PAVING THE WAY

Pavers installed on pedestals have become a popular choice for outdoor flooring in urban landscapes, rooftop terraces and other architectural designs. These systems offer versatility, aesthetics and functional benefits, however, one critical aspect that designers and engineers must consider is wind uplift, especially in areas prone to strong winds or where building codes require compliance with specific standards.

Wind uplift refers to the force exerted by wind on a structure, causing it to lift or move. In the context of pavers installed on pedestals, wind uplift can potentially dislodge or damage the pavers if not adequately addressed. Several factors influence the wind uplift on pavers installed on pedestals:

• Wind Speed Higher wind speeds exert greater force on structures, increasing the risk of uplift. Designers must consider local wind patterns and historical data to determine the appropriate wind load.
• Paver Size and Weight Larger and heavier pavers are less susceptible to wind uplift compared to smaller or lighter ones. The thickness and material composition of the pavers also play a significant role.
• Pedestal System Design The design and spacing of pedestals supporting the pavers impact their stability during windy conditions. Proper pedestal spacing and anchoring are essential to resist uplift forces.
• Edge Restraints Installing edge restraints along the perimeter of the paver area helps prevent uplift by securing the outermost pavers in place.
• Installation Quality Proper installation techniques, including adequate pedestal height adjustment, uniform paver placement, and secure attachment of accessories, minimising the risk of uplift.

Elmich Australia, a leading provider of innovative solutions in the landscape and building industry, has recently launched an improved version of their Concealed Paver Retainer (CPR) which can cater for pavers to be laid in stack or stretcher bond patterns. CPR is easily removable to access the waterproof membrane or service lines (if required). After inspection, pavers can be re-installed onto CPR without the need for specialised tools. Pavers do not require any modification and the Elmich VersiJack Concealed Paver Retainer (CPR) system will cater for all pavers.

The CPR has a test result of 3.12Kn for a 600 x 600 x 20mm paver, this is equivalent to a resistance to uplift wind pressure of 8.89 kPa.

For more information, visit Elmich Australia