Method Statement for Installation of Hardscape Works
A method statement of hardscape work is a document that describes the process for performing hardscape tasks safely and correctly. It contains information such as the necessary equipment and tools, the implementation of hardscape and paving works, the transportation, storage, and management of materials, the approval of mockup installations, and the completion of on-site work.
Table of Contents
The execution of hardscape and paving works will adhere strictly to the details, patterns, and designs specified in the approved shop drawings, in addition to following the manufacturer’s recommendations. The visual appearance of the hardscape shall exhibit uniformity throughout the project.
Before initiating the activity, proper confirmation and coordination of all other works and disciplines shall be ensured.
The provided equipment and tools shall be appropriately supplied in sufficient quantities to accommodate the skilled fixers:
- Leveling Instruments
- Masonry Tools
- Brushes
- Rubber Mallets
- Spirit Levels
- Spatulas
- Aluminum Straight Edge
- Measurement Tapes
- Stone Cutting Machine/Power Saw
- Plumb Line and Plastic Strings
- Steel Hammers
- Masking Tapes, etc., as needed.
Furthermore, the hardscape and paving materials utilized shall be devoid of any defects such as vents, cracks, fissures, discoloration, or any other imperfections that could compromise their strength, durability, or appearance.
In the finishing area where granite or precast pavers are employed, recessed-type manhole covers shall be used to maintain a consistent surrounding finish.
Material Delivery, Storage, and Handling
All materials must undergo careful delivery, storage, and handling procedures to prevent breakage, staining, and other damages.
Storage should be above ground and shielded from any potential soiling.
Mockup Installation & Approval
A mock-up must be prepared according to the Consultant’s requirements in terms of size and location.
It will be used to evaluate stone color, pattern, aesthetic qualities, and workmanship. Upon approval, the mock-up will set the standard for variations in colors, textures, and workmanship.
It should accurately represent the final conditions, incorporating all joint connections and other details.
The sample panel should remain unchanged throughout the entire installation period and may be integrated into the finished work.
Execution of Site Works
Adjusting Utility Covers
Before finishing the Hardscape/Paving, all sleeves, lines, or other installations must be installed and marked.
Existing or proposed utility/service covers’ levels should be adjusted to align with the proposed Hardscape/Paving levels.
Laying of Sub Base
The sub-base material must be laid at the depth specified in the shop drawing.
Adequate cross fall/slope should be provided during sub-grade preparation, as indicated in the approved shop drawing.
The sub-grade and Sub Base should be compacted to a dry density of 95%, unless otherwise specified.
Laying of Screed
For Hardscape, a concrete foundation/screed must be laid following the details shown in the approved shop drawings and relevant specifications.
Hardscape set on mortar must be protected from pedestrian and vehicular traffic for a minimum of 4 days, as per project specifications.
Edging Stone/Edge Restraints & Paved Borders:
The designated area will be confined using edge stones, hard scape, or paving borders, as indicated in the approved drawings.
The placement of edge stones will precede the installation of all obstacles within the area, ensuring that they reach the required final levels.
Concrete haunches will be poured behind the edge stones, following the details specified in the approved shop drawing.
For the sand bedding, a minimum thickness of 50 mm or as per the approved shop drawing will be provided.
The sand layer’s profile will match the finished surface to achieve the desired outcome.
Various Types of Hardscapes Based on Materials
Granite Paving
The selection of granite paving will adhere to the approved shop drawing and finishing schedule, in accordance with the project specifications.
Prior approval from the consultant will be obtained, and sample tiles, including copings and sandstone bands, will be presented for evaluation before execution begins.
The granite used must meet project specifications and should be free from defects that may compromise strength, durability, or appearance.
Thorough seasoning and dressing will be carried out in line with shop drawings and finishing schedule before delivery to the site.
Precast Concrete Paving Blocks & Slabs
The precast concrete paving/hardscape blocks chosen will align with the approved shop drawings and specifications.
