Vertical loads are transferred through an assembly of units through the development shear between the units. When the units are placed next to each other in a tight arrangement, friction between the units is developed thereby mobilizing a large portion of the paved plane for load resistance. In order to develop the friction which develops the shear, the units must be continuous and contiguous within an arrangement.
| The interlocking nature of the concrete pavers by default results in a continuous and contiguous assembly, however, it is good practice to follow these two basic rules when designing a segmental paved surface. CONTINUITY OF FACES At a minimum. the two opposite faces of a surface of concrete pavers must be contiguous. This will result in load transferring in basically one direction and is acceptable for linear arrangements under light loading conditions. For higher load carrying capacity, continuity in more than one direction is necessary. This arrangement will transfer loads to all the of the neighboring units much like a space frame building system. DISCONTINUITY OF LINES OF ACTION
|  Complexity in Pattern Design  Complexity in Unit Design |
A Guide for Design Integration of Concrete Pavers, Anton C. Harfmann, AIA; Gary E. Day, RA.
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