What do investors want to see in your plan? What Are the 10 Essential Points to Include in Your Professional Business Plan? 1 Executive Summary It is your key to the capital gate. An enticing summary of your business plan that reveals your company has great chances for high revenue. 2 Company Analysis Your company, its management team and specialists are introduced and you state why exactly you're qualified to succeed. 3 Industry Analysis Prove you know industry trends and your market, define your company's products or services' position on this market. 4 Customer Analysis Identify your target customers and explain how the features of your product or service are going to meet their needs. 5 Competitive Analysis List and describe your competitors and their strengths and detail your competitive advantage. 6 Marketing Plan Reveal your marketing strategy and tools and how you will acquire potential customers and retain existing ones. 7 Operations Plan Make a clear outline of your company's growth and development plan . 8 Management Team Emphasize the knowledge and experience of your team, that uniquely qualify its members for leading this type of business. 9 Financial Plan Demonstrate how you will reach cash-flow positive status, outline your projected revenue growth and show how investors will obtain high ROI 10 Appendix Add any useful information or charts that support the projections and arguments of your business plan. Detailed Project Reports The detailed project reports cover all the aspects of business, from analysing the market, confirming availability of various necessities such as plant & machinery, raw materials to forecasting the financial requirements. The scope of the report includes assessing market potential, negotiating with collaborators, investment decision making, corporate diversification planning etc. in a very planned manner by formulating detailed manufacturing techniques and forecasting financial aspects by estimating the cost of raw material, formulating the cash flow statement, projecting the balance sheet etc. The DPR is prepared by highly qualified and experienced consultants and the market research and analysis are supported by a panel of experts and computerised data bank. Inquire about Project Reports » Each Detailed Project Report Contains • Beginning: Project Introduction, Brief History of the Product, Properties, BIS (Bureau of Indian Standard) Specifications & Requirements, Uses & Applications. • Manufacturing Techniques: Formulae Detailed Process of Manufacture, Flow Sheet Diagram. • Market Survey: Present Market Position, Expected Future Demand, Statistics of Imports & Exports, Export Prospect, Names and Addresses of Existing Units (Present Manufactures). • Personnel Requirements: Requirement of Staff & Labour, Personnel Management, Skilled & Unskilled Labour. • Plant & Machinery: List of Plant & Machineries, Miscellaneous Items and Accessories, Instruments, Laboratory Equipment's and Accessories, Plant Location, Electrification, Electric Load and Water, Maintenance, Suppliers / Manufacturers of Plant and Machineries. • Land & Building: Requirement of Land Area, Rates of the Land, Built up Area, Construction Schedule, Plant Layout. • Raw Material: List of Raw Materials, Properties of Raw Materials, Availability of Raw Materials, Required Quality of Raw Materials, Cost / Rates of Raw Materials. • Financial Aspects: Cost of Raw Materials, Cost of Land & Building, Cost of Plant & Machineries, Fixed Capital Investment, Working Capital, Project Cost, Capital Formation, Cost of Production, Profitability Analysis, Break Even Point, Cash Flow Statement for 5 to 10 Years, Depreciation Chart,Conclusion, Projected Balance Sheet, Land Man Ratio. INTERLOCKING CONCRETE PAVEMENT BASICS Before we get started, we thought it might be helpful to review some of the basic information about concrete pavers and why they work so well as a pavement. Some people tend to think of concrete pavers as being relatively new, but in truth, they have been used in pavements in Europe since the early 1950s. You might even say that concrete pavers have been “field tested” for over 50 years! In the mid 1970s, Ideal became one of the first companies in the United States to produce concrete pavers. While we had extensive experience in manufacturing structural concrete products since 1923, we developed special mix designs to produce the high strengths required for pavers. Our production facility utilizes special equipment designed to make high density, concrete products. Strict quality control ensures consistent strength, color, and size. We constantly strive to improve our products. You can feel confident using our products, knowing that we have over 80 years of experience and offer the finest quality pavers and wall systems available. In fact, nobody does it better! Our concrete pavers are very dense, accurate in size, and possess a slip-resistant finish. They have an average compressive strength that consistently ranges between 9,000 and 11,000 psi. When you consider that poured and patterned concrete are about 3,000 to 4,000 psi and that most clay brick are 5,000 to 6,000 psi, you can see our pavers are considerably stronger than asphalt, regular concrete, and most clay brick. Freeze-thaw resistant? You bet! They've stood the test of time, including the rigorous Canadian freeze-thaw test procedure. Our concrete pavers are very uniform in size and fit tightly together when placed into the desired laying pattern. The sandfilled joints cause the pavers to “lock up” like the pieces of a puzzle. It is why we say that all of our concrete pavers are considered “interlocking” regardless of the shape. And it is the reason why concrete pavers are designed to work best when set in sand. Pavements constructed of interlocking concrete pavers set on sand over a flexible granular base are often known as "segmental pavements". Components of Segmental Pavements: 1. High-strength concrete pavers 2. Sand setting bed 3. Edge restraint 4. Compacted base material 5. Subgrade or existing soil Segmented pavements are: Flexible - They can expand and contract without cracking. Strong & Dense - They have the durability to withstand New England’s harsh climate. Practical - They can accommodate any type of traffic without cracking under heavy loads. Snow Plow Safe - Shovels, snow blowers, and conventional snow plowing equipment pose no problem for properly installed pavers. Versatile - They can be used for walks, patios, and pool decks, driveways, streets... even heavy-duty industrial projects! Easy to Maintain - They are unaffected by oil and gas spills. When repairs are necessary, they can be lifted and reinstated without leaving an unsightly permanent “patch” as with conventional paving materials. Economical – All things considered, interlocking concrete pavements have the lowest life-cycle costs! GETTING STARTED We have listed some of the steps involved in an installation of interlocking concrete pavers. This Guide follows them in the order listed below. • Selling yourself and the project • Earn the customer’s confidence in you and the project • Select the paver type, shape, color, and laying pattern • Estimate the cost of the project • Measure the area to be paved • Determine the base thickness • Check soil conditions • Calculate amount of soil to be excavated • Calculate quantity of: • Base material • Sand • Edging • Pavers • Obtain signed contract • Scheduling • Place order for pavers • Schedule delivery of all materials and equipment • Installation • Prepare the area by excavating soil and installing the base • Install the pavers • Job clean up and finish 1 ©1996-2006 Ideal Concrete Block Company, Inc. THE REAL BEGINNING Selling the Customer! Perhaps you have been asked to give a prospect - a potential customer - a price for a paver walkway, patio, driveway, or pool deck. Most likely they have done some research and have a pretty good idea of what they want. However, don’t assume that they are convinced that concrete pavers are the way to go or that you are the contractor they want to have do the work! This is the time when salesmanship is important. And while some people are born salesman, selling is a process that anyone can follow. Here are some useful tips to make the sale! Sell Yourself -Tell them about your company! Even if you were referred to them by your Ideal Authorized Dealer or another customer, it is important to establish your credentials and credibility face-to-face. In our Come Home to Style catalog, we have detailed some of the essential business aspects and performance qualifications that a contractor who installs pavers should offer. If you have developed a portfolio of projects you’ve completed, review it with them. Let them know if you provide design assistance. It’s a valuable service! Be sure to show them those letters of recommendation or testimonials from satisfied customers. You do have them...don’t you? Sell the Benefits of an Interlocking Concrete Pavement - A wise investment! Bear in mind that this is a big decision for them. An interlocking concrete pavement is an investment that will provide returns by increasing the equity in their home. Landscaping has proven to provide a return on investment of 100- 200%, and can increase a home’s value by as much as 20%! But, like any investment, it involves a capital outlay… money that could be spent elsewhere. So show them our Come Home to Style catalog. It is filled with great images, ideas, and projects that will help them visualize how their home can be transformed with a picturesque pavement or landscape retaining wall, that will provide years of lasting beauty. Review the Comparison Charts located in our Come Home to Style catalog. They provide useful information by comparing the important aspects of concrete pavers to all other types of popular paving materials that the customer may be considering. We have even included a Q&A Section of the most common questions about pavers that we have been asked over the years. It goes a long way in answering some of the concerns they may have about using pavers. Let your prospective customers see how our products - and your skills - can make their home beautiful and inviting to family, friends, and neighbors for years to come with our Come Home to Style catalog! Sell the Project Suggest that they spend time thinking about where they would like their new pavement situated in relation to their home and topography of their property. Do they want you to create a new pathway to the front entry or into the backyard…or are they looking to create a new outdoor living space for relaxation and entertaining? Help them visualize foot traffic patterns and how the pavement will define and maximize their landscape. If they simply wish to replace an existing pavement, have them consider whether the width needs to be increased…or would they like you to change the form and shape to be more functional? Invest a little time with them…it will go a long way! Sell the Styles - You have lots to choose from! Pavers by Ideal ® features a wide range of colors, styles, sizes, and shapes that give you and your customers real choices. Our pavers create engaging designs and patterns that no other paving material can match! Have your customers select from our many traditional shapes for classic, time-honored pavements, or from our attractive contemporary styles. Our Come Home to Style catalog shows the many styles of pavers we offer and the eye-catching pavements they create. Provide your customers with a copy…it will make closing sales easier than ever before! And remember, your customer will rely on you for advice. Some colors and styles may require lead time, so if they want the project done quickly, be sure to know what styles are available from your Ideal Authorized Dealer. You might even want to discuss second choices. This way, you’ll be ready when they are! Sell the Colors with Style! - Our beauty is more than skin deep! Color…is the number one reason why more discriminating homeowners, architects, and design professionals choose our pavers over other types of paving materials! We make them in a wide range of beautiful colors inspired by the deep, rich hues authentic to New England's architecture and landscapes. Our Drum-Roll Tumbled™ collection of pavers features the soft patina of weathered tones in time-honored colors. We color our pavers - and walls - with the highest quality pigments and saturate them “throughout the body” - not just at the surface. So if a chip happens to occur, it will be hardly discernable. The Colors with Style™ section of our Come Home to Style catalog offers a pretty good idea of what colors we offer. Start there, but be sure to have your customers make their final selection from actual samples. Pavers are made using natural materials, so when showing them color samples, let them know that the product they receive may vary somewhat in color and texture from the samples. Having them think of it as dye-lots, similar to paint or fabric, may help them better understand. 2 ©1996-2006 Ideal Concrete Block Company, Inc. Tip: Offer to create a unique blend just for them by intermixing two or more colors at the job site. The possibilities are endless! If using a soldier course, consider an accent color that contrasts the color chosen for the field of the pavement. Sell the Finishes - Traditional or tumbled? Our traditional finishes offer a refined surface with a slipresistant texture. Most shapes are made with distinctive chamfers, while others, like our Yankee Cobble™, have an embossed surface and pressed corners. If the colors, texture, and durability of vintage stone pavements suits your customer, our Drum-Roll Tumbled™ collection of pavers faithfully reproduce the authentic look of natural stone. For a more rustic appearance, install both the chamfered and square edge sides of our Georgetown Colonial Paver™ facing upward in a random fashion. Sell the Shapes and Patterns - Getting creative! In most cases, shape is a matter of preference as to its appearance and the laying patterns it can make. Most shapes can be installed in a variety of laying patterns. Choose from classic 45° or 90° herringbones, traditional running bonds, elegant basket weaves, circles, fans, or sweeping curves. Some pavers, such as Symetry®, have shapes that lend themselves to patterns specific to their geometry. Other styles can be installed in virtually unlimited patterns and combinations. Any pattern is suitable for walkways, patios, or pool decks. Running bond and basket weaves can be used for residential driveways, however, herringbone patterns provide the greatest degree of interlock. Stack bond patterns should only be used for pedestrian applications. Sell the Paver Thickness - 6 cm or 8cm? Most of the pavers we offer are 6 cm (2 3/8") thick. Some are made 8 cm (3 1/8") thick to accommodate heavy traffic