All materials will receive prior approval before commencing work, and manufacturer’s test certificates will be provided to ensure they meet project requirements.
The precast blocks will have a smooth texture finish, squared faces, and will comply with concrete specifications. Their dimensions will be uniform with tight tolerances on length, width, and thickness.
The consultant will receive manufacturer’s literature and installation recommendations in advance, and the delivered pavers on-site will be verified against the original manufacturer’s details.
Gravels, Pebbles & Boulders
The sizes, textures, colors, and finishes of the gravels, pebbles, and boulders shall conform to the details specified in the shop drawings.
Prior to commencing work, samples showcasing the true color of washed and clean material, along with various grades, will be submitted to the consultant for approval. The stones used in the project must match the approved sample precisely.
Additionally, all boulders, pebbles, and gravels must adhere to the sizes indicated on the drawings and must be clean, washed, and devoid of any fine material, salts, organic substances, or other harmful components.
Types of Hardscapes According to Installation Method
Dry Set Paving
The provision and laying of paving/hardscape blocks and expansion joints will be carried out following the pattern depicted in the approved shop drawings.
It is imperative to ensure that the sand surface is leveled appropriately to allow the blocks to be vibrated down and align with the final grade.
Care will be taken not to disturb the blocks already laid while placing the new ones. Each block will be firmly positioned against the adjacent block, with the joint gap not exceeding 3mm.
In cases where blocks do not fit at the edge due to restraints or obstructions like manholes or upstands, the gaps will be filled with cut blocks.
The cutting process will utilize a saw equipped with a diamond blade immersed in water to maintain dimensional accuracy.
To ensure quality, the consultant will regularly inspect alignment, uniformity of joint gaps, and squareness. If any joints start to open up, the Paving/Hardscape will be tapped together using a hard rubber mallet.
Damaged or soiled blocks will not be laid. The fine sand will be meticulously swept into the joints, and the paving/hardscape blocks will be vibrated by running passes with the vibrator in multiple directions until the sand settles in the joints adequately.
This process will be repeated if necessary. Finally, the excess sand on the top surface will be removed by sweeping with a stiff broom, and the surface will be sprayed with water for a polished appearance.
Wet Set Paving
The paving/hard scape process involves ensuring the concrete is thoroughly dry before laying the materials. The concrete sub base will be cleaned meticulously, removing any dirt, dust, debris, and loose particles.
Edgings and quadrant will be laid and bedded using a 1:3 cement/sand mortar bed, with a depth of at least 10mm.
Before placing the setting bed, the sub-base will be saturated with clean water. The mortar, which serves as the setting bed, will be applied at specified locations and depths as indicated in the shop drawings.
It is essential to ensure the mortar has been spread to the required depth so that the blocks will set at the correct finished elevation.
Only an amount of mortar that can be covered with blocks before initial setting will be mixed and placed. Before laying the blocks, they will be thoroughly cured and wetted.
The blocks will be arranged according to the pattern shown in the approved shop drawings.
The grout joint between the blocks shall not exceed 6mm in size. To create a strong bond with the setting bed, a uniform thick cement slurry will be applied to the mortar bed or back of the stone using a flat trowel, just before placing the pavers on the wet setting bed.
To achieve full adhesion with the setting bed, the pavers will be gently tapped into place with a heavy rubber mallet. Once set, the pavers should not be disturbed.
Moisture will be applied to the dampened surface and freshly spread grout joints during the finishing process, following the manufacturer’s recommendations and specifications.
The joints will be grouted as soon as possible after the initial set of the setting bed. Immediately after grouting, the adjoining exposed surface will be cleaned. The grouting will be cured as per the manufacturer’s recommendations or the project specifications.
To protect the integrity of the paving/hardscape and steps, all types of vehicular or foot traffic will be prohibited during the setting process and within 24 hours after the initial grouting of joints.
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