Hi Kim,
If you are looking for a permanent surface which does not exclude people
with mobility impairments the system you describe sounds entirely
inappropriate. Something similar made of concrete modules filled with soil
and seeded with grass has been widely used for car parks etc. where there
was a desire to retain a green turf-like surface which could nevertheless
take traffic without churning up. It is a very difficult surface for
wheelchair users and ambulant disabled people alike because the alternate
squares of concrete and grass are like a hugely exaggerated tactile paving.
I think a permanent level surface of concrete (which could be coloured if
that would help aesthetically) or tarmac must be preferred. If there is a
need to use a material that is sympathetic to a rural setting then
aggregates can be used but must be very well laid and compacted and the
final surface must be very fine and a binder such as gypsum is essential so
that the surface is not loose.
If you are looking for a temporary surface then there is an excellent
product called Eave Trackway, which is a sort of aluminium caterpillar track
with a heavy duty rubber sheeting. I have seen this used across fields and
beaches very successfully and the rubber gives an excellent non-slip
wheelchair-friendly surface.
Definitely no gravel!!
Vin West
Secretary, Arfon Access Group
Glyn Dwr
Llandwrog Uchaf
Caernarfon
Gwynedd
LL54 7RA
01286880761
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kim Watt" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2004 1:51 PM
Subject: drive surface
> Hallo
> Please can you help? I am looking for installations and suppliers of a
> modular system for providing a permanent stable drive surface suitable for
> pedestrians, prams, wheelchairs and vehicles. It was described to me as
> being like heavy duty beer crates locked together then filled with
> sand/gravel.
> Have any of you seen anything like this and what did you think?
> Thanks
> best wishes
> Kim
> --
> Kim Watt
> Practice Development Adviser
> Practice Development Department
> Sense Scotland
> 45 Finnieston Street
> Glasgow
> G3 8JU
> SCOTLAND
>
> Tel: 0141 564 2444
> Mobile: 07748 644204
> Fax: 0141 564 2443
> Text: 0141 564 2442
>
> www.sensescotland.org.uk
>
> ----------End of Message----------
>
> Run by SURFACE for more information on research, consultancy and the
distance taught MSc. in Accessibility and Inclusive Design programme visit:
>
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>
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Run by SURFACE for more information on research, consultancy and the distance taught MSc. in Accessibility and Inclusive Design programme visit:
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