and load requirements. Our 6 cm pavers should serve all of your needs for residential applications. A Word of Advice - Don’t over sell the product! Concrete pavers are one of the strongest and most durable paving materials available. While they are very uniform in size and most possess distinct chamfers, they are not tile, and the texture of the surface is not intended to have a consistently smooth finish. It is not unusual to see marks, small stones, or even minor cracks. After all, concrete pavers are made of natural ingredients. (Of course, people love the chips, scratches, and worn edges of our Drum-Roll Tumbled™ pavers.) It is interesting to note that the clay brick industry allows every paving brick to contain chips as large as 5/16" along the edge and 1/2" at the corners! Although the concrete paver industry under ASTM specification C-936 simply states that minor cracks and chips shall not be deemed grounds for rejection, we have often used the size of a dime to measure acceptable character marks. Discuss this with your customer. Let them know that some size, color, and texture variations are normal in products made with natural ingredients. Don’t shy away from discussing the possibility of efflorescence. It also is natural and may appear without warning (see page 18 for more information). An educated customer is a good customer. They should feel good about their decision to use concrete pavers, and these types of discussions will go a long way towards making the sale and avoiding potential problems and misunderstandings. Sell the Quality Assurance of Ideal…a name they can rely on! Pavers by Ideal ® is a registered trademark of Ideal Concrete Block Company, Inc., a name synonymous with quality concrete masonry products. We have made New England our home for a while…since 1923 to be exact! And during that time, the Ideal tradition for quality has been passed along to three generations of the Burgoyne family. We manufacture one of the largest selections of interlocking concrete pavers, dry-stack retaining wall systems, and concrete masonry yardscape products in the Northeast. You can rely on us…our name stands for quality, service, and reliability...over 80 years worth! 3 ©1996-2006 Ideal Concrete Block Company, Inc. Traditional Paver Style Boston Colonial Paver® Drum-Roll Tumbled™ Style Georgetown Colonial Paver™ Tip: If the pavement has drastic changes in direction, try to pick a shape that accommodates curves with a minimum of cutting. Rule of Thumb: Use 6 cm pavers for all residential applications and 8 cm for street, industrial, and port uses. Symetry ® with Symetry ® Squares Rule of Thumb: Show your customers no less than 5 full pavers as samples when selecting colors. Sell the Assurance of Ideal’s Warranty Ideal provides a lifetime warranty on the structural integrity of our pavers used in residential applications. Material installed according to our guidelines that proves to be defective will be replaced without cost. Color matching cannot be guaranteed and replacement labor is not included. Proof of purchase is required and other exclusions apply. Please ask for complete details. General Design & Installation Structural & Engineering Aesthetics & Appearance Durability, Maintenance & Repair Permeable Pavers General What are interlocking concrete paving stones ( concrete pavers)? Pavers are individual precast concrete units. They are produced on specially designed paving stone machines according to ASTM or CSA standards. This specialized manufacturing process ensures an exacting quality controlled environment that produces pavers of higher strength and durability than normal concrete. Pavers are a minimum of 8000 psi, compared to about 2500 psi for poured in place concrete. How long have paving stones been in use? The original paving stone was used by the Roman armies centuries ago. They built roads using an aggregate base with the placement of stones on top. These roads are still in place today and wind their way through the European countryside. Following World War II, there was a dire need for reconstruction. To facilitate the construction of roads, the Dutch recreated stone cobbles in concrete. In the 60’s, Germany improved the rectangular “Holland Stone” by creating dentated shapes. In the early 70’s the popularity of paving stones reached the shores of North America and have gained in popularity ever since. How does the interlocking system work? Pavers are placed on a one inch bed of sand over a compacted aggregate base. The thickness of the base will vary depending on its application. Paving stones are restrained using edge restraints. Commonly used edge restraints include concrete curbing, plastic edge restraints, and aluminum edge restraints. Once the pavers are placed and restrained, they are compacted into place. Fine masonry sand is swept into the joints, and the pavement compacted for 3 or 4 passes until full interlock is achieved. Upon completion of this compaction process, the area is ready for immediate use. Unlike asphalt and concrete, no curing or setting time is required for interlocking concrete paving stones. What types of areas are appropriate for interlocking pavers? Interlocking concrete paving stones are used at airport, container faculties, railway container faculties, municipality streets, plazas, parks, driveways, walkways and patios. Pavers are the perfect solution for almost any applications because of their high quality, aesthetic value, and lower life-cycle cost in comparison to asphalt or concrete. Are UNI® pavers strong enough for frequent use under traffic? Yes, our pavers exceed the industry standards for strength and low moisture absorption. The industry standard for concrete pavers is a minimum of 8,000 psi and typically the UNI® pavers test between 10,000 to 11,000 psi. That is approximately 3 times stronger than poured concrete. In addition, our absorption rate is in the 2% to 3% range and the industry requires 5% or less. Compared to regular poured concrete that has an absorption rate of about 17%, concrete pavers will not absorb much moisture or be damaged by freeze thaw cycles. However, an 8-12 inch foundation of road base is required in order to handle the weight of the load. Also, edge restraints must be used in all paver applications. Are ICPs the same as bricks? No bricks are made from clay and are fired in kilns to harden. Interlocking pavers are a concrete product, produced with specialized equipment and made to specific industry standards. Design & Installation Where can I find guide specifications and detail drawings in electronic format? UNI-GROUP U.S.A. can supply CAD drawings and guide specifications. Call or visit our web site. How important is good installation? Proper installation is critical to good performance for all types of interlocking pavements. If you use a contractor, look for certification from the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute. If you plan to do a project yourself, consult your UNI® dealer for design and installation guidance. Should concrete pavers be placed in mortar or mortar used for the joints? No, it is not a recommended practice especially in areas subject to vehicles. Interlocking paving stone are a flexible system and should be placed on a sand bed. It is recommended that you use coarse granular sand, which will help bind the pavers together with a friction joint. This sand is swept into the joints and compacted to achieve the