Concrete Pavers and Blocks
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What is a concrete paver?
The paver is a concrete product that has seen significant growth in production and popularity among builders in recent years. It is a type of interlocking pavement.
Its origin dates back to the 19th century, when sidewalks were made with stones and gravel to prevent people from walking directly on the mud. Over time, concrete was developed—a relatively expensive material at the time. Later, asphalt emerged, which is made from the same base materials used in concrete pavers and blocks, but with the addition of an asphalt emulsion to bind the components.
However, asphalt introduced a major environmental issue: soil impermeabilization, which negatively affects the region’s climate control. For example, in higher neighborhoods where rainwater drains more easily into streams, temperatures tend to be lower than in lower-lying city centers, which become noticeably warmer due to poor water infiltration.
The ideal solution would be to use materials that allow water drainage, such as gravel or cobblestones, so that water can seep into the ground, helping to avoid climate-related issues in the area.
Pavers emerged as a response to the growing need for materials that allow partial water drainage—around 20% permeability—while still offering high-quality pavement for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. In fact, they provide a better surface than cobblestones, loose gravel, or bare soil. Additionally, they contribute to climate balance in urban areas by reducing the heat island effect caused by impermeable surfaces.
Interlocking pavers are precast concrete units, available in various sizes and shapes, designed to suit specific paving areas. Besides the natural gray cement color, they can be found in red, dark gray, terracotta (brown), tan, and yellow.
Pavers are sold by square meter (m²) and are typically stored on wooden pallets or secured with strapping. They come in a wide range of shapes, colors, and modules, with thicknesses ranging from 6 to 10 cm, depending on their application. Their strength and characteristics vary based on the type of traffic the pavement will support.
For areas with pedestrian traffic, bike paths, or internal roads in residential complexes, the recommended paver should be 40 mm thick and have a compressive strength of 35 MPa. For areas with heavy vehicle traffic, such as buses and trucks, pavers must meet a minimum strength of 50 MPa. Anything below that does not comply with regulatory standards.
These blocks are engineered to be as strong—or even stronger—than the structural components of buildings. When designing the pavement, the architect or engineer specifies the appropriate size and thickness of the sub-base and subgrade layers to ensure the pavers can withstand the applied loads without sinking or cracking.
Lateral containment must be installed in paved areas to prevent the shifting of blocks. When cleaning, special care should be taken when using pressure washing machines, as a high-pressure jet directed at the joints can displace the jointing sand, potentially loosening the pavers.
Repairs are also simple, as the pavers can be removed and replaced without the need for demolition in the affected area.
Concrete Paver Thickness (PCA – 1984)
60 mm for light traffic, such as pedestrians;
80 mm for commercial vehicles or heavy vehicle traffic;
100 mm or 120 mm for very heavy traffic situations.
Minimum compressive strength of pavers: fpk > 35 MPa
Source: Mapa da Obra (Votorantim)
How to Use and Install Concrete Pavers and Blocks
Step 1 – Level the Base:
Level and compact the soil. Perform the initial leveling with crushed stone (bica corrida) in the area to be paved. Use a hoe to spread it evenly, ensuring no area remains uneven.
Step 2 – Take Reference Points:
Measure and mark reference points according to the required slopes. The paver blocks themselves can serve as reference points. Do this throughout the entire area to be paved.
Step 3 – Install the Guides:
Next, install the concrete guides to confine the interlocking pavement.
Step 4 – Spread the Crushed Stone:
To receive the pavers, the base must be prepared with clean crushed stone. Spread the crushed stone with a hoe without covering or damaging the reference points. Using the initially positioned points, screed the crushed stone with a straightedge.
Step 5 – Add Sand (or Stone Dust):
For light traffic, apply sand after compacting the soil, omitting the need for gravel or crushed stone. Leave a layer 3 to 5 cm thick.
