Many people think that the quality of the tile covering depends only on the selected base material (paving stones) and nothing more. In reality, this is due to many factors. If the coating fails, the fault is with the foundation. It is possible that a low-quality mixture was used.
If it was of high quality and the technology was correct, then no problems should arise. Making a dry mixture for laying paving slabs is not too problematic if you adhere to certain principles.
Removing the top layer of soil
From the surfaces planned for laying tiles, remove the top layer of soil 25-30 cm thick, this is approximately one bayonet of a shovel.
If the areas are large, this operation is performed using a bulldozer. The new foundation is then leveled and leveled by hand. If the soil is sandy or sandy loam, then it needs to be compacted. Compaction is carried out using a tamper made by hand from a piece of log 1 meter long with a transverse handle-crossbar nailed to the end. Better compaction is performed by a movable vibrating plate with an electric drive, the use of which, in addition, will save effort and time.
The type of geotextile used in this technology does not matter.
Calculation of the weight of building materials
Before you start collecting materials, you need to make the correct calculations. Sand and crushed stone can last until the next repair, but cement is not suitable for long-term storage. Therefore, it is first recommended to calculate how much building materials will be needed for the work.
Depending on the type of soil, the thickness of the concrete layer is calculated:
Swampy soil | Clay soil | Loam |
Concrete - 7-8 cm Gravel - 5 cm | Concrete - 5-7 cm | Concrete - 10 cm |
In addition to concrete masonry, it is also necessary to take into account the sand base, the layer height of which is from 10 to 15 cm.
The weight of building materials is calculated using the formula LxWxH, where L is the length of the track, W and H are the width and height, respectively.
For example, you need a path with a width of 1 m, a length of 5 m and a height of 0.1 m. The height of the sand cushion will be 10 cm.
Then, according to the formula, you can get the following:
- with a volume of sand (building material is accepted according to GOST) 1x5x0.1 = 0.5 m³ - the weight of the sand from the reference book will be equal to 775 kg;
- with a concrete volume of 0.5 m³, the average weight ratio will be 1075 kg.
Based on the calculation of the proportions “cement-sand-crushed stone” in parts 1:3:1 and the total weight of a cubic meter of concrete, equal to 1075 kg according to the reference book (the total weight is divided into 5 equal parts), the following values can be obtained:
- cement - 215 kg;
- sand - 645 kg;
- crushed stone - 215 kg.
This means that to construct a simple concrete path 1 m wide, 5 m long and a layer height of 10 cm, you will need 215 kg of road cement and crushed stone and 645 kg of construction sand. All calculations are carried out without taking into account the addition of water and various pigment dyes.
Operating rules
To reduce slipping on paving slabs in winter, their front surface is sprinkled with dry sand. Abrasive and salt-containing compounds are not recommended for these purposes - aggressive substances can activate the onset of erosion processes.
To remove snow and ice, do not use tools with a metal surface - this can lead to mechanical damage to the tile surface.
When concrete paving becomes dirty, it should be washed with plain water. You can buy high-quality paving slabs from the best manufacturers in the MosKeram online store. Experienced consultants will help you economically calculate the consumption rates of cement per 1 m² and other related materials.
The large assortment of building materials that we sell makes it possible to choose products to solve any problem. We are happy to welcome every visitor!
Algorithm for preparing the base
The base for the tiles is prepared in the following order:
- Sand and cement are mixed.
- Add plasticizer.
- Pour crushed stone into the resulting mixture.
- Gradually add water until the solution takes the form of a thick mass.
- Next, when you are sure that the solution is ready, you can pour it into the molds.
- Place the molds on the vibrating table. Grease the molds with oil and a special brush. Excess can be removed with a sponge or paper.
- Drying can take up to two days at a temperature of 15 to 25 degrees.
If everything is done correctly, you will get a good example of decorative tiles, which in its properties and appearance is not inferior to those prepared in a factory.
What types of prancing mixture are there?
Depending on the area of application, the prancing device may consist of two or more components. The simplest composition, cement with sand, is a mixture you can prepare yourself, which is what you do when laying tiles. If you need to plaster walls or ceilings, you can use a two-component composition of lime and dolomite, or expanded clay flour and gypsum.