proper installation. Can I use UNI pavers over my old concrete patio? As long as your existing patio is in good condition. There can be cracks in the old patio as long as it is still level and has not "heaved" up in any areas. You will still need to retain the border of your project. Since you will not be able to stake in an edge restraint around it, a heavy-duty silicon based construction adhesive is recommended. Use this on the bottom of your border stones only to adhere it directly to the existing concrete. IMPORTANT NOTE: Any time you are overlaying an existing patio, it is important to recognize how much room you have between the existing patio and the threshold of your door. Our typical paver is 2 3/8 inches tall. There has to be enough room for you to overlay the patio without raising the new level above your door's threshold. Can I put concrete pavers over a driveway that is cracked in several places? If the cracks in your driveway have started to drop or heave too much, it is recommended that you remove the old driveway before you lay your pavers. If your cracked driveway is still basically flat then you can use it for a base for your pavers. Any minor dips can be filled with concrete mix before screeding your sand. You should mortar set the Holland Stone paver in a soldier course (placing the Holland Stone side-by-side in the mortar) all around your perimeter border. Then screed your 1" of sand bed for your field pavers. After your sand bed is screeded, you can lay your pavers and compact them into the sand bed. Next, spread a light layer of sand on the pavers and compact it one more time to complete the lockup. Once that is complete, you should sweep sand into the joints, sweep off the excess and your job should be complete. Which types of edge restraint do you recommend I use around a patio – plastic, aluminum or concrete? We recommend edge restraints for all types of concrete paver projects, including light duty residential applications such as walkways or patios. Edge restraints help keep pavers from spreading apart or tipping, thereby maintaining consistent interlock of the units throughout the pavement. Many types of edge restraints are available including precast concrete or cut stone, steel, aluminum, plastic, timber, and troweled concrete toes. Existing curbs, stairs, and walls are also suitable as edging for pavers. Consult your local UNI® manufacturer licensee for recommended edge restraints for your type of project. What type of sand do I need to use between my pavers? Use a sharp coarse river washed sand or sharp sand with multi-sized grains. The coarse sand will bind together when you go over the pavers with the compactor. This will make the joints between the paver solid and prevent moisture from getting under the pavers. Fine sand will wash out easily and not create a locking friction joint between the pavers. Can I till in dry Portland cement into the soil before putting my 1 inch bed of sand down on a residential paver project? By tilling dry Portland cement into the ground 4 to 5 inches, compacting and moistening it, you are creating a strong sub-base that will resist ground movement and keep your project looking great for years to come. This process is only recommended if you have sandy type soils. If you have the clay type of soils it is recommended that you excavate enough material out to put down 4 to 6 inches of crushed limestone or road base material and compact it before you screed your 1 inch of bedding sand. On paver projects, the base preparation is the most important part, so take a little extra time and effort on your base to make your project look great. What type of aggregate is used for the base? Typically a coarse graded aggregate ranging in size from approximately 3/4" to sand size particles is used for base construction. This is usually material that is suitable for a road base. This material facilitates compaction to a required density to support vehicular loading. How will the aggregate base be compacted? Layers are typically compacted in 4 to 6" (100-150mm) layers to achieve the maximum density and load bearing capacity. Each layer will require several passes of a compactor to achieve this. How is the bedding sand installed? The bedding layer is comprised of clean, coarse sand that is screeded to a depth of 1- 1/2 ". This provides a setting bed for the pavers. When the pavers are placed on the sand and compacted, the sand moves up into the joints. This causes the pavers to interlock and become level after compaction. NOTE: Limestone screenings and stone dust should not be used for the bedding sand. How will the contractor assure an even color mix of the pavers? To ensure proper distribution of colors, pavers are installed section by section, top to bottom from several bundles or cubes of pavers simultaneously. Will an edge restraint be installed? Yes, an edge restraint around the perimeter of the pavers is essential for eliminating horizontal creeping of the pavers and loss of bedding sand. Commonly used edge restraints include concrete curbing, plastic edge restraints, and aluminum edge restraints. Contact your dealer for more information. Are the joints filled between the pavers? Yes, with clean, fine sand. The sand should be dry, so it will flow freely into the joints. Where can I get a plate compactor and what do I need it for? Just about any equipment rental yard will have a plate compactor that usually rents for about $45-60. One of the final steps in completing your UNI® paver project is running a plate compactor over the top of your paving stones. Simply put, this helps lock your pavers into place. The compactor helps seat your pavers down into your base sand evenly (they will drop approximately 1/4") and also helps to vibrate your joint sand down to entirely the joints and securely lock the pavers into place. Can you make curves with pavers for round designs? This is possible with UNI® products. The best way to handle curves is to outline your curve with a border stone like Holland. Then place as many whole pavers as needed up to the border stone. Next, cut the pavers to fill in the leftover gaps, using a guillotine splitter or diamond blade wet saw, which can be rented. For precision cuts, the diamond blade wet saw is preferred. Structural & Engineering Is there a structural difference between various paver shapes? Yes. UNI® pavers feature interlocking designs that offer superior structural performance, especially under traffic loads. Do interlocking pavers contribute to the pavement structure? Yes, there have been many studies that have shown that interlocking pavements have the same or better load-spreading capability than an equivalent thickness of asphalt. Should concrete slabs be used in vehicular areas? Paving slabs are units that are generally 10" x 10" or larger. With the exception of residential driveways and special shapes, they are not recommended in areas subject to constant vehicular traffic. The slabs are designed for pedestrian areas such as plazas, patios, and walkways. This restriction is based on the aspect ratio - typically pavers larger than 10" x 10" x 2 3/8" thick are deemed unsuitable for vehicular traffic due to flexural issues. However specially shaped, thicker slabs can provide enough interlock for traffic. Contact your UNI® Manufacturer for more details. Would the pavement be stronger if I added cement into the joints/cracks? Actually, one of the