Step 6 – Place the Pieces:
With the base fully leveled, arrange the pavers on the ground. Start at the blocking edge, which can be a guide or a wall where the block can be contained. Use a mason’s string line to keep the leveling and continue fitting the blocks.
Step 7 – Make the Finishing Cuts:
When reaching the opposite corner, finishing cuts will be necessary. Mark the required size of the block with a pencil.
Step 8 – Fit the Pieces:
Carefully cut the pavers with a pressure guillotine to fit the pieces.
Step 9 – Check the Level:
Always check the leveling. If necessary, adjust the blocks with a rubber mallet.
Step 10 – Joint Filling:
After finishing the cuts, fill the joints with medium washed sand. Do not use cement. Spread the sand over the pavement and use a broom to sweep it across the entire area to fill the spaces between the blocks.
Step 11 – Compact:
Use a roller compactor to lock the pavement in place. Pass over the entire paved area in back-and-forth motions.
Step 12 – Finishing:
After locking the pavement, remove excess material with a broom. The installation is complete and the paved area can receive traffic.
Design and Types of Paving Patterns
There are several ways to lay the blocks, offering a wide variety of paving styles — also known as paving patterns. Among them are running bond, checkerboard (stack bond), and staggered joint patterns.
If the area will have vehicle traffic, it is necessary to use a herringbone pattern at a 45° or 90° angle relative to the direction of traffic.
Types of Pavers and Concrete Blocks
10x20 Paver (Brick Style)
One of the most traditional and widely used blocks is the rectangular type, commonly known as the “brick” paver. To cover 1 m², 50 pieces of this type are typically used. There is also the 16-face block, which requires only 40 pieces per square meter, resulting in cost savings.
This type of block is versatile and is generally laid in three different patterns: staggered (running bond), checkerboard (stack bond), and herringbone.
It is extremely important to follow the paving design, which defines the thickness of the base layers and the pavers to be used. The project and installation must also comply with the Brazilian standard NBR 15953, which outlines the regulations for base verification, compaction, and thickness; the installation and thickness of the bedding layer and the materials used; the correct alignment at the beginning of the installation; and the execution of both internal and external edge restraints, ensuring the blocks remain properly interlocked.
Permeable Drainage Paver
The difference between a conventional paver and a high-drainage (permeable) paver is that the latter allows 100% water absorption. Its surface is rougher in texture, designed specifically to perform the function of draining water.
The high-drainage paver is highly recommended for use in neighborhoods, streets with light traffic, plazas, sidewalks, and never on avenues or roads with fast or heavy traffic.
This model can also be used alongside concrete pavement, with 50% of the sidewalk made of concrete and 50% of permeable paver. This is sufficient to allow a significant portion of the water to drain into the soil.
Racquet Paver
The racquet-style paver has more interlocking points than the rectangular one and also offers a more visually appealing look, resembling a mosaic.
Hexagonal Pavers
The hexagonal (or six-sided) paver is commonly used in pedestrian areas such as parks and sidewalks. It has a completely flat surface, providing a much smoother walking experience for pedestrians.
Bone-Shaped Pavers
The bone-shaped paver is known for its strong interlocking capability, as its shape allows each piece to hold the next one in place, much like a chain. It can be used on sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways.
Three-Pronged Pavers
The three-pronged paver is the least known among all models, even though it offers one of the highest levels of interlocking and has an attractive visual appearance.
Grass Paver (Pisograma)
The installation process for grass pavers follows the same steps as for light-traffic paving, with the addition of soil, grass, and special blocks placed along pedestrian or vehicle pathways. The main advantage of grass pavers is their high level of permeability, which meets sidewalk regulations in many Brazilian cities.
Tactile Warning Surface
The installation of the tactile warning surface must be done perpendicularly to the direction of pedestrian movement, with color and texture that contrast with the surrounding pavement.
It is used to signal:
- Curb ramps;
- Obstacles on the pavement;
- Poles;
- Elevator doors;
- Ground level changes, such as gaps, boarding platforms, and stages;
- The start, middle, and end of stairs and ramps.
