Brett alpha blocks - Rocking blocks

[patpending]

Hi there - i had a new drive laid using Brett Alpha antique blocks (3 sizes) 4 months ago. Ive noticed that when driven over (Ford Fiesta) , the blocks "rock" by about 2mm causing the "crust" thats forming in the kiln sand to crack. Is ithis normal for this type of block?

[Pablo]

No the blocks should interlock and not move. Get the contractor back to sort it out. It could be it just needs compacted and sanded properly. The sand should penetrate the whole joint and this combined with good compaction is what will lock the block together. Hopefully it's nothing more serious like a problem with the subbase etc. The last time I saw rocking blocks was when a contractor paved over his screed rails. He had used roofing lathes and there was a very visible ridge where they were.

[Dave_L]

patpending - do I know you from another forum??

PS Agree with above - get the contrator back, aslong as he hasn't bolted off on his horse. Did he wear a hat??

[patpending]

Thank you for the replies - i'm about to approach my contractor to have another look at this issue - i have noticed that the blocks have been laid random stretcher bond in line with direction of vehicular access - and not at 90 degrees to it. The contractor originally said they should be laid parallel to the house which they are, but the traffic enters drive from the side of the house. - Could the direction of laying be the cause of the rocking and if so, should the blocks be relaid at 90 degrees to current?

[Pablo]

Can you post a photo please. Stretcher bond is a good strong bond and regardless of the direction of traffic should be fine.

[msh paving]

heringbone is the strongest bond for drive way use ,i would not recomend Stretcher bond for drive way use,

But this does not affect the movement you have problems with, you need to get the contractor back to sort it out MSH