benefits of using sand is that it allows the pavement to flex with ground movement. When you place cement between the cracks of anything, it will become a single ridge slab that will crack due to ground movement. Will freezing and thawing damage pavers? No, damage from ice is virtually non-existent. UNI® Interlocking Concrete Pavers are ideal for cold northern climates and are unaffected by extremes of heat and frost. Because the pavers are installed on a sand bed without mortar, they can expand and contract with the freeze-thaw cycles without cracking, chipping or spalling. Once properly installed and compacted, a UNI® street or driveway pavement can be snow-plowed. Does water infiltrate through the sand around standard pavers? No, the water does not drain through the sand around the pavers. If they are installed properly, you will only get a minimal amount of infiltration for the first few weeks, but silt and dust in the air will seal the joint entirely in time. Therefore, you need to slope your paver project for water run off. Typically, it is recommended that you allow for a slope of 1" for every 8 to 12" of pavement. UNI® does feature permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP) for infiltrating stormwater runoff. These are constructed differently from traditional paver installation to accommodate infiltration of water into the reservoir base. Please see the section on PICP at the end of this document or visit our web site for additional information on the Eco-Stone® family of permeable interlocking concrete pavements. What are the specification performance requirements for concrete paving stones? For the U.S., as required by ASTM C 936, the paving stone average compressive strength must be 8000 psi (55 Mpa) at the time of delivery with no individual unit less than 7200 psi (50 Mpa). The average absorption value must be no more than 5%, with no individual unit greater than 7%. For freeze-thaw durability, pavers must have no more than 1% weight loss of any individual UNIt after 50 cycles of freezing and thawing as described in ASTM C 67. Abrasion loss, as measured using ASTM C 418, must be no more than 15 cm3/50 cm2 of paving stone surface, with no more than 3 mm of average thickness loss once testing is completed. In Canada, paving stones are governed by CSA-A231.2, which requires paver average compressive strength to be at least 50 Mpa (7250 psi) after 28 days of moist curing as described in the specification. Compressive strength specimens are either cores or cubes cut with an aspect ratio of 1:1. Freeze-thaw durability is evaluated using deicing salt, whereby the average weight (mass) loss after 25 cycles of freezing and thawing is no more than 200 g/m2 of paving stone surface, or no more than 500 g/m2 after 50 cycles of freezing and thawing. For further details of these test methods, please see CSA-A231.2. Are continuing education credits for training on the design and specification of concrete pavers available? Yes, UNI GROUP U.S.A manufacturers offer presentations that qualify for continuing education credits or professional development hours for registered architects or engineers. Visit our web site for more information or contact your local UNI® manufacturer. Interlocking Concrete Paving Stones Manufacturers of Quality Masonry Products Expand your living space outdoors using interlocking concrete paving stones from Air Vol Block Create instant curb appeal by using our paving stones to craft truly distinctive driveways, walkways, plazas, and patios! Made from high-strength concrete, our concrete paving stones provide an attractive yet functional pavement which will bestow a lifetime of service. Air Vol Interlocking Concrete Paving stones are made from 8,000 psi concrete and meet or exceed the requirements of ASTM C-936 Standard Specification for Concrete Paving Stones. About Air Vol Block Air Vol Block, Inc. of San Luis Obispo, California is a manufacturer of quality concrete masonry units, Allan Block mortarless retaining wall systems, and interlocking concrete pavers. We also manufacture bagged dry-mix products such as Quikrete concrete mix, Mason Mix Mortar, and assorted other sacked products. To round out our product offerings, we fabricate reinforcing steel and sell a wide variety of building materials including Cultured Stone®, clay brick, and glass block. Since its incorporation in 1962, Air Vol Block has grown with the masonry industry by focusing upon customer service, product innovation, and product quality. While we manufacture a complete line of concrete masonry units including Precision Block, Split-face Block, Slump Block, and Burnished Block, we have garnered an outstanding reputation as the go-to manufacturer for specialty shapes and sizes. We are continually upgrading our manufacturing facilities to better serve the needs of our customers The sales staff at Air Vol Block is eager and willing to assist project owners, design professionals, and contractors in the successful planning and construction of their projects! You are invited to contact us whenever we can be of service. Whether you need color samples, technical notes, or a referral to a qualified construction professional, we will do our best to help you. Detailed installation and specification information is available from our sales office, or from our website at airvolblock.com. Visit our outdoor showroom! Table of Contents Roman 2 Euro-Cobble 3 Tri-Cobble 4 Circle Cobble 5 Old World Cobble 6 Balboa 7 Chumash 8 Holland 9 Apache 10 Centurion 11 Eco-Perm & Turfpaver 12 Paver Accessories 13 Photo at left: Mixture of Sandstone and Brown/Charcoal Euro-Cobble While all efforts were made to show product colors and textures as accurately as possible, actual product may vary from that shown in this brochure. Always request actual product color samples prior to ordering. Roman Our Roman pavers provide unlimited design possibilities as you can mix and match the three sizes and the many color options to create a truly one-of-a-kind design! Thickness: Stocked in 60 mm. 80 mm available by special-order. 8 1/4” 5 7/16” 5 7/16” 8 1/4” 10 7/8” Magnum Roman I 5 7/16” Roman II Packaging for Roman and Euro-Cobble: Shape Pieces per Stones per Square feet Roman I 3.17 370 117 Roman II 4.76 560 118 Magnum 1.63 180 110 square foot pallet per pallet Tumbled Roman Sandstone Blend Joint Patterns for Roman and Euro-Cobble View additional patterns on our website Roman and Euro-Cobble Patterns Using the Magnum View additional patterns on our website Combo Herringbone 60% Roman I 40% Roman II Colors (Stock colors subject to change) I Pattern 75% Roman I 25% Roman II 1-1-1 Pattern 27.2% I’s 18.6% II’s 54.2% Magnum’s 2-2-2 Herringbone Pattern 27.1% I’s 18.7% II’s 54.2% Magnum’s 3-1-2 Herringbone Pattern 39% I’s 9% II’s 52% Magnum’s Sandstone Blend Charcoal Red/Charcoal Blend Grey/Charcoal Blend Brown/Charcoal Blend Sunburst Blend Dark Brown Be sure to view actual product samples prior to ordering! 2 Euro-Cobble Mixture of Brown/Charcoal Blend and Sandstone Blend Our Euro-Cobble pavers are textured and tumbled to replicate the appearance of hand-crafted natural stone pavers. Use a single size or mix two or three sizes to create beautiful patterns! Create a truly unique project by blending multiple colors. Thickness: Stocked in 60 mm. 80 mm available via special-order. Packaging: Refer to previous “Roman” page for packaging. Joint Patterns: Refer to previous “Roman” page for Euro-Cobble joint patterns. Colors (Stock colors subject to change) 8 1/4” Magnum Euro-Cobble I Euro-Cobble II 10 7/8” 5 7/16” 5 7/16” 5 7/16” 8 1/4” Euro-Cobble with Magnums Grey/Charcoal Blend Brown/Charcoal Blend Dark Brown Sandstone Blend Be sure to view actual product samples prior to ordering! 