Regulation: ABNT NBR 9050/2004
Tactile Warning Surface (45° inclination)
The tactile warning surface is more effective when placed at a 45° angle, as cones in a straight line can be mistaken for guide paths with tactile strips, which are arranged in that same straight-line format.
Directional Tactile Paving (ABNT NBR 9050/2004)
The installation of directional tactile paving must follow the direction of pedestrian movement, using a color and texture that contrasts with the surrounding pavement to indicate the path to be followed.
Key characteristics:
- Must have a different texture from the regular pavement, with a trapezoidal cross-section;
- Should be installed in the direction of pedestrian flow;
- Should have a width between 20 and 60 cm;
- Its color (chroma) must be distinct and easily recognizable.
The guide path should be installed in wide open areas, such as promenades or public squares, to prevent individuals from becoming disoriented. It should also be used where natural guide elements (like walls or curbs) are not continuous — as visually impaired individuals also use canes to detect physical boundaries.
The colors most commonly used are red, yellow, or blue, to provide strong contrast for people with low vision. The paving should also be non-slip.
Ideally, the tactile paving should be placed near the center of the sidewalk, where there are fewer obstacles and greater safety. On narrow sidewalks, it should be installed 40 cm from the curb; on wider sidewalks, this distance may range from 60 to 80 cm.
He Importance of Proper Paver Manufacturing
When choosing interlocking pavement, it’s essential to understand the differences between “dormido” pavers and pressed pavers. Beyond texture, the manufacturing processes determine attributes such as strength, consistency, durability, and compliance with the Brazilian standard NBR 9781.
Dormido Pavers: Smooth Texture and Its Challenges
The term dormido (meaning “slept” in Portuguese) comes from its unique production method. These pavers are molded in forms or low-pressure presses, with little to no compaction or vibration.
Due to the lack of industrial controls during production, this type of paver may present inconsistent quality, reduced durability, and lower structural integrity.
To compensate for the absence of vibration and compaction, excess cement is often used in the mix. Once molded, the product is left to rest, or “sleep.” This method produces a smooth and aesthetically pleasing surface, but with reduced strength. It is not recommended for areas with vehicle traffic or steep slopes, as its low porosity creates a slippery surface.
Thus, although dormido pavers can be chosen for their visual appeal, care must be taken when deciding on their use, due to these limitations.
Pressed Pavers: Safety and Versatility
Pressed pavers comply with Brazilian Standard NBR 9781, which requires a minimum compressive strength of 35 MPa — often verified through official quality reports.
These pavers are produced using a high-vibration, high-compaction manufacturing process, which results in greater structural strength and a more porous, slip-resistant surface.
Produced in more controlled industrial environments, pressed pavers offer high quality and dimensional consistency. Their tested compressive strength makes them suitable for applications like parking lots, industrial yards, and areas with heavy traffic, where both durability and traction are essential.
All of these features make pressed pavers a safe and long-lasting option, offering peace of mind for both pedestrian and vehicle use.
Experience and Expertise: Making the Right Choice
When choosing between dormido and pressed pavers, it’s important to evaluate not just aesthetics, but also the specific application requirements. Understanding these differences ensures not only a visually appealing result, but also the functionality and performance needed — and sometimes legally required — for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Pavers and Blocks
1. What are concrete pavers and blocks?
2. What is the difference between pavers and concrete blocks?
3. What are the advantages of using pavers or concrete blocks in landscaping projects?
4. Is Producing Concrete Pavers and Blocks Profitable?
5. What Are the Best Machines for Producing Concrete Pavers and Blocks?
- PRODUTIVA HP 6.4 Hidráulica
- SUPER INDUSTRIAL HP 6.4 Hidráulica
About Us
For over 53 years, in the market for manufacturing machines for the production of ecological bricks, blocks and concrete pavers, JARFEL is also the inventor of the cement-based ecological brick presses.
