Resin Bound Gravel (RGB) permeable pavements are widely used across Europe for pedestrian walkways, urban plazas, courtyards and light-traffic areas. Their seamless appearance, durability and high permeability make them a preferred surface solution for modern landscape and urban infrastructure projects.
To perform reliably over the long term, resin bound gravel surfaces require a stable, load-bearing and free-draining sub-base capable of managing surface water efficiently while supporting Sustainable Drainage System (SUDS) principles.
Hoensoey Stormwater Modules provide a modular geocellular sub-base solution suited for RGB pavements, combining structural support with infiltration and temporary stormwater storage.
What Is a Resin Bound Gravel (RGB) Permeable Pavement?
A resin bound gravel pavement consists of natural aggregates (commonly 3–6 mm or 4–8 mm) mixed with a UV-stable resin binder and applied as a seamless surface layer. The void structure between aggregates allows water to pass through, making RGB a popular choice for permeable paving.
Common RGB use cases include:
- Pedestrian walkways
- Public plazas and squares
- Courtyards and residential landscapes
- Cycle paths
- Schoolyards and recreational areas
While the surface layer provides permeability and aesthetics, the sub-base is the component that largely determines structural integrity, drainage performance and long-term service life.
Why a Proper Sub-base Is Critical for Resin Bound Surfaces
Resin bound gravel surfaces allow water to pass through, but they do not provide meaningful storage or load distribution on their own. Without an appropriate sub-base, projects may experience:
- Localised settlement and unevenness
- Reduced permeability over time
- Inadequate stormwater control during heavy rain
- Higher maintenance requirements
Traditional crushed stone sub-bases often require deeper excavation and can be susceptible to long-term compaction and uneven load distribution— especially in urban retrofit projects where depth is limited.
A geocellular sub-base addresses these challenges by combining structural stability, water storage and controlled infiltration within a shallow build-up.
Technical Parameters (RGB Support Surface)
For Resin Bound Gravel applications, a fine-grid, continuous support surface helps prevent material migration during installation while providing reliable load distribution. Below are typical parameters used for RGB + Hoensoey Stormwater Modules applications.
| Item | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single opening size | Max diameter 4.9 mm | Fine-grid support surface; helps retain 3–6 mm / 4–8 mm aggregates |
| Surface coverage ratio | 65% | Supports load distribution and reduces point loading |
| Top surface geometry | Continuous grid / mesh | Improves stability for direct RGB application |
| Working load | 80 t/m² | Typical design load (project-dependent) |
| Maximum compressive load | 133 t/m² | Ultimate capacity under test conditions |
| Interlocking structure | Built-in connecting hooks & clips | Fast installation; improves alignment and integrity |
| Large openings | None | Avoids aggregate/resin drop-through during placement |
Typical System Build-Up (RGB + Hoensoey Cells)
A typical resin bound gravel pavement system incorporating Hoensoey Cells may include:
- Resin bound gravel surface layer (approx. 12–18 mm)
- Hoensoey Cells geocellular sub-base (approx. 82 mm)
- Separation geotextile layer
- Compacted subgrade
Depending on local site conditions, additional layers such as frost protection or drainage layers may be incorporated beneath the geocellular system.
Direct Application of Resin Bound Gravel on Geocellular Systems
In selected applications, resin bound gravel surfaces can be installed directly above a geocellular system without a traditional crushed stone bedding layer. This approach can reduce construction depth and simplify installation while maintaining permeability.
Direct application is typically suitable where:
- Aggregate size is controlled (commonly 3–6 mm or 4–8 mm)
- Pedestrian or light traffic loads apply
- Fine-grid, continuous support surface prevents material migration during installation
- Site conditions and design requirements are confirmed by the project engineer
Key Advantages of RGB + Hoensoey Cell Systems
- Shallow construction depth for constrained sites and retrofit projects
- High load distribution across the subgrade
- Excellent infiltration performance for stormwater control
- Reduced excavation and potentially reduced imported aggregate volumes
- Built-in interlocking connectors for fast installation and stable alignment
- Flexible surface compatibility with RGB and other permeable finishes
Typical Applications
Resin bound gravel pavements supported by Hoensoey Cells are commonly used in:
- Pedestrian walkways
- Urban plazas and public spaces
- Courtyards and residential developments
- Schoolyards and playgrounds
- Cycle paths
- Light traffic parking and access areas
FAQ
Can resin bound gravel be installed directly on Hoensoey Cells?
It can be suitable in selected applications (typically pedestrian or light-traffic zones), where aggregate size is controlled and the fine-grid support surface provides adequate load distribution and prevents material drop-through during installation.
What aggregate size is commonly used for RGB permeable surfaces?
Common sizes include 3–6 mm or 4–8 mm, depending on performance and finish requirements.
What makes the top surface important for RGB installation?
During placement, resin + aggregate behaves as a flowable mix before curing. A continuous, fine-grid top surface helps keep the mix at the surface level, reduces migration into the void space and improves the final finish quality.
What is a resin bound gravel permeable pavement?
A resin bound gravel pavement is a seamless surface made from natural aggregates, commonly 3–6 mm or 4–8 mm, mixed with a UV-stable resin binder. Its void structure allows water to pass through, making it suitable for permeable paving.
Why is the sub-base important for resin bound gravel surfaces?
The page explains that resin bound gravel surfaces do not provide meaningful storage or load distribution on their own. A proper sub-base helps avoid localised settlement, reduced permeability over time, inadequate stormwater control, and higher maintenance.
What technical parameters are listed for RGB support on Hoensoey Cells?
The page lists a maximum single opening size of 4.9 mm, surface coverage ratio of 65%, working load of 80 t/m², and maximum compressive load of 133 t/m², together with a continuous grid top surface and built-in interlocking hooks and clips.
What is the typical build-up for resin bound gravel over Hoensoey Cells?
A typical build-up includes a resin bound gravel surface layer of about 12–18 mm, a Hoensoey Cells geocellular sub-base of about 82 mm, a separation geotextile layer, and compacted subgrade.
What applications are suitable for resin bound gravel over geocellular sub-base?
The page lists pedestrian walkways, urban plazas, public spaces, courtyards, residential developments, schoolyards, playgrounds, cycle paths, and light traffic parking and access areas.
Design Considerations & Disclaimer
Important: Final system design should be verified by a qualified engineer and adapted to site-specific conditions, including soil bearing capacity, climate (including frost conditions), expected traffic loads and local regulations. Material selection, layer thickness and installation methods may vary depending on project requirements.
Need a Project-Specific Recommendation?
Share your project type (walkway / plaza / courtyard / light traffic), estimated area, soil conditions (if known), and target build-up depth. We can propose a typical build-up and quantity estimate for Hoensoey Cells and geotextile layers.