Paviments

Paviments are surfaces formed by paving materials that provide a durable, navigable layer for pedestrians, vehicles, or both. In English, the common term is pavement or paving, while paviments is the plural form found in French and in some technical or historical texts. The concept encompasses both the finished surface and the underlying structural layers that support it.

Historically, pavements range from simple street coverings to elaborate road systems. Ancient civilizations used stone or timber platforms and cobbles. The Romans built durable stone roads with layered foundations. In medieval and early modern cities, cobbles and setts were common for streets and squares. The 19th and early 20th centuries saw advances in macadam, followed by rolled asphalt and Portland cement concrete, leading to modern composite and permeable systems.

Materials and techniques vary with purpose and climate. Common materials include natural stones (cobblestones and setts), bricks, asphalt concrete, cement concrete, and interlocking concrete or stone pavers. Construction typically includes subgrade, subbase, base, and wearing course; some designs use permeable or pervious layers to improve drainage. Aesthetics, load bearing, and maintenance requirements influence material choice for streets, plazas, and sidewalks.

Maintenance and standards address longevity and safety. Activities include resurfacing, joint filling, crack repair, and drainage maintenance. Paving systems are designed for expected traffic loads and weather conditions, with guidelines on thickness, compaction, and joint spacing to prevent failures such as rutting, settlement, or potholes.

Environmental and urban-design considerations are increasingly integrated with paving. Permeable pavements and porous surfaces reduce runoff and aid stormwater management, while lighter-colored or textured pavements can mitigate heat absorption and improve traction. Paviments also affect accessibility, noise, and the overall streetscape, coordinating with utilities, street furniture, and green infrastructure.