35
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
JUNE
2017
The units can be laid in different patterns
and may be used with or without ground
anchors for the lining of riverbanks and
other areas subjects to soil erosion.
The paving of grassed roads and
parking areas, as well as the stabilising
of steep embankments such as bridge
abutments, can be undertaken with these
versatile blocks.
Holger Rust, managing director,
Terraforce, says landscape contractors are
finally recognising the many benefits of
installing permeable interlocking concrete
pavers. “From an aesthetic point of view,
they are very versatile,” explains Rust.
“A grass driveway, a rustic gravel driveway,
or an attractive pattern of pavers can
add the finishing touch to a residence or
development that is looking to stand out.
Permeable grass pavers can add a park-
like or pastoral feel to many areas that
normally require hard paving.
Now widely accepted
Terracrete, manufactured locally and internationally by Terraforce licensees,
is a versatile eco-surface hard lawn block that was introduced to the South
African market by Terraforce in 2002.
“It is an alternative to impermeable
urban surfaces, as the block allows for
unrestricted water penetration and can help
manage stormwater run-off by temporarily
storing rainwater runoff before filtering it
back – cleaned of impurities – into the soil.
Rainwater that would normally run off into
rivers and streams is returned directly into
the ground.”
Henri Vidal.
Specifications and standards
The original concept of MSE is that of a
composite material consisting of frictional
fill, flexible reinforcements and a flexible
cladding. In order to protect Road Author-
ities, local generic specifications for MSE
should ensure that state of the art sus-
tainable MSE solutions which comply with
recognised International norms
are tendered.