3 Tri-Cobble Our Tri-Cobble paver is a preblended mixture of three different sizes. Important Note: The individual pieces are not sold separately, so please be sure to install them in these approximate proportions: 5 Large Rectangles to 5 Squares to 2 small rectangles. The rounded sides of the Tri-Cobble are conducive to creating gracefully sweeping curves. Thickness: Stocked in 60 mm. Packaging: 122 square feet per pallet. 7 1/8” 4 3/4” 4 3/4” 4 3/4” 4 3/4” 2 3/8” Mixture of several color blends Colors (Tri-Cobble and Circle Cobble) (Stock color selection subject to change) Red/Charcoal Blend Charcoal Grey/Charcoal Blend Brown/Charcoal Blend Sunburst Blend Sandstone Blend Be sure to view actual product samples prior to ordering! 4 Circle Cobble Use as a focal point within any style of pavers. Pre-packaged in individual 71-1/4” diameter kits. Larger circles can be made by adding additional rings of our Tri-Cobble pavers. Thickness: Stocked in 60 mm. Packaging: One 71-1/4” circle per pallet (Approximately 27.7 square feet). Pallets of Circle Cobble may include a few extra unneeded pieces due to the mold configuration. Don’t be alarmed if you have a few pieces left over! Stock Colors Swatches: Same as Tri-Cobble Colors. Red/Charcoal Blend Installation Chart Ring # Center 2 Center Pieces 4 5/8 0 Ring 1 8 Wide Wedges 15 0 Ring 2 7 Wide Wedges Alternate Wide Wedge and Squares 24 3/8 0 7 Squares Ring 3 22 Narrow Wedges All Narrow Wedges 33 3/4 0 Ring 4 29 Narrow Wedges All Narrow Wedges 43 1/8 0 Ring 5 17 Narrow Wedges Alternate 1 Square to 1 Narrow Wedge 52 1/2 0 17 Squares Ring 6 21 Narrow Wedges Alternate 1 Square to 1 Narrow Wedge 61 7/8 0 20 Squares Ring 7 32 Narrow Wedges Alternate 1 Square to 2 Narrow Wedges 71 1/4 0 16 Squares Pieces Required Paver Shape Circle Kit Notes Approx. Additional sq.ft Diameter of Tri-Cobble (in inches) needed Wide Wedge 5 1/4” 2” 4 3/4” Narrow Wedge 4 1/2” 4 3/4” 3 1/4” Optional Rings Square Ring 8 80 5/8 8.2 Ring 9 90 17.4 Ring 10 99 3/8 27.5 Ring 11 108 3/4 38.5 Ring 12 118 1/8 50.6 Ring 13 127 1/2 63.5 Pallets of Circle Cobble may include a few extra unneeded pieces due to the mold configuration. You will have pieces left over. Use the 3 Tri-Cobble shapes to create the optional rings Create additional rings by using Tri-Cobble Pavers “ “ “ “ “ 4 3/4” 4 3/4” Center Piece 4 3/4” 2 3/8” 5 Old World Cobble Brown/Charcoal Blend Our unique Old World Cobble is a mixture of seven irregular shapes which are tumbled to replicate the weathered appearance of genuine European stone pavers. Approximate size ranges from 2” x 4” to 4” x 6”. Thickness: 60 mm or 80 mm. Packaging for 60 mm: 82 sq. ft. per pallet. 80 mm: 64 sq. ft. per pallet. Air Vol recommends using 80 mm Old World pavers for residential driveways. This shape is not recommended for use in commercial traffic areas. Polymeric Sand is recommended for use with Old World Cobble. Colors (Stock color selection subject to change) Grey/Charcoal Blend Brown/Charcoal Blend Sandstone Blend Be sure to view actual product samples prior to ordering! 6 Balboa Our Balboa Paver lends itself to the creation of many interesting patterns. Create a truly unique project by blending multiple colors. Stocked in 60 mm thickness. Various Blends Patterns Fish Scale Wave Monarch Colors (Stock color selection subject to change) 8 3/4” 6 3/4” Sunburst Blend Sandstone Blend Brown/Charcoal Blend Be sure to view actual product samples prior to ordering! 7 Chumash The delightful combination of two geometric shapes makes our Chumash paver pleasing to the eye! Thickness: Stocked in 60 mm. Coverage: 3.4 pieces per square foot. Packaging: 113 square feet per pallet. Red/Charcoal Blend Joint Patterns Basket Weave Herringbone Runner Colors (Stock color selection subject to change) 5 1/2” 9” Grey Tan Red/Charcoal Blend Sunburst Blend Be sure to view actual product samples prior to ordering! 8 Holland Tumbled Holland This original paver shape has been utilized world-wide for decades! The Holland paver can be used by itself, or as a distinctive border around any of Thickness: Stocked in 60 mm. 80 mm available via special-order. the other paver shapes! Detectable warning pavers Large photo, Red color Joint Patterns now stocked in red. 7 3/4” 3 7/8” Basket Weave Herringbone Running Bond Colors (Stock color selection subject to change) Red Tan Charcoal Red/Charcoal Blend Sunburst Blend Be sure to view actual product samples prior to ordering! 9 Apache Our distinctive Apache paver shape has been widely used for over three decades! Thickness: Stocked in 60 mm. 80 mm available via special-order. Coverage: 3.9 pieces per square foot. Packaging: 105 square feet per pallet. Colors (Stock color selection subject to change) 7 5/8” 5 5/8” Red/Charcoal Blend Tan Be sure to view actual product samples prior to ordering! 10 Red/Charcoal Centurion Our Centurion paver provides clean lines and easy installation! Thickness: Stocked in 60 mm. Coverage: 1.07 pieces per square foot. Packaging: 115 square feet per pallet. Sandstone Blend Joint Patterns 11 3/4” 11 3/4” Stack Bond Running Bond Plaza Weave 82% Centurion, 18% Roman II Due to it’s size, the Centurion is considered to be a paving slab rather than a paving stone. The Centurion has a compressive strength of 5,000psi. Colors (Stock color selection subject to change) Red/Charcoal Blend Sandstone Blend Charcoal Be sure to view actual product samples prior to ordering! 11 Eco-Perm & Turfpaver Turfpavers and Eco-Perm Pavers provide a stable pavement while creating a permeable surface that can be designed to reduce or eliminate storm-water runoff. Either type of paver can be filled with grass or aggregate depending upon the project objectives. Planting grass in these types of pavers creates islands of cooling within the urban landscape, while allowing water to easily permeate the pavement. Filling the voids with aggregate allows the creation of underground retention basins while still maintaining use of the surface for parking. Eco-Perm shown above We recommend using the minimal joint pattern for permeable installations. Thickness: 80 mm. Coverage: 2.9 pieces per square foot based upon minimal joint pattern. Packaging: 83 square feet per pallet based upon minimal joint pattern. Colors (Stock color selection subject to change) Joint Patterns A typical permeable base is constructed using these materials: • A sub-base of number 2 stone • A base of number 57 stone • A 1-1/2” to 2” thick bedding course of number 8 stone • Joints filled with number 8 stone Consult with a civil engineer for determination of required base and sub-base depths. Cast concrete or pre-cast concrete curbs are recommended for use as the edge restraint on opengraded bases. Many possible uses: • Cart Paths • Driveway Extensions • Embankment Erosion Control • Pathways • Emergency Access Roads • Environmentally Friendly Parking Areas • Allows Air & Water to Tree Roots Turf Growth & Water Permeability Brown/Charcoal Blend See illustration to right for dimensions 7 1/2” 6 5/16” Grey Brown/Charcoal Blend Be sure to view actual product samples prior to ordering! Turfpaver shown at right Our Turfpavers are manufactured