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 option is a gray range. For large areas and squares, the square shape of the products will be more convenient, and the size of the paving slabs is preferable to 50x50 or 40x40 centimeters. In addition to standard samples, many manufacturers custom-made original exclusive products.
Types of popular paving slabs
Different types of tiles differ in their geometric dimensions, shape, type of surface, drawing a pattern or its absence, color. In shape, rectangular, square and curly are distinguished. Paving slabs (sizes, price and other parameters of different types are described and indicated below) differ in the material of manufacture, production methods and scope of use. Consider the most popular products for paving sidewalks.
Paving stones
This ordinary paving slab is made 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. It withstands climatic temperature differences 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 per square meter is 390-440 rubles.
"Wave"
Curly paving slabs “Wave” create a beautiful pattern with the effect of a sea wave and are ideal for sidewalks and pedestrian paths. It is made of a mixture of high-strength concrete, so its surface does not deteriorate over time. The tile has standard sizes of 237x103x60 millimeters and a weight of 3.05 kilograms.
"Coil"
In shape, this tile resembles a spool of thread with a narrow middle part and wide protrusions at the edges. Such material can be paved at home or in a 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 sizes: 225x136x60 millimeters with a weight of 3.2 kilograms per unit.
"Honeycombs"
The "Honeycomb" tile is made up of small hexagons, from where it got its name. It looks very impressive and creates a unique pattern, especially on alternating wide and narrow sections. The size of the paving slabs is 250x180x60 millimeters, and the weight is 3.5 kilograms.
English Cobblestone
Paving slabs "English Cobblestone" resembles natural stone and when laid, it creates the effect of a medieval pavement. It is characterized 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 - 3.8 kilograms.
"Scales"
This is a very popular curly tile made of 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 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 picture not only creates an attractive design, but also eliminates sliding on a wet surface, for example, after rain or snow.
Therefore, the main purpose of these species is the paving of footpaths, sidewalks and large areas. But just as well, any such material is suitable for the territory of country houses, cottages, etc. Some species, for example, "Grid", have high 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 in parking lots as it can withstand load from cars. Decorative colored species, such as Clover, Gzhelka, and some others, are used to pave the space around pools, office buildings, and Giant's Tracks - in parks and squares, in places of mass visits by people.
Production of paving slabs by vibropressing
The production of paving slabs is carried out in two ways: by vibropressing and vibrocasting.
In the manufacture of material by vibropressing, the concrete mixture is placed in certain forms mounted on a vibrating table. The upper part of the form is a press (punch), exactly repeating its shape. Vibration lasts until the product is completely compacted. For the full production cycle, this method requires the following equipment: concrete mixer, vibrating table, mold, punch. Tiles "Paving", "Coil" and others. Are made by this method.
Production of paving slabs by vibrocasting
In the production of paving slabs by vibrocasting, concrete is also poured into certain forms lying on a vibrating table. The mixture is rammed by natural vibration, without the participation of pressing, so this method is longer. After tampering is completed, the molds with tiles are kept in a warm room for about twelve hours. For vibration casting, the following equipment is required: concrete mixers, vibration table, molds. The number of forms should correspond to daily production.
This technology is more effective in comparison with vibropressing and has the following advantages:
- wide range of finished products;
- beautiful and smooth glossy surface;
- high strength tiles;
- the possibility of introducing special additives and pigments into concrete mixtures to improve the quality of finished products and color variety.
At the end of the vibration process, the solution in the form is gently wiped, and if the amount of concrete is not enough to the top of the form, then it is added, wiped and installed on pallets. To prevent sudden drying, the shelves with molds are covered with polyethylene for drying 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 formwork without the use of special devices. Plastic forms are cleaned with a 5% hydrochloric acid solution, which guarantees safety for the health of workers, and then washed with plain water.
When using high-quality equipment, the surface of the finished product will be flat, without any external and hidden defects (roughness, chips, voids, junctions). Paving slabs "California" are made by vibrocasting.
Forms for paving slabs, borders, bricks have more than 200 types. They are made of high-quality polypropylene with additives, do not need lubrication, because without this the solution does not stick to them. The wall thickness varies from 4 to 6 millimeters, and the height is from 2.5 to 8 centimeters. The shape can be reinforced with stiffeners. Such a product has a life of 500-1000 full technological cycles.