Question

What is load transfer mechanism for paving blocks in pedestrian footway?

Answer

In Hong Kong, footway is as a rule designed with paving slabs or interlocking blocks in its place of concrete since extensive use of concrete in pavement is boring. In addition poor appearance will result in concrete pavement due to recurrently trench openings for utility work. In adding up, owing to prolonged setting and curing time of concrete, use of concrete pavement inevitably generates trouble to the general public.

Pedestrian loads are taken up from side to side following ways-

(i) Load transport capacity of paving slabs/ interlocking blocks are derived from their individual power

(ii) Pedestrian loads are as well supported by interlocking forces provided by friction transfer through sand in vertical joints