Between 2001 and 2010, a 12-part series of standards was developed covering the structural design, construction, and maintenance of pavements using modular paving units. As time passed, this large number of documents was seen to cause some confusion among designers and installers. BS 7533-101 is a revised standard that consolidates the previous parts 1, 2, 8, 10, and 12 into one code of practice covering the structural design of pavements. It also partially supersedes parts 6 and 7.
- Public and private sector designers
- Suppliers and contractors employed by county, district and unitary councils
- UK local authorities, highway authorities and rail authorities, and their supply chains
- Metropolitan authorities such as TfL, Highways England, Transport Scotland, the National Assembly for Wales, and the Department for Regional Development Northern Ireland
- Airport owners, and their planners and environmental specialists for their landside operations that make extensive use of modular paving
- Architects for commercial and residential developments
BS 7533-101 provides guidance and recommendations on the structural design of pavements surfaced with:
- Concrete paving blocks manufactured in accordance with BS EN 1338
- Concrete paving flags manufactured in accordance with BS EN 1339
- Natural stone slabs manufactured in accordance with BS EN 1341
- Natural stone setts manufactured in accordance with BS EN 1342
- Clay pavers manufactured in accordance with BS EN 1344 and constructed in accordance with BS 7533-3, BS 7533-4, BS 7533-7, and BS 7533-9
BS 7533-101 also provides guidance and recommendations on the use of:
- Concrete kerbs manufactured in accordance with BS EN 1340
- Natural stone kerbs manufactured in accordance with BS EN 1339 and constructed in accordance with BS 7533-82
BS 7533-101 applies to areas subject to pedestrian and vehicular loadings permissible under The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, with axle loads up to 11 000 kg and a cumulative design traffic of up to 30 million standard axles (msa).
NOTE: BS 7533-101 specifically excludes design traffic above the specified maximum and areas of higher vehicle loading such as aircraft pavements and those in ports and specialized industrial areas. It also excludes pavements constructed on bridge decks or suspended slabs such as basement roofs. Specialist engineering advice should be sought when considering the use of modular paving in applications not covered by this standard.
BS 7533-101 on the structural design of pavements will help organizations to:
- Reduce the cost of standards because they’re buying one instead of five
- Simplify the design process
- Mitigate the risk of costly design errors and premature failures caused by previous confusion over so many different parts
- Take greater control of the procurement process
- Source materials from the UK rather than from far-afield due to cost
- Reduce the material and installation costs of large public-sector works
- Increase trust in the design of pavements, so designers are less likely to over-specify products
BS 7533-101 contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 on the industry, innovation, and infrastructure because it enables the construction of resilient pavements.
NOTE 1 Specialist engineering guidance is advised when considering the use of modular paving in applications not covered by this standard.
NOTE 2 Due to historic precedent, it might be preferred to use paving units that are outside the dimensions of the EN standards.
NOTE 3 BS 7533-101 does not address the specific requirements for applications of tactile paving or other assistance devices. Pedestrian access paving needs to be designed to include appropriate tactile indicators as required by current standards and legislation.
The design of permeable pavements which collect, attenuate, and provide a drainage feature are not within the scope of this standard. Refer to BS 7533‑13.
Reused materials may be used provided they meet the recommendations of the appropriate clause(s).