Hollow parking slab: a draining, stable, and driveable floor

Designing a parking area or access road is a challenge that often involves three conflicting requirements: mechanical strength, environmental friendliness, and cost control. For too long, the choice has been limited to expensive, impermeable asphalt or loose gravel, which invariably ends up scattering and creating unsightly ruts. But with the tightening of urban planning regulations (PLU) and the intensification of extreme weather events, stormwater management has become a top priority.

This is where honeycomb parking slabs come into play. Far from standard gardening models, high-performance solutions such as Mosaik-Alvéoles are redefining the standards for stabilized ground. Designed to offer total drainage capacity (100% permeable), this honeycomb structure guarantees exceptional load-bearing capacity of up to 500 tons per m². Whether you are a private individual wanting a clean parking space for your vehicles, an agricultural professional managing the passage of heavy machinery, or an industrial site manager, the need remains the same: a surface that does not deform, does not store water, and remains passable 365 days a year.

Why has honeycomb paving become the standard for modern parking lots?

For decades, the default solution for creating a driveable parking lot was asphalt or concrete. However, these "gray" solutions are now showing their limitations in the face of ecological and economic challenges. If you are looking for an indoor solution, find out which flooring is suitable for your garage to ensure continuity of performance between your outdoor and indoor spaces. For those who want a specific finish, feel free to check out our range dedicated to garage tiles.

The challenge of stormwater management and drainage

One of the main enemies of outdoor landscaping is standing water. On impermeable ground, every rainfall requires a complex drainage system (slopes, gutters, manholes, connection to the public network).

The honeycomb structure of Mosaik-Alvéoles completely reverses this paradigm. Thanks to its honeycomb design, it allows water to infiltrate directly into the soil over 100% of its surface area.

• Zero runoff: water returns to the water table naturally, preventing urban drainage systems from becoming saturated.

• No more puddles: even after heavy rain, your parking lot remains dry and usable.

• Substantial savings: by choosing a well-drained floor, you eliminate the costs associated with installing expensive drainage systems (gutters and pipes).

Stabilization and lift: putting an end to ruts

The main problem with a "free" gravel parking lot is the constant displacement of materials. The honeycomb slab acts as a surface reinforcement. Unlike flexible coverings such as Gerflor tiles or PVC, which are ideal used indoors, Mosaik-Alvéoles distributes the vertical pressure of tires over a much larger surface area, ensuring perfect flatness over the long term.

• Load distribution: unlike a standard garden slab, the Mosaik-Alvéoles distributes the vertical pressure of tires over a much larger surface area. This prevents differential soil compaction and ensures perfect flatness over the long term.

• Resistance to turning maneuvers: this is the critical point where low-end slabs fail. The Mosaik slab interlocking system ensures that the entire surface remains intact, even when a heavy vehicle turns its wheels while stationary.

500 tons per square meter performance: an industrial threshold

To understand the power of this product, you have to look at the figures. Whereas a conventional plastic slab often has a maximum resistance of 150 or 200 tons, the Mosaik parking and agricultural slab is certified to withstand up to 500 tons per square meter.

Why is such capacity necessary for a "simple" parking lot?

1. Safety margin: A 2.5-ton SUV exerts localized pressure that is much greater than its total weight, especially when braking or accelerating.

2. Versatile use: this resistance opens the door to agricultural and industrial uses. A loaded tractor, delivery truck, or construction vehicle can drive over it without risking damage to the plastic structure.

3. Durability: a product that can handle 500 tons will wear much less quickly under light loads than a product used at 90% of its capacity.

4. Protection of specific soils: If you are more concerned with securing a temporary passageway for heavy machinery on soft ground, we recommend that you discover the Mosaik Heavy rangerange, our robust road plates designed to protect even uneven ground.

Grass, gravel, or sand: which filling for which use?

One of the greatest advantages of Mosaik-Alvéoles is its versatility. Unlike other rigid structures, it adapts to the nature of the filling to meet specific needs: aesthetics, cleanliness, or animal protection. The choice of material is not just a matter of taste; it is a technical decision that impacts the maintenance and durability of your layout.

Gravel parking: high performance and zero maintenance

This is the most common use for private parking lots, driveways, and logistics areas. When confined in 5 cm cells, gravel offers stability comparable to asphalt while remaining perfectly draining.

• Choosing the aggregate: for maximum efficiency, we recommend crushed gravel crushed Unlike rounded gravel (such as river pebbles), which tends to slide under the tire, crushed gravel mechanically locks itself into the honeycomb structure.

• Level management: A common mistake is to fill the slab to the brim. The Mosaik expert's tip is to leave a margin of approximately 5 mm margin between the top of the gravel and the top of the plastic wall. This prevents the gravel from scattering outside under the effect of splashes and protects the structure of the slabs from direct sunlight.

Grass parking lots: aesthetics in the service of ecology

Ideal for occasional parking areas, event parking lots, or gardens, grass infill completely hides the plastic structure under a layer of greenery.

• The ideal substrate: never fill your slabs with pure topsoil. Under repeated foot traffic, the soil will compact, suffocating the roots. Use a mixture of soil/sand or a specific "soil-stone" substrate. This mixture remains porous, allowing water and air to circulate, thus ensuring a green lawn even during periods of heavy use.

