Design possibilities are endless with the availability of the vast array of shapes, textures and colors of interlocking concrete pave stones. The ability to achieve aesthetically appealing paving designs are one of the key benefits of interlocking concrete pave stones. The strength and interlock of pave stones allow them to be used in paving structures previously only served by traditional paving methods is another. "The term interlock refers to three kinds of load transfer in the segmental pavement," Andy Winchell, Pavestone Company Boston, explains. "They are vertical interlock, horizontal interlock and rotational interlock. The sand installed between pave stone joints allows for the shear transfer of loads to the surrounding pave stones creating a vertical interlock. Laying patterns disperse forces created by the accelerations and breaking of vehicles for a Horizontal interlock. Rotational interlock is achieved by the pave stone thickness and stationary edge restraint such as a curb. As a result of the interlock strength and capabilities, concrete pave stones can be used for avariety of applications for residential, commercial and industrial applications." The design and pattern possibilities are truly limited only by the imagination of the project designer. Pave stones are made from a "no slump" concrete mix and manufactured under extreme pressure and high frequency vibrations. Most pave stones have an average compressive strength greater than 8000 psi, an average water absorption maximum of 5% and will meet or exceed ASTM C-936. The addition of pigment to the mix allows for the creation of custom colors. The shape and dynamics of the mold create a variety of options. For example, many pave stones are available with a chamfered, or beveled edge. Others have a more straight defined edge. Some are tumbled to create a weathered, old world look. And still others come in a variety of sizes and shapes that modulate together to allow for a random mosaic installation pattern. The versatility of pave stones to be used in any environment, whether historical, modern or artistic has been key to the growth of their popularity in the U.S. In Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Town Centre development used 35,000 sf of interlocking concrete pave stones for the pavement. The pave stone selected were three shapes that modulate together: 12 x 12", 8 x 8" and 6 x 6" city stone in contrasting colors. The Centre is an entertainment center that includes a Cinemark movie complex. Pave stones were used to create a movie film reel with the film strip meandering throughout the complex. To further create an atmosphere of fun, an underground fountain was installed in the plaza. The ability to cut the concrete pave stone provided the opportunity to both create the radius necessary to allow the film strip to flow. It also afforded the ability to allow the water to arise straight out of the stone without affecting the integrity of the overall project design. At Wembley Park in Denver, interlocking concrete pave stones were bid against poured-in-place concrete containing three colors. The pave stones were $1/sf less expensive. City Stone Series (I, II and III) were selected and manufactured in custom colors for the 52,000 sf project. Wembley Park is a popular greyhound racing park and the pave stones add to the overall festive atmosphere of the facility. An arial view of the colorful entry plaza shows the inset diamonds and striping. Interlocking concrete pave stones were the paving method selected by Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. The campus renovation projects called for the opening of the new Gerald J. Ford Stadium one year before the Doak Walker Plaza, Joey Gudea, Pavestone Company, DFW explained. ?EUR??,,????'??The new parking lots, streets and sidewalks required 120,000 sf of concrete Holland pave stone in antique red, castone and charcoal. The color allowed for creative design in the traffic flow around the stadium. The university mascot is the Mustang. The stadium entrance design includes a Mustang pony in full gallop. The original design plans called for the pony design to be precast. However, we were able to work with the design team and create an emblem comprised of cut paving stones. To help distinguish the mascot emblem, a Quartex finish was used. A milky white Quartex was selected for the background and a red Quartex was used for the pony inset.?EUR??,,????'?? Interlocking concrete pave stones can be used to create harmony or contrast in the architectural design. Two colors can be combined to create interest. Multiple colors and/or blends can be used to create added interest or festivity. Because shade variations may occur in the actual stone colors, it allows the manufactured paving stone to achieve more of a natural look. One more factor to the versatility of concrete pave stones is the choices in laying patterns. For example, the simple Holland stone, or rectangle shaped paver can be installed in a runner bond, herringbone, 90 degree herringbone or basket weave pattern. The variety of pave stone choices allow for the paving structure to complement or contrast the building fa??? 1/4 ade, site furnishings and lighting, for an overall aesthetically pleasing landscape design. Installation pattern options, color choices and texture selections illustrate the many possibilities available for the contractor looking for a fresh solution for paving alternatives. For more information on interlocking concrete pave stones, visit the Pavestone Company website: www.pavestone.com. Technical specifications, hatch patterns and CAD details are available online.