If you need to fasten a masonry of bricks, cobblestones or other large-sized material, you will need to increase the adhesive strength of the adhesive base. In this case, it is necessary to use a complex composition, including cement, sand, expanded clay, and lime.
Brand of construction mixture
Manufacturers offer 4 brands of building mixture: M1, M2, M3, M4. Numbers from 1 to 4 indicate the number of parts of filler in relation to the binding element.
For example, the brand of mixture M3 means that the grout consists of 1 part cement and 3 parts sand (or other element).
Formulation differences
Formulations may vary based on the type of components used. Possible options for ready-made mixtures are presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Types of prancing mixture
By number of components:
- simple - The composition contains only 2 components (filler - sand, expanded clay, calcium and marble flour or dolomite; binder - gypsum, lime or cement).
- complex - from 3 to 5 components are mixed (in addition to the main filler and binder (sand and cement), new binders are added: clay, gypsum, lime).
By fraction size:
- light – consists of components of small fractions (the size of granules reaches 1.25 mm).
- heavy – Includes components of medium fractions (the size of granules ranges from 2 to 2.55 mm).
Each type of prancing mixture is used to work with different types of masonry material. If you are laying paving slabs, then a simple two-component mixture is suitable for this (a simple option is sand and cement). If you plan to pave paths with paving stones or large stones, it is recommended to use a complex dry mixture.
Casting into molds
The simplest option is casting into pre-prepared molds. You can look for special forms for garden figures on sale or use what you find at home. For example, old plastic or rubber toys, rubber boots and gloves are often used for pouring. To easily release the figurine after hardening, lubricate the inside of the mold with a mixture prepared from:
- two parts liquid soap;
- five parts water;
- one part vegetable oil.
Instead of vegetable oil, you can take, for example, used machine oil, but only if it has retained its transparency.
Garden figure Boot 16.5cm terracotta in assortment
Proportions for vibration casting
The proportions of the solution for vibration casting take into account the following ratio of additives:
- M250/B20 - a bucket of cement, 2 buckets of sand and 3.5 buckets of crushed stone.
- M300/B22.5 - a bucket of cement mixture, 1.7 buckets of sand and 3.2 buckets of crushed stone.
- M400/I30 - a bucket of cement mixture, a similar amount of sand and 2.5 buckets of crushed stone.
In addition to factory-made cements, home-made sand concrete can also be used for vibratory casting. The concrete recipe calls for a combination of 1/3 cement and sand. The volumes of liquid and dry mixture are determined by the weight of the final product.
For gray tiles
If a solution is being prepared for laying gray tiles in Moscow, the following factors must be taken into account:
- Region of use. The resistance of figured products to negative temperatures depends on this nuance.
- Soil and climate conditions. If the region has high groundwater levels, frequent precipitation or high humidity, you will need to reduce the W/C and add additives to the paving mortar that improve water resistance.
- Production technology. If the vibration casting method is used, the surface of the paving stones will be even and smooth. To impart roughness, coarse sand is used.
If a special deep vibrator is used when constructing monolithic buildings, then when laying tiles in a country house or near a private house, you can use the bayonet method inside the formwork using a vibrating table.
Such equipment solves two problems:
- Ensures uniform filling of rigid mixture molds with a minimum water-cement ratio.
- Removes air from concrete, reducing porosity and providing a strong, fine-grained structure with low hydrophobic properties.
For color
The surface of the tile is painted in layers when mixed or in a mass. The first option is more accessible, but requires some skills and effort:
- For the tiles, 2 portions of concrete mixture are created - 2/3 of the volume of gray consistency and 1/3 colored with pigment additives.
- Colored concrete is placed inside the blank.
- The vibration equipment is turned on for 20 seconds.
- After this, the form is filled with plain concrete and processed with a vibrating table for another 40 seconds.
- At the last stage, the mixture is wrapped in polyethylene and moved to a drying area.
During the painting process, the color is added to the concrete mixer. The shade of the tile becomes pale, but even with intense abrasion of some elements, the design of the path does not change.
