No-Fines Concrete for Resin-Bound Driveways
No-fines concrete is a specialist concrete mix that excludes fine aggregates (sand), using only cement, water and single-sized coarse aggregate. The result is an open-textured, permeable concrete with interconnected voids that allow water to drain freely through the slab. This makes it an ideal structural base for resin-bound driveways, paths and permeable paving systems where surface water management and SuDS compliance are critical.
Why no-fines concrete is used under resin-bound systems
Resin-bound surfacing requires a stable, free-draining base to perform correctly. Traditional impermeable concrete bases can trap water, leading to frost damage, debonding or surface failure over time. No-fines concrete solves this by:
- Allowing rainwater to drain vertically through the slab
- Reducing surface water runoff and pooling
- Supporting SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) principles
- Providing a rigid, load-bearing base for vehicle traffic
Technical details
- Made without sand, creating voids typically in the range of 15–25%
- Compressive strength is lower than traditional concrete but sufficient for domestic driveways and light vehicle traffic when correctly designed
- Typical thickness ranges from 100–150mm depending on ground conditions and expected loading
- Permeability allows water to drain to the sub-base or ground below
- Often paired with a permeable sub-base to maintain full system drainage
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Typical applications & key benefits
Typical applications
- Resin-bound driveways
- Permeable patios and pathways
- Parking bays
- Access roads with permeable surfacing
Key benefits
- Excellent drainage – prevents surface water ponding and reduces flood risk
- Strong and stable base – supports vehicle loads while remaining permeable
- SUDS compliant – suitable for permeable driveway installations
- Reduces risk of cracking – less water pressure builds up beneath the surface
- Long service life – ideal for domestic and light commercial use
Specification & durability considerations
- Correct sub-base preparation is essential to maintain permeability
- Ground conditions should allow infiltration or connect to suitable drainage
- Jointing and edging details must be planned to support resin-bound overlay
- Surface must be clean, cured and dry before resin-bound application
- Not suitable for heavy industrial traffic without specialist design
Ordering & delivery advice
When ordering no-fines concrete, provide details on driveway size, thickness, access, expected vehicle loading, drainage strategy and resin system supplier requirements. We can advise on mix proportions, placement methods and curing times to ensure compatibility with resin-bound surfacing.
