallets, and can be impregnated with dyes to create
weird, and some would say wonderful, colour options.

Because it is a manufactured product, the particle size of woodchips

can be tightly controlled and it is less prone to degradation than
bark. Larger particle sizes mean the product is less likely to be
blown away by wind, and there are playgrade options available.