2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Recently, paving slabs have ceased to be an element of decor "for the elite". And although now you can easily find tiles of any color and shape on sale, many summer residents decide to save money and make it themselves. After all, as it turns out, this process is not as complicated as some people think. So let's talk today about how to make high-quality paving slabs in your yard
What is paving slabs
Before we get started, let's understand the types of tiles. It can be divided into two types:
• vibration-pressed (industrial);
• vibration-cast (often - handicraft).
A bit of theory. If vibrocompression is made by a special machine that automatically pours the prepared concrete into the matrix, and then the product itself is formed by a punch, then in the process of vibrocasting, plastic molds are used, which are filled with a special concrete mixture, and its compaction occurs due to vibration.
Of course, the first in its quality is better, however, in its production you cannot do without a special vibration press. But, as you can imagine, it is usually used in workshops for the production of large volumes. And this is dictated by the considerable cost of such equipment. Therefore, we will talk about a relatively cheap method - artisanal. Let's make a reservation right away that we will do paving stones for the street, and not for premises (this directly affects the composition of concrete).
Remember! Vibro-cast tiles are slightly inferior to vibropressed tiles in their operational properties, but their total cost is significantly lower.
Materials for making tiles
So what do we need?
From the toolkit:
• shovel and trowel.
• directly - forms;
• concrete mixer;
• vibration table.
Consumables:
• Cement. It is recommended to use a brand of at least 400th;
• Sand. The larger its fraction, the better;
• Crushed stone or any other similar solid aggregate. It not only gives additional stability to the product, but also “expels” air from the concrete when mixed;
• Plasticizer. It increases the overall strength, gives the concrete mixture elasticity and pliability to take the shape we need. Prevents voids during molding;
• Water.
Need to know! If you do not add a plasticizer to the solution, then the tile will dry more quickly and subsequently crack. At the same time, if you overdo it with it, the product will lose its frost resistance, which will also lead to its premature destruction.
DIY tile creation
Let's get to work.
• First of all, we determine the place of work (space will be needed not only for production, but also for subsequent drying).
• The second step is to calculate the number of tiles we need (the volumes of consumables will depend on this).
• Next - in portions, according to the size of our concrete mixer, we prepare the concrete mixture (we will describe this stage in more detail below).
• Having previously processed the molds with a lubricating emulsion (then the already dried tile is easier to remove), lay it out in the molds. Fortunately, picking up and buying the latter will not be difficult: they are available in almost every "self-respecting" hardware store.
Healthy! As a lubricating emulsion, "Emulsol" or its analogs are usually used, but some "craftsmen" treat the inner surface of the molds with dishwashing liquid or even used machine oil.
• We place the molds filled with solution on a vibrating table and, depending on the thickness of the product, “shake” for 3-5 minutes.
• We store molds for drying (usually the process takes no more than 2 days).
• We take out the hardened tiles from the molds.
Here, it seems, everything is clear. But it is necessary to tell in more detail about the preparation of concrete mixture.
So, in order to prepare the solution of the desired consistency, we need:
1. One piece of cement;
2. Two pieces of sand;
3. Three pieces of rubble;
4. Plasticizer at the rate of 80-100 grams per batch (exact proportions are usually indicated on the package);
5. Water (about 9-10 liters).
Keep in mind that the resulting solution must turn out to be "moderately fluid" in order to completely absorb the inner space of the molds.
When you make and lay paving slabs with your own hands, you will not only pleasantly surprise your friends and loved ones, but you yourself will enjoy the cleanliness and aesthetic appearance of the site every day, obtained for relatively little money.
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