resin bonded gravel how does it differ from resin bound gravel

So many times I read where the difference between the two products is not recognised.  Found this which is quite an old post but it just goes to show how easily people misunderstand the basics. This blog post was on the garden visit website. Part of the article reads as follows and is  about the University of Greenwich and it’s paving with resin-bound gravel on its Maritime Campus-

” Most of the new paving on the campus is resin bound and uses a small-diameter flint gravel aggregate (2-4mm). For the central roadway this was a good choice.  A bitumen macadam basecourse supports the weight of vehicular traffic. But the road is used as much by pedestrians as by vehicles and it was well worth the extra expenditure on resin bound gravel to hide the bitumen.

But I can’t see the point of having used resin-bound gravel for purely pedestrian walks or for the new car parks: (1) it costs a lot more money (2) it is impermeable and therefore works against Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) objectives (3) it does not have that nice crunchy sound you get from gravel (4) it looks phoney – like a plastic imitation of gravel (5) it is out of keeping with the historic character of the Maritime Campus – where unbound flint gravel is the traditional material“.

One of the replies goes on to correct the author

“You have incorrectly stated that resin bound paving is an impermeable product, when in fact it is a permeable product. The image that you have added to your blog looks to me like a bonded system rather than a bound system.  If this is the case then you would be correct in stating that it is an impermeable product. Resin bound paving is a more expensive option, however you do not get the draw backs of having loose gravel.  You don’t have to sweep away the gravel that has migrated to other areas and you don’t usually get weed growth through the paving.  Providing you use a reputable company, with experience in the resin bound paving sector, you will not need to replace the surface as quickly as you would with a loose aggregate. One other factor is that access for wheelchair users is not restricted.  Have you ever tried to push a wheelchair or pushchair through loose gravel?  I have and I can tell you that it is not easy.  Having a smooth surface enables easy access”.

So to recap  – resin bonded gravel how does it differ from resin bound gravel – greatly.

Only today we have received a request to quote for a commercial project in Doncaster.  The architects spec stipulates resin bound paving but the contractor has asked us to quote for resin bonded paving.

Derbyshire – Buxton, Matlock, Hathersage, Baslow, Shirebrook, Mansfield, Mansfield Woodhouse, Kirkby in Ashfield, Arnold, Sherwood, Redhill, Nottinghamshire the resin bonded gravel can work on paths with a surface already laid such as concrete, tarmac or imprinted concrete.  Resin bound gravel can be too.  However, porosity and drainage requirements for example can dictate.  So when we are asked resin bonded gravel how does it differ from resin bound gravel  -we say,  what do you want the surface for, what surface is down, how does the area concerned get affected by the weather (weeds, moss and algae for example is prevalent in some rural areas) ? Is it for a driveway. path or patio?  We won’t put something down if it is not  fit for purpose. So call us now for it’s free advice!