with 5,000 psi concrete and comply with ASTM C-1319 Standard Specification for Concrete Grid Pavements. Thickness: 80 mm. Coverage: 2.6 square feet per piece. Packaging: 130 square feet per pallet. Colors (Stock color selection subject to change) Full Open Alternating 18.3% void Requires 2.6 pcs/sq.ft. 11.7% void Requires 2.8 pcs/sq.ft. Running Bond 10.5% void Requires 2.9 pcs/sq.ft. Minimal 7.9% void Requires 2.9 pcs/sq.ft. 23 5/8” 15 5/8” Be sure to view actual product samples prior to ordering! Grey 12 Visit our Outdoor Showroom! Air Vol Block also stocks a complete line of paver accessories including: • Polymeric Joint Sand • Edge Restraint • Paver Sealers and Cleaners • Construction Adhesives • Paver Lights Air Vol Block Inc. #1 Suburban Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel: 805-543-1314 Fax: 805-543-0848 Manufacturers of Quality Masonry Products #1 Suburban Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel: 805-543-1314 Fax: 805-543-0848 www.airvolblock.com Aesthetics, Durability and Maintenance What is the white residue on the pavers? The white hazy residue that sometimes appears on the surface of the pavers is a condition called efflorescence. Efflorescence is a natural by-product that can appear on the surface of all types of masonry units. UNI® manufacturers typically use additives to minimize this condition. Efflorescence will wear off naturally over time, but it can be removed with specially formulated cleaners. Most cleaners contain acid and detergents, so be sure the follow all label directions and environmental regulations when using these cleaners. Ask your UNI dealer for more information. If pavers need to be removed for below grade repairs, can they be replaced afterwards? Yes, unlike other pavements, concrete pavers can easily be removed and reinstated without any visual or functional changes. How do you prevent weeds and grass from coming up in paver installations? For the most part, if the pavers were installed and properly compacted, this will minimize weed growth. There will still be times when weeds may start growing in the sand between the cracks. When this happens you can usually pull them out very easily or spray them with a weed killer. This problem can also occur in cracks in any concrete or asphalt pavements where sand and dust accumulates. Can dirty or broken pavers be replaced? Yes, you can be assured of replacement pavers by keeping extras from the job. When replacing a paver, scrape out the sand in the joints from those surrounding the paver to be removed. Use two screwdrivers to wiggle it out. Others can be removed by hand. Insert the new paver, replace the joint sand, and compact the paver into place with a rubber mallet. Are pavers slippery when wet? No, their surface texture is ideal for safe traction in pedestrian, vehicular, and pool applications, even when wet. They offer excellent slip and skid resistance. Interlocking concrete paving stones actually surpass the standards for slip resistance established by the American with Disabilities Act. Do concrete pavers stain? There is no way to completely prevent certain stains such as oil or grease from getting on any pavement surface. However, if your pavement is stained, there are a number of specialty cleaners that are available to remove stains such as dirt, oil and grease. Consult your UNI® dealer for more information. How are damaged pavers replaced? One of the benefits of a project built with UNI® pavers is the ability to replace a paver should it become permanently stained or damaged. Simply take a flat head screwdriver and insert it between stones and pry the stone out. If the installation is mature, it may be necessary to break the stone and then pry it out. Do pavers have to be sealed? The main reason for using a sealer on pavers is to deepen the color, add sheen and minimize staining, though it is not necessary to seal them. If you choose to use a sealer, remember that the pavement will need to be resealed at intervals depending on the traffic levels. If you choose to seal, allow a minimum of 60 to 90 days after installation before application. Consult your dealer for complete sealing instructions. How long do UNI® products last? idual pavers have a virtually unlimited lifespan – some installations in Europe have be in place for over 40 years. Indiv How soon after installation, can a interlocking concrete pavement be used? mediately. There is no curing or wait time to use the pavement. Im How do paving stones compare with other paving or decking materials? Over the lifetime of your installation, paving stones are more aesthetically pleasing, durable, and cost-effective than other types of ving or decking. pa Can paving stones be used around a swimming pool? Absolutely! UNI® pavers not only enhance the area around a pool, they also provide a slip-resistant surface to walk on. And if you ever have to service the area below the pavers, you can easily lift and re-lay the pavers. Can concrete pavers be used near trees? On an established tree, if you are not raising the soils around the tree by any more than a couple of inches, it shouldn’t present a problem. Well-established trees normally get their water from underground sources. Young trees grow best with an open space around the trunk of at least a 1' radius. Consideration should also be given to the growth rates of trees and the pavement designed accordingly. Why are interlocking concrete paving stones so strong and durable? Paving stones are made up of a high-strength, dense concrete formulation that produces a strength in excess of two times that of normal poured concrete. Paving stones are not subject to damage from de-icing salts or snow plowing. Installed properly, paving stones will provide an interlocking, flexible engineered paving system that will provide years of service. Why have my pavers shifted or sunk? This can be caused by a variety of factors, or a combination of factors. The main reasons bricks or pavers sink are: 1. They were installed at a time of year when there was a lot of moisture (early spring or late autumn) and there was shifting as a result of moisture in the ground. 2. Over a long period of time, constant pressure and traffic on any given area can cause some shifting or sinking. 3. Improper installation, such as a weak base of granular stone which was not properly compacted is often the cause. How does the weather affect interlocking concrete pavements? Pavers are your all-weather solution. In intense heat, they will not soften as asphalt does. They will not crack under repeated freeze/thaw cycles as the joints between the pavers allows for flexibility. During periods of rain, the joints will help slow the run off of water, thereby easing erosion. Permeable Pavements What types of applications are suitable for ECO-STONE® permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP)? Eco-Stone® permeable interlocking concrete pavers can be used for a wide variety of residential, commercial, municipal and industrial (Ecoloc® and Eco-Optiloc®) applications. They can be used for parking lots, driveways, overflow parking, emergency lanes, boat ramps, walk-ways, low-speed roadways, and storage facilities. Permeable or porous pavements should not exceed 5% slope for maximum infiltration. In addition to some of the guidelines previously described, permeable pavements should typically be sited at least 100 ft (30m) from water supply wells, streams, and