09/09/2026
Following on from our previous post, The Compaction of Paving, we now focus on jointing sand and its role in the performance and durability of concrete paving.
Once the pavers have been laid and initially compacted, suitable jointing sand is spread across the surface and brushed into the joints between the paving units.
Jointing sand helps create interlock between adjacent pavers, allowing loads to be distributed across the paved surface. This improves pavement stability and helps limit the movement of individual paving units.
For effective joint filling, the sand should be clean, dry, free-flowing, and appropriately graded for the joint width. Sand that is excessively wet, contaminated, or unsuitable may not flow properly into the joints, resulting in incomplete filling.
After the sand has been brushed into the joints, additional passes with a suitable vibrating plate compactor help it settle deeper between the pavers. More sand should then be applied and the process repeated until the joints are adequately filled.
Jointing sand should not be confused with bedding sand. Bedding sand provides the layer on which the pavers are laid, while jointing sand fills the spaces between the paving units and supports interlock.
Poorly filled or empty joints can contribute to paver movement, edge damage, surface instability, and reduced pavement performance. Joints should therefore be inspected and replenished when sand is lost through traffic, weather, or cleaning.
When correctly selected, installed, and maintained, jointing sand contributes significantly to the stability, serviceability, and long-term durability of a concrete paving system.
At the CMA and CMACS, we promote quality-assured products, recognised standards, and recommended construction practices for durable and cost-effective concrete paving.