Selection of materials
To create paving slabs with high strength, frost resistance and water resistance, it is important to select materials of appropriate quality
Cement
The main element of any concrete is cement. For the manufacture of paving elements, you should choose medium-aluminate cements with a mineral additive content of no more than 5%, as well as with a strength class of 42.5. The packaging of such a binder indicates the grade CEM I 42.5 N or B. Medium aluminate cements include binders with a C3A content of 5 to 8%. You can find out the aluminate content from the seller by asking for the cement passport.
Fine aggregate
As a fine aggregate, it is best to use washed quarry sand with a particle size modulus of 2 - 2.5.
This material belongs to construction sands of the first class; when used, the concrete composition is characterized by lower consumption of binder and low cost with higher quality indicators.
Coarse aggregate
When using coarse aggregate, it is best to purchase granite crushed stone with a grain size of 3 – 10 mm. Such material will provide increased strength and durability with high mobility of the mixture. But its cost is high, so you can purchase a standard mixture of grains with a diameter of 5 - 20 mm and adjust the recipe, reducing the content of coarse aggregate.
This approach will ensure high mobility and uniformity during the formation of the stone frame in the body of the composite.
Advantages and disadvantages
The attractiveness of a tile covering depends not only on the type of product, but also on the correct arrangement of elements on the surface. An important stage of the work is preparing the base for the paving stones. When choosing a laying method, it is recommended to take into account the landscape features and soil properties. Sandy material is used for groundwater drainage. Moisture that comes with precipitation or during hydraulic cleaning of the surface penetrates through the seams of the laying elements. The canvas is made up of separate fragments that move relative to each other, so the coating retains its shape. The tiles, located on a sand base, ensure ease of maintenance of the canvas. If a piece of installation is damaged, it can be easily removed and replaced with a new one. It is recommended to purchase materials for landscaping in reserve so that they can be replaced at any time. Such structures have their drawbacks, which can be caused by violations of the preparatory work technology. In the absence of a well-equipped drainage system, the sandy base is destroyed. Arrangement of a water drainage system is an important stage in the design and execution of work
The laying surface is designed for maximum permissible loads, so when arranging it, it is important to take into account the purpose of the coating. The quality of installation depends on the professional skills of the master. Therefore, it is recommended to contact companies that provide coating installation services.
If you carry out the work yourself, you need to carefully read the recommendations, choose high-quality material and arrange the foundation, taking into account the water level and climatic conditions of the area.
Decorating a concrete sculpture
In addition to the usual coloring, you can choose other types of decor.
- Mosaic. Ceramic or glass mosaics look very beautiful on the surface of concrete garden figures. To attach the elements, use any waterproof type of glue. After gluing, cover the surface of the product with several layers of durable varnish for exterior use.
- Acrylic stones. Decorative acrylic pebbles are another popular type of decoration for garden sculptures. Glue and varnish in the same way as with mosaics.
- Lace. Wrap the flowerpot with lace ribbon or make rosettes out of lace, gathering it on a thread on one side, and glue it to the outer walls. Saturate with cement mortar so that the openwork threads stand out on the surface. After hardening, coat with paint and varnish.
- Felt, cloth. Cut out decorative elements from thick woolen fabric: flowers, leaves, curls. Glue it to the surface of the flowerpot and soak it with concrete mortar. After hardening, treat with paint and varnish.
Here are the simplest and most affordable options for decorating concrete products. Imagination and artistic taste will help you come up with your own, even more interesting and spectacular ways of decorating.
Garden figure Decorative stone 94x84x30cm
Advantages and disadvantages
Prance mixture is valued for the following indicators:
- Strength. When installed dry, the coating is fixed just as firmly as when using a solution.
- Durability. The coating laid on the girdle lasts as long as that laid on the cement-sand mortar.
- Good maintainability. If the adhesive base is damaged, the paving covering is easily removed and the adhesive layer is replaced.
- Availability. The initial components (standard: sand, lime, cement) have a relatively low cost, and they are also easy to buy.
- Excellent adhesive properties. Gartsovka is indispensable for dry installation, when adding water during installation is undesirable.
- Environmental friendliness. The constituent substances do not contain chemical components.
