WOODBLOCK PAVING.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 24 October 1912, Page 4

WOODBLOCK PAVING.

A growing disposition is now apparent in the United States to give.lesw thought to tho first cost of pavement for streets and highways generally, and more to tho permanency of tho improvements. It has been established to tho satisfaction of taxpayers and tax-levying bodies, it would soem, that road-building is an art, and that thoro is neither scmso nor saving in regarding it any longer ;::» a mero labourer's job. Tho experience of these later years with motor vehicles, rubber-tyred and of great speed and weight, and with tho new problems that they have presented in friction and suction, has convinced not only those

construct highways, but, more important still, those who pay for them, that something more than a good surface is necessary to permanency. Present-day requirements are leading road-buildars all over the United States back to tha wood block, and in some cases the brickblock system. Both wood and brick paving foil mto disrepute in America through no fault whatever the block prilnciple. They failed because the first essential to block paving—a, proper foundation —was neglected. Originally tho cedar block pavement was laid on

planks; when the nlanks decayed tho blocks sank, and in time disappeared in 'me mud. Poor workmanship characterised much of the brick paving a few years ago, insufficient provision being mado for tho foundation. Latterly, however, tho foundations laid for both brick and wood, when laid as they should be, are solid pavements in themselves. Skilfully laid, the concrete foundation forms what amounts to an arch over the clay bed of tho roadway, and is perfectly competent to bear the weight of traffic. When this concrete arch is laid with brick or stone, a pavement is obtained that may bo trusted to resist pressure,' friction, and suction alike, and to tfoar indefinitely.