• Combating heat islands: in an urban setting, grass-covered parking lots drastically reduce ground temperature compared to asphalt, which stores heat throughout the day and releases it at night.

Agricultural and equestrian use: the comfort of "mud-free"

This is where the 500t/m² resistance of Mosaik-Alvéoles comes into its own. In the agricultural and equestrian world, the number one problem is the creation of "potholes" in areas where animals trample or machinery passes.

• Stabilization of paddocks and grooming areas: filling the slabs with sand or a draining mixture provides horses with dry, stable ground. The slabs prevent the sand from sinking into the ground, saving tons of material over the years.

• Joint protection: the honeycomb structure offers a certain flexibility that concrete does not have. For an animal or agricultural machinery, this reduces shocks and stress when moving.

• Tractor passage: thanks to its ultra-robust fastening system, the slab does not lift when driven over by studded tires, even on soft ground.

Hybrid and concrete filling

For extreme industrial applications, it is even possible to fill these slabs with micro-concrete or draining mortar. This results in a concrete slab that is flexible, capable of supporting enormous loads without ever cracking, as the plastic structure absorbs micro-movements in the ground.

Summary: Which filler should you choose for your Mosaik-Alvéoles slabs?

The 5 steps to a durable parking lot

The longevity of a honeycomb slab parking lot depends not only on the quality of the product, but above all on the preparation of the ground. Even the most resistant slab in the world will eventually follow the movements of poorly prepared ground. Here is the strict methodology to guarantee the stability of your Mosaik-Alvéoles parking lot for decades to come.

Step 1: Earthworks and calculation of excavation

Before laying the first slab, you must prepare the "container." The depth of the excavation depends on the end use of the area.

• For light vehicle (LV) passage: allow for a 20 to 25 cm excavation.

• For heavy-duty use or heavy vehicles: increase to 35 or even 45 cm depending on the nature of your natural soil (clay or sand).

• Expert tip: always allow for a slight slope of 1 to 2% towards the outside of the parking area. Although the slabs are draining, this precaution prevents the ground from becoming saturated during periods of exceptional rainfall. If you need to drive earth-moving equipment on loose ground during this phase, consider using sturdy road plates to protect your soil.

Step 2: Creating the foundation (The hedgehog)

This is the backbone of your project. Without a solid foundation, the ground will eventually sink ("rut formation").

• Material: Use crushed quarry aggregate (type 0/31.5 or 0/40 mm). Avoid "rolled" materials that do not compact.

• Implementation: lay the material in layers of 10 to 15 cm and compact vigorously using a vibrating plate or a roller compactor. The foundation must be perfectly stable before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: The adjustment layer and geotextile

The goal here is to achieve a perfectly flat surface for laying the slabs.

• Geotextile: Place a geotextile felt between the foundation and the leveling layer. It serves two purposes: it prevents the layers from mixing (fine sand sinking into the gravel) and blocks weed growth.

• The bedding: spread 3 to 5 cm of river sand or fine gravel (2/4 mm type). Level with a mason's rule to obtain a "billiard table" surface.

Step 4: Laying the tiles 

This is the most rewarding step thanks to the product's intuitive clip-on system.

• Installation direction: always start in one corner of the area, working row by row. The tongue-and-groove system allows for automatic alignment.

• Cutting: for borders or around manholes, slabs can be cut very easily using a grinder (material discs) or a simple jigsaw.

• Immediate stability: unlike concrete, which requires 28 days to dry, Mosaik slabs can be walked on immediately after installation, which greatly facilitates filling.

Step 5: Filling and finishing

This is where the project takes on its final form.

• Filling with gravel: pour the gravel into the center of the area and spread it toward the edges using a rake or a construction broom.

• Natural settling: after the first filling, pass a vibrating plate (with rubber protection) over the slabs to help the gravel settle at the bottom of the cells. Top up the level if necessary.

• The golden rule: as mentioned above, do not fill to the brim. Leave 5 mm of the plastic structure visible to ensure that the gravel remains in place and does not roll underfoot.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Are Mosaik-Alvéoles slabs suitable for agricultural parking lots? 

Yes, they have been specially designed for demanding environments such as farms, equestrian centers, or areas with heavy foot traffic. Their honeycomb structure ensures both excellent mechanical strength (up to 500 t/m²) and good water drainage.

On what types of floor can these tiles be laid? 

These tiles can be installed on all types of floors, even uneven or damaged ones. For optimal and long-lasting use, it is recommended to prepare a drainage bed (compacted gravel or aggregate). Their clip-on system allows for quick installation without glue or tools.

Can Mosaik-Alvéoles slabs be planted with vegetation? 

Yes, their honeycomb structure is ideal for a green parking lot. Grass can grow through the 60 mm honeycomb cells, creating a surface that is attractive, environmentally friendly, and suitable for vehicles.

Are tiles weather-resistant? 

They are treated against frost and made from 100% recycled PVC, ensuring excellent durability in all weather conditions. The 20-year warranty is a testament to their reliability.

How do you maintain these tiles? 

Maintenance is simple: sweeping, mopping, or auto-scrubbing are sufficient. Cuts can be made with a jigsaw, which facilitates on-site adaptation.