CPD\
CPD /
RIBA Core Curriculum
- Design, construction and technology
Knowledge level
- General Awareness
This CPD looks at the benefits of clay paving and where and when it can be used. It will provide an overview of the different sizes and forms of clay pavers and considers how to choose the right construction method, including a brief look at rigid and flexible construction for clay pavers.
Laying patterns, the importance of edge restraint and British Standard BS EN 1344 are also featured in the course.
In this section
- Company Overview
- What is a clay paver?
- Why Choose Clay?
- What is BS EN 1344:2013 and why is it important?
Clay pavers are a sustainable product, naturally sourced from clay quarries in the UK and river beds in the Netherlands.
They are manufactured to British Standards, BS EN 1344.
Wienerberger has over 100 years experience manufacturing pavers and has factories in the UK and Europe that make pavers.
The UK factory is renowned for producing blue pavers, which is a property of the high quality local clay.
Sustainable
Rivers naturally deposit clay each year and in the Netherlands, Wienerberger dredges small amounts of this clay which is returned during flood seasons each year.
By removing the clay the water level is reduced, which in turn decreases the impact of flooding, enabling local villages to stay drier during the wet months. If the clay is not dredged then flooding can be considerably worse.
Colour Fast
Clay pavers are available in completely natural colours, they do not fade, keeping their colour for their entire lifespan.
As the colour is natural, it runs through the entire block rather than just being a pigment on the surface.
During firing the Kiln can reach up to 1100⁰ degrees and the firing conditions determine the colouring in the product.
Some of the larger paver Kilns in Europe are over 200m long.
Durable
All pavers have to meet certain criteria and are tested used appropriate methods to ensure that they are suitable for their application. For example, a paver used on a patio would not need to withstand the same pressures of those that are used in a town centre.
To ensure that pavers can tolerate the changing seasons, from the heat of summer to the wet and freezing winter, products are extensively tested.
Clay pavers achieve a classification of FP100 meaning they are freeze / thaw resistant. To attain this rating, pavers are tested by being soaked in water, then cooled until all of the water that they absorb is frozen. They are then repeatedly thawed and frozen 100 times to ensure they maintain their integrity and strength.
HOW DUTCH PAVERS ARE MADE
CLAY PAVER PERFORMANCE
CLAY PAVER PERFORMANCE
CLAY PAVER PERFORMANCE
You’ve reached the end of the CPD. To make sure you’ve taken on board the key learnings of this course, please fill out the quick multiple choice Q&A below. This will certify that you have completed the CPD and provide you with an email certificate, which, if the course is accredited, you can share with RIBA.