Gravelpave2 FAQ

Gravelpave2 is the first gravel porous paver and continues to be Designers’ top choice because of its impressive strength, ADA compliance, and long-lasting durability. Gravelpave2 is a 100% recycled plastic structure that can be easily installed beneath aggregate to stabilize and reinforce the surface. The unique ring-on-grid design, with fabric that will never come off keeps gravel in place, prevents weeds from growing through and acts as a dust inhibitor. With ADA certification and a compaction strength of 15,940 psi, Gravelpave2 has been used for countless numbers of fire lanes, access and utility roads, parking lots, driveways and pathways.

Gravelpave2 may initially be more more expensive, depending on the requisite depth of a base course and desired type of gravel. However, because it requires minimal maintenance and will not need to be replaced or repaired in the long-term, the overall cost is less. The lifespan for Gravelpave2 is predicted to be over 60 years.

Please see our Gravelpave2 Estimator for product cost.

Gravelpave2 requires very little maintenance. The gravel in high traffic areas may need to occasionally be brushed or swept back into place. Over time additional gravel may need to be added depending on ware and maintenance. Round gravel tends to migrate outside of the rings with more frequency than angular aggregate.

Gravelpave2 adds a significant advantage by providing filtration for water through a process called bioremediation. Water will collect toxins and debris and as that water passes through the Gravelpave2 the microorganisms in the base course will clean out that water.

Yes. Gravelpave2 provides a smooth and stable outdoor surface and has been tested, certifying that it complies with the requisite ASTM F 1951 standard – (per the Department of Justice 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design – Section 1008.2.6 Ground Surfaces.) When using Gravelpave2 for an ADA application, we recommend the rings are not overfilled to provide the most stable surface possible.See our Gravelpave2 ADA surface testing report here.

Yes. Rain or shine, sleet, snow, hail or ice – Gravelpave2 will withstand years of drastic temperature changes without cracking, breaking or causing an uneven surface.

Gravelpave2 performs tremendously well in cold climates. Because it's made out of HDPE plastic, and the grids are flexible... that allows it to go through freeze-thaw cycles without cracking, breaking or popping up like the individual tiles that are out there.

Of course. Gravelpave2 is easy to plow or shovel year after year without needing to replace any sections because the product will flex and bend with the freeze-thaw cycle. We recommend lifting the snowplow blade about an inch over the top of the surface and using a skid, either on the sides or the full length of the plow to prevent it from tearing into the surface.

Gravelpave2 can withstand daily, high frequency traffic. There is no limit to the number of passes per day. However, Gravelpave2 works best in areas with low speed traffic.

Gravelpave2 can handle or exceed HS-25 loading, H-20 loading. It has a compressive strength of 15,940 pounds per square inch, which is almost 2.3 million pounds per square foot. So, even the heaviest of vehicles will be just fine on Gravelpave2. This is one of the many reasons why Gravelpave2 has been the leading choice for porous fire lanes, utility and emergency access roads worldwide.

The requisite depth of a base course is entirely dependent on the application. Some applications, which do not require heavy load bearing capacity or flood zone type drainage, do not require a base course at all. Vehicular applications will require varying base depths depending on the weight in which it needs to support. Greater depths of base course also manage greater amounts of stormwater. It is crucial it is porous and that our Technical Specifications are followed. The base course material specified online consists of three parts #57 stone, one part concrete sand. The reason we go with this specification is to maintain the structural integrity and the strength of the system while also providing the porosity to handle any storm. If you need help mixing this we have a sieve report available online that you can supply your local supplier who will help you provide premixed material.

The most important aspect of a base course for both Grasspave2 and Gravelpave2 is its ability to maintain porosity while bearing weight. When choosing the right gravel to combine with sand for your road base, refer to our Base Course Material Recommendation and avoid materials that solidify over time, losing porosity.

Not necessarily. There are interlocking male and female connectors along the edges of each roll. The pieces can be easily snapped together in the field, but this step may be skipped on curves or large installations. However, the Gravelpave2 must be secured to the base course with the included 8” pins and washers. Need our Pinning Instructions?

The best choice for aggregate is small (3/16’), angular, hard stones that have been thoroughly washed. Also something that's of granite hardness, that way it doesn't break down into fines over time. You want to avoid anything with fines because anything with fines can clog the fabric backing that's on the back of the Gravelpave2, which will reduce porosity and potentially cause standing water. The angular stones will lock together in the ring creating a smooth, stable surface.  The range of options is vast, and designers have used everything from recycled glass to crushed seashells. Softer materials that break down, such as limestone or decomposed granite, should be avoided as they will cause the surface to lose porosity. If opting for a round gravel, rings should not be overfilled as it will cause a slip-hazard.

The recommended max slope for both Grasspave2 and Gravelpave2 is 5% for fire lanes, 8% for cars and lighter weight trucks, 15% – 20% for golf carts, pedestrian use and trails.

Absolutely. A binder will add to the maintenance of Gravelpave2 but only every few years. It can help with steep slopes, sections adjacent to water features or any areas you want to prevent stone migration. Whatever binder you select for your project, make sure it maintains porosity within the aggregate. For suggestions, check out this list.

Gravelpave2 is for both commercial and residential projects, as well as many government applications.

It should never really need to be replaced. It has a limited lifetime warranty. Should damage occur during shipping Invisible Structures will replace that product. The only other time that replacement might need to occur is if there is damage due to improper installation. Should there be issues with the base course, if the wrong base course was used, you could run into damage. With Gravelpave2, if you underfill the rings or use an improper aggregate to fill the Gravelpave2, you could run into damages.

The 2020 roll is 6.6 feet wide by 65.6 feet long and covers 430 square feet. It is 212 pounds per roll. The 1010 roll is 3.3 feet wide by 32.8 feet long, weighs 53 pounds, and covers 108 square feet.

The advantages to Gravelpave2 being shipped in rolls are that they are super easy to install, easy to handle and cover 430 square feet in a matter of seconds. The flexibility of the large rolls also allow for undulations in the base course which will provide you with a smoother surface once they're installed.