This page gives an overview of the concept of gradient and how falls are used in the paving and drainage trades.

This page provides a guide to the geometry and geometrical terms used for paving and streetmasonry.

All paving and drainage works are set out using basic geometry, mathematics and a few simple measuring and positioning tools. This first page in thgis section looks at the basic principles of construction lines, perpendiculars and arcs.

This page considers the use of string lines and the importance of levels when setting out any paving or drainage project. It explains the concept of falls and the importance of working to minimum gradients.

Boning Rods and Sight Rails are tools as old as time but still important and extremely useful when setting out paving and drainage projects. This page explains the simple concepts underpinning their use and shows how they are employed on real life sites.

Automatic and laser levels are essential tools for accurate setting out of levels and falls on larger sites. This page looks at how they are used and explains how they can be used to ensure adequate drainage of paving and correct falls within sewer systems.

Setting out an arc is an elegantly simple task, but every now and again, the origin point is not available for all sorts of reasons. This page looks at how arcs are set out in such situations.

A look at the relationship between paving and damp proof courses (DPC), and suggestions for dealing with problems such as high paving levels or low DPCs.