The benefits of interlocking block paving for roads and shared schemes

Interlocking block paving offers the benefit of exceptional stability, making it a great choice to provide load-bearing support for all types of roads, including high-traffic areas. Being available in a range of colours and finishes, it also fits perfectly with other block paving. This offers great accessibility for shared schemes to bring pedestrian and vehicle access together safely and attractively.  

Other benefits of interlocking paving, such as its durability, low maintenance requirements and ease of repair, make it a popular choice for all types of schemes, including those that contain adopted roads. 

How does interlocking paving provide such exceptional load bearing support? 

Interlocking block paving stands apart from other paving materials, such as natural stone, asphalt, and in-situ concrete. One of its key advantages lies in its engineered design. Each block is manufactured in a controlled factory environment, ensuring consistent quality, precise dimensions, and reliable performance. Once installed, the blocks interlock with each other on a granular laying course and are held in place by edge restraints.  

This interlocking system allows the blocks to work together as a unified surface, effectively distributing heavy point loads across the pavement. As a result, the surface becomes highly resistant to movement and damage, and interlocking paving can be used in applications ranging from extremely heavy-duty industrial areas to light residential landscaping. 

How does interlocking block paving support the key specification requirements for roads and shared schemes? 

The stability created by the design of interlocking block paving creates a number of advantages that support its specification in roads and shared schemes. These include: 

Durability and maintenance of interlocking paving 

​​Interlocking concrete block paving has a service life of up to 35 years. Maintenance is minimal, and where repair is needed, interlocking paving can be easily lifted and reinstated using the original individual blocks, without leaving any visible signs of repair. This helps to maintain the consistency and overall visual appeal of the paved area, which can be particularly important in high-profile public shared spaces. 

As interlocking paving blocks are mass-produced in factory-controlled conditions to precise dimensions, contractors can be confident of their consistent availability from stock, both for new projects and for sourcing matching replacements during repair and maintenance of existing installations. 

Cost of interlocking paving 

The initial material cost of interlocking paving is typically higher than that of alternatives such as asphalt. However, this is often offset over the lifespan of the installation, when factoring in reduced maintenance labour and the speed and ease of repairing or replacing damaged blocks. 

Design flexibility and access of interlocking paving 

Interlocking paving is available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colours, and surface finishes. This versatility allows architects, landscape designers, and engineers to create distinctive layouts and patterns tailored to specific environments. 

It is particularly effective in shared spaces, where interlocking block paving can be laid in a variety of bonds and patterns to help define areas, highlight key features, and introduce visual movement and texture. Textured or weathered finishes provide the character of historic paving while offering improved slip resistance and a seamless transition from the road surface that enhances accessibility for pedestrians and wheelchair users.  

Where can I get more information on the benefits of using interlocking paving? 

Tobermore has an extensive range of concrete block paving offering both form and functionality to specifiers and contractors.  

Our hard-wearing Tetralock concrete paving blocks have interlocking nibs on all four sides plus profiled grooves on the bottom surface. This design creates a fifth side for shifting prevention. The profiled underside creates a “clawing effect” in the pavement laying course and increases frictional resistance by 54% compared to non-profiled stones. 

Tetralock can therefore be used with confidence for high-traffic areas and blends well with block paving used for pedestrian areas. This provides designers with several aesthetic options for the blocks whilst meeting the project’s functional requirements, as Craig McBride, Product Development Manager at Tobermore, explains, “Whilst the 5-sided shift protection design of Tetralock offers exceptional stability, load-bearing strength and durability, we understand that customers place a great deal of importance on the aesthetic designs of roads and shared space projects. Therefore, we are pleased to be able to offer Tetralock in six colour options produced using UV-stable pigments integrated into the concrete mix, ensuring long-lasting appearance. In addition, our modern manufacturing techniques allow blocks to replicate the appearance of traditional materials such as stone setts, cobbles, and granite. In this way, Tetralock can offer interlocking paving that meets a range of project aesthetics and provides practical long-term functionality.” 

If you’d like to learn more about interlocking block paving, explore our dedicated Tetralock page or get in touch with our technical team for expert advice on your next paving project.