In order to refine the street and its carriageway, as well as to fence off the road from the sidewalk, side stones are used. Simply put - this is the most common border of natural rocks.
Such curbs are made from sedimentary, igneous and other types of rocks that have not been affected by weathering, and also do not have various flaws in the form of chips and cracks. Durability, mechanical strength and frost resistance - this is the difference between the side stone and the concrete curb .
Granite material, in addition to eternity, also adds aesthetic beauty to the roadbed and cobbled streets. Discreet, but at the same time fundamental and solid, such a stone gives a touch of retro and nostalgia to the city streets.
Functions of the side stone:
- soil erosion protection;
- protection against rain streams and snow drifts;
- separation of pedestrian and other paths from the carriageway;
- strengthening of paving slabs and paths.
Technical characteristics of the side stone
There are several types of curbs:
- Chipped side stones obtained by mechanical action with any tool. Most often used thermal or percussion instruments.
- Sawn - produced by cutting with cutting wheels or saws.
- Rectangular are rectangular and are marked with the letter P.
- Curved side stones differ in rounded corners. Marked with letter K.
When designating stones, the letters are used: G - rock; In - an entrance stone. The numbers indicate the radius of curvature (in meters). A standard product has a length of 0.7 to 2 meters, if you need a product length of more than two meters, then such a stone is made to order. The weight of the side stone depends on its size, material and shape. Estimated weight is from 80 kg and above per linear meter.
Device technology
Installation of side stones is not difficult. But you need to observe all the subtleties. Typically, curbs are installed simultaneously with the device of the roadway. Then both the road surface and the curb itself will become one and will be very durable.
- Excavation. Digging trenches under the curbs. The length, depth and width of the trench should be planned taking into account the size of the stone, as well as concrete formwork. Note that the surface of the trench and its walls should completely repeat the shape of the side stone. Then he will not "walk".
- The device of the sand cushion. The thickness of the preparatory layer is outstripped by the project.
- The device of concrete formwork. The choice of concrete for formwork must meet the high requirements of strength and frost resistance. The thickness of the formwork must be at least 100 cm.
- Work on the device of a cement-concrete base under a stone.
- The device of side stones is made 10-15 minutes after the formwork is completed. Since the granite curb is very heavy, it is better to use special equipment in the form of a loader when installing it.
- Fixing stone with cement-concrete mixture. The permissible gap width between the stones is not more than 10 mm.
Among other things, the types of such borders depend on their purpose: road, lawn and garden. Decorative side stones are famous not only for the beauty and unusual shapes, but also for the various patterns applied to them. The cost of such stones is very high.