SureSet resin bound surfacing proves ideal for larger areas - North Somerset Magistrates' Court provides the latest evidence

To many specifiers the SureSet resin bound surfacing system is synonymous with small decorative or feature areas but, in reality, the system is now frequently being used as an alternative to traditional paving or surfacing materials on major projects. A prime example of this activity can be seen at the newly constructed North Somerset Magistrates’ Court at St Georges, Weston-super-Mare. This contract carried out on behalf of leading surfacing contractor, Spadeoak, utilises 2,100 sq.metres of natural gravel and 47 sq.metres of 10mm rounded gravel for the Tree Pits, providing not just a surface with a seven year guarantee for the materials but an aesthetically pleasing and safe end result very much in keeping with the development.
BONDED OR BOUND SURFACES – IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?
There is sometimes confusion between resin bound SureSet and resin bonded competitive systems. A resin bound system is impregnated all the way through in its entirety, each particle of material being fully coated with resin, giving durability and, most importantly, a safe finish with no loose material. Resin bound treatments invariably only have a base coat of resin upon which the aggregate is laid, with a top sealing coat. This treatment requires removal of loose aggregate subsequent to laying and, obviously, lacks the integral strength of SureSet. Depth of material also differs greatly; bonded surfaces are only lain to 3mm with SureSet being lain to 12mm to 24mm, not just for increased durability but the company consider this depth essential to give an acceptable even surface.
Although the North Somerset Magistrates’ Court project highlights the potential of SureSet as a surfacing system for larger areas other application possibilities are endless with the system having been used extensively elsewhere for access roads and car parks, driveways, footpaths and cycleways, patios and pool surrounds and even internally. In addition to natural gravel 1,000 plus formulae are available, including recycled glass in a variety of colours, imported marble or even crushed CD’s. SureSet believe the features their system offers are second to none and, as mentioned previously, come with a guarantee recently extended to seven years.
The North Somerset Magistrates’ Court is a PFI project owned and operated by Services Support (Avon & Somerset) Ltd.
SureSet provides a nationwide supply and lay service for the larger contract and for designers and specifiers comprehensive data in PDF format can be downloaded from the company’s web site www.sureset.co.uk

Email: roger.morland@orange.fr