Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (part of the Brick Industry Association / CMHA)
ICPI segmental paver standards
ICPI guidance covers how interlocking concrete pavement and hardscape are built from the ground up: the compacted subgrade and aggregate base that carry the load, the bedding layer the units set into, the edge restraint that keeps the field from spreading, and the jointing sand that lets the pavement interlock. The parts that decide whether pavers rut or drift are all under the surface, so the walk lives at base and bedding stage before the units go down.
Adoption varies by jurisdiction. Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
What it covers
- Subgrade preparation and compaction
- Aggregate base gradation, thickness and compaction
- Bedding layer thickness and screeding
- Edge restraint type and anchorage
- Jointing sand placement and interlock
- Surface tolerance, slope and drainage
What the evidence looks like
- Compacted subgrade and base photographed in lifts with thickness shown, since neither can be verified once the bedding covers them.
- Bedding layer documented screeded to a uniform depth rather than filling low spots in the base.
- Edge restraint photographed anchored and continuous before the perimeter units lock against it.
- Jointing sand shown swept and consolidated into the joints so the field actually interlocks.
- Finished surface checked for slope and ponding, photographed to the drainage rather than asserted level.
Checklists that verify work against ICPI segmental paver standards
3 free checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Segmental pavers and hardscape Rough-in· Segmental pavers and hardscapeSegmental pavers and hardscape rough-in inspection checklistSubgrade, base, edge restraint and bedding layer verified before pavers go down over them6 items10 photosSegmental pavers and hardscape Final· Segmental pavers and hardscapeSegmental pavers and hardscape final inspection checklistPattern, joints, edge restraint and drainage checked on the finished paved surface6 items10 photosSegmental pavers and hardscape Punch· Segmental pavers and hardscapeSegmental pavers and hardscape punch checklistCloseout walk for settled or rocking pavers, joint-sand loss and edge movement3 items5 photos
Common questions
- What is ICPI segmental paver standards?
- Interlocking concrete pavement and hardscape: subgrade and base, bedding, edge restraint, jointing sand, tolerance and drainage. It is published by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (part of the Brick Industry Association / CMHA). ICPI guidance covers how interlocking concrete pavement and hardscape are built from the ground up: the compacted subgrade and aggregate base that carry the load, the bedding layer the units set into, the edge restraint that keeps the field from spreading, and the jointing sand that lets the pavement interlock. The parts that decide whether pavers rut or drift are all under the surface, so the walk lives at base and bedding stage before the units go down.
- What does ICPI segmental paver standards cover?
- Subgrade preparation and compaction; Aggregate base gradation, thickness and compaction; Bedding layer thickness and screeding; Edge restraint type and anchorage; Jointing sand placement and interlock; Surface tolerance, slope and drainage.
- What does a field inspection against ICPI segmental paver standards look at?
- Compacted subgrade and base photographed in lifts with thickness shown, since neither can be verified once the bedding covers them. Bedding layer documented screeded to a uniform depth rather than filling low spots in the base. Edge restraint photographed anchored and continuous before the perimeter units lock against it. Jointing sand shown swept and consolidated into the joints so the field actually interlocks. Finished surface checked for slope and ponding, photographed to the drainage rather than asserted level.
- Which edition of ICPI segmental paver standards applies to my project?
- Adoption varies by jurisdiction. Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
- Which checklists verify work against ICPI segmental paver standards?
- 3 free checklists in the RTI library reference this family. Each is listed on this page with the photo evidence every item needs before it can be submitted.
A standard is only met if the evidence exists
RTI holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and the photos are attached, then chains the record so it can be proven untouched later.