Once again, we cannot always count on logic to lead us to the right conclusion! A study conducted by Veteran's Health and Elderly Advocacy groups, in conjunction with ICPI, BIA, and NCMA, has determined that Paving stones are, in many cases, better than poured concrete for wheelchairs.
Vibration can cause damage to the body if exposed for a long period of time. It has been long believed that the gaps in pavers cause more vibration to occur than other surfaces. Thus it would be logical for these associations to promote the use of the smoothest surface possible. However, this study shows that under most circumstances, pavers actually provide a smoother ride than poured concrete.
The study included 9 different trial sites with manual and powered wheelchairs. The different trial sites included pavers with different bevel sizes and different installation patterns (45 and 90 degree herringbone patterns).
Pavers with larger bevels had a higher vibration rate, as did pavers installed at a 45 degree Herringbone pattern. Therefore, the recommendation of the study is to keep the gap at or below 6mm and to install pavers with 90 degree patterns.
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| Hydro-Flo Pavers installed in Handicapped parking areas. |
This can raise some issues for those looking to install standard Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers (PICP) that depend on gaps, most often greater than 6mm, for their permeability. Hydro-Flo Technology, however, enables the installer to have gaps less than 6mm, so that proper vibration levels can be observed. Initially Hydro-Flo Technology Pavingstones have been used in Handicapped Parking areas because the architects were concerned about slipping on regular concrete. Now they will be even happier that their choice will help reduce the impacts of vibration on the elderly and disabled.
For full text of the study, follow this link:
http://www.sept.org/techpapers/1368.pdf
