Think of the base course as the foundation of the entire system, designed to meet two critical goals: supporting the structure of the pavers and facilitating water infiltration into the ground. Let’s break down these functions in greater detail to understand why the right base course material is essential for the performance and longevity of porous paving systems.
Load distribution from the surface
One of the primary responsibilities of the base course is to evenly distribute the weight and pressure exerted on the porous pavers. Without proper load distribution, areas of high pressure could settle unevenly and potentially leading to system failure over time. This is especially crucial for applications that support vehicular traffic, such as driveways, fire lanes and parking lots.
Supports easy water infiltration into ground-water sources
Porous paving systems are designed to allow water to seep into the ground and enter the water source easily rather than running off. The base course is pivotal to achieving this functionally by promoting efficient drainage. This is especially important in managing stormwater and reducing the risk of flooding.
The base course is typically made up of permeable materials such as clean, crushed stone or gravel, which create interconnected void spaces. These voids allow water to flow freely through the system and into the subgrade soil. The right base material ensures that water can pass through quickly, avoiding pooling or saturation issues that could compromise the system.
Enhance the stability of the porous paving system
As the foundation of the porous paving system, the base course provides stability by preventing the pavers from shifting or settling over time. A poorly prepared base can result in uneven surfaces, trip hazards and premature wear of the paving system. Long-term stability ensures that the system remains functional, long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing.
Looking ahead
Planning to integrate porous pavers in your project? Consider Grasspave2 and Gravelpave2 by Invisible Structures.
To help you select the optimal base course for under these porous pavers, Invisible Structures has an arsenal of resources to set you up for success. Check out the installation instructions to learn more.