Modelling gaps between block pavers

This paper investigates factors which affect the resultant gaps between block pavers when these are laid over a large area as part of a civil engineering process to form a trafficable surface. The development of the gaps between the edges of adjacent blocks can be described by a family of two-dimensional difference equations which reflect the physical characteristics of the blocks and the sequence in which the blocks are placed together. Monte Carlo studies of the solutions of these equations have been used to show patterns of development of gaps for specific combinations of parameter values and to investigate the impact of particular variables on gap performance.