For paving public areas, where the appearance of sites and paths involves the use of aesthetically attractive materials, the modern construction market offers a huge selection of different types and colors of tiles. Although the usual street version is a gray scale. For large areas and squares, it will be more convenient to have a square shape of products, and the size of paving slabs is preferable to 50x50 or 40x40 centimeters. In addition to standard samples, many manufacturers produce original exclusive products to order.
Types of popular paving slabs
Different types of tiles differ in their geometric dimensions, shape, surface type, patterning or lack thereof, color. The shape is divided into rectangular, square and curly. Paving slabs (dimensions, price and other parameters of different types are described and indicated below) differ in the material of manufacture, production methods and area of use. Consider the most popular products for paving sidewalks.
Paving stones
This ordinary paving slabmade in the form of a bar and is most often used for paving city streets and courtyards. The increased strength of the material is obtained thanks to a special technology. Withstands climatic temperature fluctuations, and high dynamic load. The use of colored tiles allows you to arrange spectacular walkways and squares. The weight of the finished product is 2.5 kilograms, and the standard dimensions are 200x100x60 millimeters. The price for one square meter is 390-440 rubles.
Wave
The shaped paving slab "Wave" creates a beautiful pattern with the effect of a sea wave and is ideal for sidewalks and footpaths. It is made from a mixture of high-strength concrete, so its surface does not collapse for a long time. The tile has standard dimensions of 237x103x60 millimeters and a weight of 3.05 kilograms.
Reel
The shape of this tile resembles a spool of thread with a narrow middle part and wide protrusions along the edges. This material can pave areas near the house or in the park with intricate patterns, especially if you use different colors: yellow, black, brown, blue. The more complex the shade, the higher the cost of the tile. Standard dimensions: 225x136x60 millimeters with a weight of 3.2 kilograms per unit.
Honeycombs
The "Honeycomb" tile is made up of small hexagons, from which it got its name. It looks very impressive and creates a unique pattern, especially on alternating wide andnarrow areas. The size of paving slabs is 250x180x60 millimeters, and the weight is 3.5 kilograms.
English Cobblestone
The paving slabs "English cobblestone" reminds a natural stone and at laying creates effect of a medieval pavement. It is distinguished by increased strength and durability, therefore it is recommended for paving in crowded places, parks and squares. The drainage system of the material preserves the natural water exchange. The size of paving slabs is 250x120x60 millimeters, weight is 3.8 kilograms.
Scales
This is a very popular shaped tile made from concrete. It is laid on a layer of sand that acts as a drainage system. "Scales" forms spectacular wear-resistant and durable tracks. Excellent performance is achieved by using natural materials. The size of paving slabs is 245x190x60 millimeters with a mass of 3.6 kilograms per unit.
Other types of tiles
There are other types of this quality material. Among them are square paving slabs - "Chocolate", "California", "Flower", "Grid", "Web", "8 bricks", "Cloud", "Parquet" - with a peculiar pattern applied to the surface. By the way, the pattern not only creates an attractive design, but also prevents slipping on wet surfaces, such as after rain or snow.
Therefore, the main purpose of these species is the paving of footpaths, sidewalks and large areas. Butwell, any such material is suitable for the territory of country houses, summer cottages, etc. Some types, for example, "Grid", have increased frost resistance.
Among the variety of curly tiles, the most popular are: "Eco", "Gzhelka", "Clover" (smooth and embossed), "Traces of a giant", "Maple", "Lace", etc. "Eco" is used on parking lots, because it can withstand the load from cars. Decorative colored species, such as "Clover", "Gzhelka" and some others, are used for paving the spaces around pools, office buildings, and "Traces of the Giant" - in parks and squares, in places of mass visits by people.
Production of paving slabs by vibrocompression
Production of paving slabs is carried out in two ways: vibropressing and vibrocasting.
In the manufacture of material by vibrocompression, the concrete mixture is placed in certain forms installed on a vibrating table. The upper part of the mold is a press (punch), exactly repeating its shape. Vibration lasts until the product is completely compacted. For a full cycle of production by this method, the following equipment is needed: a concrete mixer, a vibrating table, a mold, a punch. Tiles "Paving stone", "Coil", etc. are made by this method.
Production of paving slabs by vibrocasting
In the production of paving slabs by vibration casting, concrete is also poured into certain forms lying on the vibrating table. The mixture is rammed naturallyvibration, without the participation of pressing, so this method is longer. After tamping is completed, the molds with tiles are kept in a warm room for about twelve hours. Vibratory casting requires the following equipment: concrete mixers, vibrating table, molds. The number of molds should correspond to daily production.
This technology is more efficient than vibrocompression and has the following advantages:
- wide range of finished products;
- beautiful and smooth glossy surface;
- high strength tiles;
- possibility to introduce special additives and pigments into concrete mixtures to improve the quality of finished products and color diversity.
At the end of the vibration process, the solution in the form is carefully rubbed, and if the amount of concrete is not enough to the top of the mold, then it is added, rubbed and placed on pallets. To prevent sudden drying, mold racks are covered with polyethylene to dry for 48 hours.
Before knocking out the form for paving slabs, it is required to heat up to 60-70 degrees in a water bath for 2 minutes. This is done to increase the service life of products, especially thin ones. The heated form is placed on a vibrating table for stripping without the use of special devices. Plastic molds are cleaned with a 5% hydrochloric acid solution to ensure safety for the he alth of workers, and then washed with plain water.
When using high-quality equipment, the surface of the finished product willsmooth, without any external and hidden flaws (roughness, chips, voids, joints). Paving slabs "California" are produced by vibrocasting.
Forms for paving slabs, curbs, bricks, there are more than 200 types. They are made of high-quality polypropylene with additives, they do not need lubrication, because even without this the solution does not stick in them. The wall thickness varies from 4 to 6 millimeters, and the height - from 2.5 to 8 centimeters. The shape can be reinforced with stiffeners. Such a product has a service life of 500-1000 full technological cycles.
