BS 7533-102 - Code of practice
Installation of pavements using modular paving units
What is it?
Catchily named the BS 7533-102, the document provides guidance on the installation of pavements constructed using clay, concrete or natural stone paving units, and is the companion document to BS 7533 -101, which provides guidance on the structural design of modular pavements in all traffic categories. Despite the name, the part 102, also includes porcelain paving. The part 101 was created before the common use of porcelain and therefore does not include it, but this document is to be reviewed.
Who is it for?
This standard is intended for all users constructing pavements in all traffic categories and is intended for use by organizations, contractors and designers within the public and private sectors who install paving.
How does it work?
In order to create a document that is more accessible to all users, the BS 7533 part 102 contains Clause 4, which provides guidance for both design and installation of a pavement using standard paving in traffic categories 3 and below, where a design produced in accordance with BS 7533 part 101 has not been provided. Traffic categories 3 and below are now clearly defined as “allowing no vehicular traffic having gross weight greater than 3,500 kg.”
Clause 4 describes the process of design and installation in a way that is particularly useful to any user who may be designing or providing specifications, and who may not have an engineering background or previous experience with a British standard. The clause provides simple comprehensive guidance on the process of construction, from the earliest stage of site assessment through to project completion, along with all of the information required to provide a fit-for-purpose specification that falls in line with British standards. The scope of the standard is extensive and covers most scenarios encountered by the designer or contractor. If a scenario arises that is beyond the scope of clause 4, the user simply refers to the BS 7533 part 101 for calculations.
What are the benefits of using the standard?
The use of the guidance provided in this standard demonstrates the commitment of individuals and organisations to delivering excellence and ensures consistency of quality and continuity of best practice, resulting in successful outcomes in the built environment while mitigating the risk of installation errors and premature failures. The clause 4 also provides information in such a way as can be understood by the layman. This provides opportunities for efficient dialogue between all parties involved in the project including the client.
How to implement the standard and possible challenges
The adoption of BS 7533-102 might require current design to be questioned and working practices to be re-evaluated and revised. Resistance to change is common, generally resulting from prejudices, preconceived ideas, well-intentioned self-education and fear of any perceived financial impact. It is therefore important to take a positive approach to promote its use and to understand that the purpose of the document is to benefit individuals, organisations and the environment by providing awareness, consistency and successful long-term outcomes.
Next steps
The APL will be providing members with educational resources and support in the use of BS 7533-102 and clause 4.
It is important that the general public are aware of the need for excellence in pavement design and installation and there is no better vehicle for dissemination and benchmark for quality in the paving industry than the new BS 7533-102, and the APL will be working alongside other trade Associations and the British standards institute to promote the new standard to the public.
A message from APL Manager Phil Tremayne
"Whilst there are many instant practical positives that are a result of adopting and implementing the standard, we must also embrace the wider potential. The unification of our industry around a single source of specification will not only provide consistency of information and successful outcomes but may also provide a future source of vocational training and career progression."
The BS 7533-102 Document
Looking for more information
The APL General Manager Phil Tremayne has recorded a series of introduction and explanation videos to the new BS 7533-102.
Need Further Information
Should you require additional information or have extra questions, please do not hesitate to contact our APL Team who will be happy to assist you further.
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