wetlands, though local jurisdictional regulations may supercede these guidelines. The minimum estimated depth from the bottom of the pavement base to the high level of the water table should be greater than 2 ft (0.6m) to allow for filtration of pollutants through the soils. Are there any applications where permeable pavements should not be used? Yes. There are certain circumstances when permeable pavements should not be used. Any site classified as a stormwater hotspot (anywhere there is risk that stormwater could infiltrate and contaminate groundwater) is not a candidate for permeable pavements. This might include salvage and recycling yards; fueling, maintenance, and cleaning stations; industrial facilities that store or generate hazardous materials; storage areas with contents that could damage groundwater and soil; and land uses that drain pesticides and/or fertilizers into permeable pavements. In addition, permeable pavements may not be feasible when the land surrounding and draining into the pavement exceeds a 20% slope, or the pavement is downslope from buildings where the foundations have piped drainage at the footers. Can ECO-STONE® be installed mechanically? Eco-Stone® and the other styles of UNI® permeable pavers can all be installed mechanically, saving time and money, especially on large-scale projects. Can ECO-STONE® be used in freeze-thaw areas? Yes. Because permeable interlocking concrete pavements are typically constructed with open-graded bases and the pavement is still a flexible pavement like our traditional interlocking pavements, freeze-thaw does not present a problem. The void space in the aggregate base and subbase materials allow for expansion, minimizing heaving. Can ECO-STONE® be snow plowed? Yes. If properly installed, it can be snow plowed, just as with our traditional interlocking pavers. In fact, studies have shown that snow and ice melt quickly on PICP and drain through the surface, thereby minimizing icing hazards. The studies have also shown that less deicing salts are necessary on this type of pavement, reducing the impact on the environment What is the rate at which water will flow through ECO-STONE®? In 1992, Professor Thomas Phalen, Jr. tested the flow-through rate of the drainage openings in Eco-Stone® pavements at 1872 in./hr. While this is very high, the permeability and amount of infiltration are also dependent on the infiltration rates of the aggregates used for the joint and drainage openings, the bedding, base, and subbase, and ultimately, the subgrade. Compared to soils, the materials used in Eco-Stone® permeable pavement systems have very high infiltration rates – from 500 in./hr (over 10-3 m/sec) to over 2000 in./hr (over 10-3 to 10-2 m/sec). This is far more pervious than any existing site soils. Though initial infiltration rates are very high, it is important to consider lifetime design infiltration of the entire pavement cross-section, including the soil subgrade when designing PICPs. Based on research to date, a conservative design rate of 3 in./hr (2.1 x 10-5 m/sec) can be used as the basis for the design surface infiltration rate over a 20-year pavement life. As lifetime design infiltration rates may be difficult to predict, designers may want to use a conservative approach when --calculating the design infiltration rate. Does it qualify as a best management practice (BMP)? Yes. As a permeable pavement, Eco-Stone® is considered a BMP under the Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines. Permeable pavement is an important part of Low Impact Development and Smart Growth initiatves by the EPA. What happens when pollutants enter into the pavement instead of running off? Permeable pavement systems are capable of filtering pollutants and they can be broken down by bioremediation in the soils. This is preferable to direct runoff into bodies of water, where pollutants will impact the aquatic environment. Do the drainage openings plug up? How often and how are they maintained? All permeable pavements, including porous asphalt and pervious concrete, require periodic cleaning to maintain infiltration, and care must be taken to keep sediment off the pavement during and after construction. Studies and field experience have shown that vacuum-type street cleaning equipment is most effective for removing sediment from the openings to regenerate infiltration. Vacuum settings may require adjustment to prevent the uptake of aggregate in the pavement openings and joints. The surface should be dry when cleaning. The frequency of cleaning is dependent on traffic levels. It is generally recommended to vacuum the pavement surface at least once or twice a year, though some low-use pavements may not need cleaning as often. What is the percentage of open area for ECO-STONE and does this correspond to the infiltration capability? One of the most common misconceptions when designing or approving permeable interlocking concrete pavement is the assumption that the amount or percentage of open surface area of the pavement is equal to the percentage of perviousness. For example, a designer or municipal agency might incorrectly assume that a 15% open area is only 15% pervious. While the percentage of open area for Eco-Stone® is a little over 12%, this does not mean that only 12% of the rainfall infiltrates. Up to 100% infiltration rates are possible depending on design and typically, PICP is designed to infiltrate the amounts generated by storms that comprise 75-85% of the design storms in the U.S. Does the construction of PICP differ from that of traditional interlocking pavers? Though the basics of flexible pavement construction are similar, different materials are typically used in construction of PICP. Generally coarser, open-graded base and subbase materials are used, as well as coarser bedding and joint fill materials. The volume and thickness of bases is determined by both traffic loading and amount of water coming into the system. For guidance on material specification and construction, please visit our web site and request our Eco-Stone® Design Guide and Research Summary. What about handicap accessibility? Permeable interlocking concrete pavement conforms to current ADA requirements that surfaces be firm, stable, and slip resistant. If the openings in the surface are not desirable, solid pavers can be installed in areas used by disabled persons. Potential changes to ADA design requirements are under considerations, and should they change in the future, UNI® permeable interlocking paver designs can be adapted to meet new guidelines. Eco-Priora™ is a new UNI permeable paver that is designed for pedestrian areas and handicap-accessible pavements. How do permeable interlocking concrete pavements compare in cost to asphalt or concrete pavements? PICP should not be compared to traditional asphalt or concrete pavements alone. They should be compared to these pavements, plus the cost for drainage improvements and possibly land area if required for retention or detention ponds. PICP allows for better use of available land, combining parking with detention, especially in urban areas. In addition, they are a better environmental choice and help meet stormwater runoff regulations and requirements. UNI-GROUP U.S.A Manufacturers of UNI Paving Stones Headquarters Office 4362 Northlake Blvd. Suite 204 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 561-626-4666 • Fax 561-627-6403 www.uni-groupusa.org