Decorative Concrete Block Pavements

Engineers today generally utilize Portland cement concrete and bituminous concrete to construct streets. However, an aesthetically pleasing alternative, brick pavers, does exist. Michigan Avenue in Lansing, Michigan, was perceived to need something other than a “standard” street surface, and concrete stone pavers were selected. It was felt that such a surface was aesthetically pleasing and would establish a “traditional” theme, that would be more people‐oriented and emphasize the needs of pedestrians. Brick surfaces would be a vital part of this emphasis and variations in color, pattern, and texture would play a key role in the design. The final product is an aesthetically pleasing yet structurally sound street and is resistant to freeze‐thaw actions. Cost of the pavement system was $6.20/sq ft $(\$66.74/m^2)$ compared to $3.14–$3.54/sq ft $(\$33.80-38.11/m^2)$ for more traditional streets built by the city. Construction was completed in just over one construction season and accomplished with less confusion and disruption than normally associated with major street reconstruction.