Paving slabs are a common material used to create long-lasting and eye-catching outdoor surfaces. They are adaptable for anything from driveways to garden paths because they are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. Selecting the best slab for your project can be aided by knowing the various types and how they are manufactured.
Paving slabs are produced using a variety of techniques, each of which has an effect on the slab’s cost, strength, and appearance. Each method of casting concrete has its own advantages and uses, whether it is done through traditional methods or more contemporary ones like vibrocompression. Understanding these will help you choose the kind that best suits your requirements.
Paving slabs come in a variety of styles, from sophisticated natural stone to traditional concrete. Every variety offers benefits, such as the cost-effectiveness of concrete or the sophistication of stone. To assist you in selecting the best option for your paving requirements, this article examines various approaches and varieties.
Vibration casting
Vibration casting is the process of creating paving slabs by filling a matrix that is fixed on a vibrating table with a liquid cement-sand mixture. The composition compacts and spreads uniformly over the form as a result of sequential vibration. The "tile" blank that results is then taken to a heat chamber to be dried.
It is important to emphasize the following benefits of using this method of paving slab production:
- Slabs for sidewalks are made in a minimum amount of time.
- The surface of the products is glossy.
- Due to easy susceptibility to dyes and additives, this method can be used to produce stylized elements, for example, marble tiles.
- Low cost of products.
But there are also disadvantages to this technology:
- Low strength.
- Instability to low temperatures.
- Short service life.
These products, whose images you see below, are exclusive to the southern states. Furthermore bear in mind that vibration casting is rarely used for parking spaces because it can only create thin tiles that are no thicker than 60 mm.
Pressing
This method of producing paving slabs gives you the ability to obtain high-quality products in a variety of shapes. Variable pressure in the matrix is achieved in the manufacturing process by means of a piston mechanism connected to the molds that receive the cement-sand mortar. Because of this, heat treatment is no longer necessary because the concrete composition is significantly overcompacted.
Additionally, vibrating pistons are totally eliminated by a hyperpressing technology. In this case, a mixture with low humidity of up to 10% is used to make paving slabs from concrete. It also contains added mineral components. The solution is pressed vibration-free because of the 20 MPa pressure force.
Regarding this technology’s advantages:
- High strength of finished products.
- Long service life.
- Low susceptibility to temperature changes.
- Too few color schemes (stylized marble tiles cannot be made using this method).
- Lack of choice of shapes (most often these are typical square paving slabs).
Manufacturing of polymer tiles
Cement mixtures are not used at all in the production of paving slabs using this relatively new technique. Here, plasticizers, polymers, and sand serve as the foundation.
The following are some benefits of producing paving slabs in this manner:
- Durability and wear resistance.
- Abrasion resistance.
- Water resistance.
- Ease of installation.
- Choice of color palette and shapes.
The sole drawback is that these tiles have holes in between the slabs, which is great for grass growth (see photo).
Dimensions of paving slabs
The size of the paving slabs determines where it will be placed on the property:
- Paving stones 50 x 50 cm are suitable for the blind area of a house or paths.
- 40 x 40 is most often used for paving.
- 30 x 30 differs in size and weight, which is optimal for most areas.
- 10 x 10 thickness from 3 to 10 cm.
The tiles vary in additional ways as well.
Types of tiles
Modern paving slabs come in a variety of forms and are categorized according to the additives used in their composition, as well as other factors like shape.
- Paving stones with granite chips. It is distinguished by its lightness, frost resistance and resistance to aggressive preparations and temperature changes. In addition, it will not slip.
- Tiles with rubber filler. It has good performance qualities and is easy to lay on the site. The surface of such plates is very soft, which eliminates the risk of injuries when falling, so rubber plates are most often installed in areas where children play.
- Reinforced paving slabs. The reinforcing base is used to improve the strength of finished products "on bending". Often, instead of a standard metal mesh for reinforcement, a fibrin mesh is used. Such tiles are produced only by vibration casting.
Three-dimensional paver slabs have also been introduced today. With the use of photo printing, you can have images of clouds, turtles, and dolphins on your website, just like in the picture.
There are various kinds of paving slabs based on the product’s shape:
- Standard paving slabs rhombus.
- Clover. Made of concrete and crushed stone, gets dirty for a very long time, due to which it does not require frequent cleaning.
- English cobblestone. Made by vibration casting, outwardly resembles natural stone, most often comes in brown and gray shades.
- Wave. Characterized by a long service life due to the fact that the slabs do not shift over time.
- Brick. Strong and reliable tiles, practically not different from ordinary bricks.
- Galtanovaya. It is distinguished by rounded corners.
Observe the images and videos that showcase these slabs; every one of them is appropriate for a particular kind of project.
| Production Method | Description |
| Vibrated | Concrete is poured into molds and vibrated to remove air bubbles, resulting in a dense and strong slab. |
| Pressed | Concrete is compacted in a press machine, which gives the slabs a high density and durability. |
| Wet Cast | Concrete is poured into molds and allowed to cure in a moist environment, which enhances its strength and finish. |
| Dry Cast | A dry mix of concrete is compacted into molds. It requires less curing time and is often used for cost-effective slabs. |
| Type of Paving Slab | Description |
| Interlocking | Slabs with edges designed to fit together, creating a stable and durable surface. |
| Permeable | Slabs designed to allow water to pass through, reducing runoff and improving drainage. |
| Textured | Slabs with various surface textures for better grip and aesthetic appeal. |
| Decorative | Slabs with intricate designs or colors, often used for enhancing visual appeal in landscaping. |
Paving slabs are produced using a variety of techniques and types, each with unique advantages and designs. Knowing your options will help you select the best solution for your project, whether it’s classic concrete slabs or contemporary interlocking designs.
Understanding the production processes can help you decide whether you like the visual appeal of patterned slabs or the long-lasting durability of concrete. Each casting technique, including wet, dry, and vibrated casting, has specific benefits and uses.
You can make well-informed decisions that strike a balance between utility and style by investigating these approaches and types. In the end, the appropriate paving slabs can improve your outdoor spaces’ appearance and durability.
Paving slabs are made in different ways and come in a variety of varieties, each with their own advantages. It is helpful to know about techniques such as vibro-compression, dry-casting, and wet-casting when selecting the appropriate slab for your project. In order to assist you in making an informed choice for your paving needs, this article examines the major production methods and varieties of paving slabs. It also offers insights into the features, applications, and benefits of each type of slab.
