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219
IN SITU PAVING.
In Situ Paving has the advantage of being far cheaper than slabs, and will
give almost as good results; but, as I have already stated, there is a liability for
it to crack by expansion, more especially if the cement be new ; but when the
materials be good and well laid, it forms an even and cheerful paving. Being
laid in large blocks it will not settle, leaving one stone above another, as is often
the case with slabs.
I could not recommend the adoption of In Situ Pavement in a growing
neighbourhood like Fulham, and where, owing to building operations, the Gas
and Water Companies are almost daily disturbing the pavement.
CONCLUSIONS.
The principal conclusions arrived at in this report may be classed as
follows:—
1st. That York Stone is more absorbent than Artificial Stone.
2nd. That in consequence it may be more dangerous to health.
3rd. In my opinion the life of York Stone would not be so great as
Artificial.
4th. That Artificial Stone is far more slippery than York Stone.
5th. From an economical point of view, so far as the resident owners
of property in Fulham are concerned, the advantages of using Artificial
Stone would not warrant its adoption.
6th. If Artificial Stone is manufactured from inferior cement, serious
results will follow.
7th. Artificial Stone is 20 per cent. cheaper than York Stone.
8th. Artificial Stone wears far more regularly than York Stone.
In conclusion, 1 may say I have endeavoured to treat the whole question
as one of York v. Artificial Stones, and so far the conclusions at which I
have arrived seem to favour Artificial Stones; but there is one point upon
which I cannot satisfy myself, and which I must leave to the Committee
to decide; that is, whether the defects of York Stone would not outweigh the
slipperiness of Artificial Stone.
Should you decide this point in favour of the Artificial Stone, the question
would arise as to which stone should be used; at present I am not in a position
to say.
I think a Committee might with advantage view the various pavements
laid in London, and decide this point themselves.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
W. SYKES.