Paving materials

Asphalt

Asphalt is a flexible material that is made-up of aggregate and an oily binder. Asphalt is a cheap material that is mostly used for paving roads.

Concrete

Concrete is a strong and rigid material that is made-up of aggregate and cement paste. Concrete is used in places where durability and strength are needed. Concrete bus-stop pads, for instance, prevent heavy buses from sinking into asphalt pavement at bus-stops. Concrete is also used for sidewalks, curb & gutter, and occasionally as a paving material for roadways

Pavers

Pavers are made from concrete or clay and are similar in appearance to bricks. Pavers can be aesthetically appealing because they come in a variety colours and patterns. Pavers can also allow rainwater to seep back into the ground although this requires extensive preparation work. These types of pavers are called permeable pavers. Reducing storm water runoff reduces the load on the storm system and it puts clean water back into the natural groundwater cycle. Permeable pavers are designed for parking lots and sidewalks.

Gravel

Gravel is used as base material for asphalt, concrete, and pavers. Depending on the project, the City makes different types of gravel batches for specific strengths and drainage requirements. Fine crushed gravel can also be used as a temporary sidewalk.

Permeable pavement

Permeable pavement (or pervious or porous paving) looks and acts like typical pavement, but is porous, allowing rainfall to percolate into the ground. As a result, permeable pavements reduce stormwater runoff and water pollution.

Permeable pavement can be used instead of standard asphalt and concrete for surfacing sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas.

Permeable pavements include:

• Individual unit paving blocks or cobble stones
• Plastic or concrete grid pavers filled with sand or grass, or
• Specialty mixes of both concrete and asphalt