Design advice for rigid highway pavements constructed in natural stone

Guidance for the design of natural stone setts and slabs as rigid pavement solutions in an urban environment is becoming increasingly important as engineers seek sustainable and aesthetic solutions in conservation areas, for public/municipal projects, and indeed for general environmental enhancement. Due to the demands placed on urban roads (from private cars through to buses and commercial delivery vehicles) the stresses applied to road pavements are constantly increasing especially if traffic volumes continue to rise and vehicle axle limits increase. This paper provides guidance on general fitness for purpose issues and provides a framework for design and installation of rigid pavements constructed with natural stone sett and slab surfaces. Typical stone pavement design examples are provided. Details yielded by the method include: bond adhesive strength, material requirements, overall pavement thickness and individual stone element dimensions.