Pattern imprinted synthetic asphalt
When considering traffic calming surfacing, Imprint has a lot of features that make it highly desirable for trafficked environments.
A 15mm thick synthetic asphalt overlay, it can be “imprinted” with a pattern designed to give a block paving type finish, but with the performance characteristics of a good quality HRA.
The synthetic nature of Imprint allows a surface of many different colours to be chosen, all with the high performance this material has become associated with.
So, whether choosing a table top or hump where traffic is expected over the surface or a build out or cushion where traffic is expected to avoid the surface, Imprint is the ideal solution.
Why an alternative is needed
Block paving causes an array of maintenance problems when used on roads.
- When a reinstatement is cut through the surface, the interlocking matrix of bricks or blocks never quite achieves the same strength as when originally laid.
- Cutting blocks into smaller sections and slithers creates weak points in the surface.
- Turning traffic, especially HGV’s and power assisted steering can work blocks loose
Imprint: better than blocks
Imprint is more suitable in a trafficked environment than block paving, due to a number of key differences
- As a single homogenous surfacing material, the adhesion and trafficability works in the same way as a HRA overlay.
- The material is of a thermoplastic nature which is mouldable when hot, therefore a pattern can be impressed into the surface with the appropriate tools.
- Being one solid mass, the surface does not have loose bricks that can ‘break-out’.
- In some extreme circumstances, Imprint has been chosen in place of block paving as the blocks themselves have been stolen or even prised up and used as projectiles.
- Weeds do not grow through Imprint. It is a solid asphalt overlay and is also impervious, protecting the sub-layers better.
- No excavation of existing surfaces is required as the Imprint can be laid directly onto the existing surface, providing that surface is in good condition.
Where Imprint can be used
Ideal for:
- Traffic Calming Tables
- Humps
- Build-outs
- Raised Junctions
- Entry Treatments
- Village Gateways
- Visual Delineation
How Imprint helps to calm traffic
Imprint is a visual delineator. It highlights to the driver that an area of roadway requires special consideration, whether as an area to be driven on carefully, or an area to be avoided.
The nature of a coloured surface with a pattern is believed to highlight to the driver that the surface may well be shared. This effect is not achieved with colour alone. This immediately raises driver awareness.
In its earliest conception, Imprint was used extensively for creating vertical traffic calming measures. The product was then used in the creation of a number of homezones, notably in Plymouth and Manchester. More recently, Imprint has gained popularity for use as buildouts, roundabout aprons and speed cushions where the driver is not expected to drive on the surface. All of these can be achieved with the blend of colours and patterns available.
Benefits:
- Visibly delineates from the rest of the road through colour and pattern
- Clearly identifies to the driver a potential shared use space
- Highlights pedestrian priorities may be different
- Low maintenance, no individual bricks or blocks to work loose under traffic
- Quick application, around 70 sq.m per day
- Applied straight on top of the existing blacktop surface
- Highly cost effective
- Can be laid to only 15mm thickness
Technical performance
- Synthetic thin asphalt
- 15mm thickness
- Skid Resistance Value: minimum 55, typical 60
- Wheel tracking <2mm @ 45°c, <5mm @ 60°c
- Open to traffic in 45 minutes
- Outputs approximately 70sq.m per day
- TRL tested to last as long as a good quality Hot Rolled Asphalt
Surface Options
- Can be applied on top of an asphalt hump or table top to give vertical deflection of 40mm or as required.
- Can be applied directly to the existing surface for 15mm vertical deflection with a keyed-in leading and trailing edge.
- Can be recessed into the existing surface to give a level running surface with no deflection.
Costs
Imprint is a high quality material which, when compared to the civil work required to excavate and prepare a site for block paving, comes out favourably on price. Price varies depending on the site type, colour, pattern, area and working conditions, but a guide of £55 per sq.m installed gives an idea of its competitive nature.
Additionally, the costs of disruption and traffic management when compared to the slower installation of blocks, add to the benefits achieved with Imprint.
Popular Patterns
Herringbone 45° or 90°: The 45° pattern is the quietest pattern with less tyre noise generated
Brick : Good for leading/trailing edge, ramp delineation and ideal in a contrasting colour with Herringbone
Paving Slab: Looks great on footways especially in fawn
Cobble and granite sett: Great for environmentally sensitive areas
Tegula: Non-uniform pattern to replicate tegula paving
Popular Colours
Oxide Red : The most popular and for good reason
Burnt Red : A darker red for a more subtle finish
Red : Very bright, very noticeable
Bristol White: Pale and speckled like Portuguese setts
Light Grey : Typical granite colour
Charlwood Grey: Mid Grey shade. More of a slate
Dark Grey: Road colour
Fawn: Light brown, best for the countryside
Stone: Great with the slab pattern
How reinstatements are dealt with
This is where Imprint really does show benefits. For example, if a utility contractor has cut a trench through Imprint surfacing, what do you do? Well, the utility contractor has a duty to reinstate the Imprint surface. Put them in touch with us and we’ll liaise with them direct.
The utility contractor will reinstate as normal. Our crew will then come in at a later date, plane out the reinstatement to 15mm depth (or the utility contractor can leave it 15mm shy) and reinstate the area, tying in the pattern at the appropriate places to create a seamless reinstatement.
It is imperative that the reinstatement is of good quality and suitably compacted as the Imprint, at only 15mm thick, will merely follow the contours of the substrate. Any later settlement of the reinstatement will be mirrored by the Imprint.
Sometimes a client has a number of reinstatements to carry out. It can be economical to group together reinstatements to minimise the number of visits from our Imprint crew and thereby minimise the cost incurred.
Colour matching of the reinstatement to the surrounding surface won’t be 100% accurate on day one, as the surrounding surface will have experienced some ultra violet fading but there’s no need to worry, after a couple of weeks trafficking it will have blended in nicely.
Registered Office: One Bell Lane, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1JU Company Registration No 04006938