- Ease of manufacture. The standard mixture has only 2 constituent elements that you can mix yourself.
- Cooking in any quantity. The mixture does not harden over time, unlike a solution, so it can be prepared in any quantity.
However, along with the advantages, the prance also has disadvantages:
some inconvenience when mixing; increased attention when dosing components.
It is advisable to prepare the mixture for work on your own on a flat surface - experienced builders claim that this method of mixing the components will be of better quality than in a container. However, mixing components directly on the construction site is not always convenient.
Preparatory excavation work
Further actions depend on what type of base is chosen:
- sand coating;
- sand-cement;
- concrete.
In the first case, the sand is compacted without the use of auxiliary materials. Sand-cement mixture is a more durable coating. After connecting the main components, the trench is backfilled.
Cement mortar is not prepared in this case, but a dry mixture is used. Filling with water is carried out after laying the base. To create a concrete coating, cement mortar is mixed. In this case, formwork is created; the sequence of actions in preparation for excavation work will be different.
The general stage for the formation of any foundation is the excavation of soil in the area where it is planned to lay the tiles. The work is done with your own hands, because in this case there is no need to dig a deep pit, like for a foundation.
The main criteria that should be taken into account when excavating soil are:
- the platform formed from tiles must be flush with the surface of the ground, and so many materials are used so that after shrinkage this requirement is met;
- if the top layer of soil is loose, it is permissible to arrange the covering so that it is 2-4 cm below the ground surface.
In both cases, it is important to take into account the shrinkage of the bulk materials and soil used. When garden paths and sidewalks are laid out, in most cases the thickness of the soil layer that is removed is 20 cm
To make the covering of the area allocated for parking more durable, another 8-10 cm is removed. As a result, the depth of a small pit reaches 30 cm. Material consumption will increase, because in this case it is necessary to create a reliable foundation that can support cars and trucks cars.
Construction of a sand and gravel cushion.
At the stage of removing the soil layer, debris, stones, and weeds are removed. If the surface layer of soil is fertile, it is not recommended to scatter it along the site where construction work is being carried out. Weeds will grow here. This soil is best used for arranging beds and flower beds.
After removing debris and stones, a slope is formed in the direction away from the buildings (no more than 3%). The bottom of the trench is compacted. This will make the future coating more durable, since the risk of soil shrinkage under the weight of the materials used is reduced. Installed.
Preparing the bed for the sidewalk
The process of preparing a bed for future paving with paving slabs consists of several stages. First of all, you need to choose the material and place where the coating will be installed.
Selection of location and material
When choosing a location for installing a tile covering, it is necessary to give preference to flat areas where there are no depressions and close groundwater.
There are two types of paving slabs available for sale, which differ in their production method:
- Manufactured using vibration casting.
- Manufactured using vibrocompression.
When choosing the appropriate option, it is necessary to take into account the operating environment and expected loads. Vibropressed tiles are suitable for paths on which vehicles will travel. If you need to arrange a landscape design in the garden, it is better to choose a vibro-cast type.
Such paving stones are not able to withstand heavy loads, but have a wide variety of textures, shades and decorative solutions. So, the owner of the site can purchase tiles with an imitation of the texture of wood or stone.
But while additives help improve the strength properties of a structure, water worsens them. To assess the quality of the tiles, try hitting one against the other: when a ringing sound appears, you can be sure that the product is of high quality. A dull sound indicates excess water content.
When purchasing materials from different manufacturers and batches, check to see if they differ in shade. You also need to make sure that the sizes match, since sometimes it can be problematic to find similar products from different brands.
To prevent the problem of shortage of tiles, buy them with a margin of 7-10%, because... One batch may contain defective elements.
Preparing the base for installation
Starting the preparatory work, you should dig a 28 cm deepening (the layer consists of 15 cm of crushed stone, 10 cm of sand and 3 cm of dry mixture). If a lawn is being built near the path, then the calculation is performed using a different formula: 28 cm + height of the tile covering + thickness of fertile soil.
If the soil is soft, it must be moistened with water and then compacted. Then at the bottom of the recess a 15 cm layer of crushed stone is placed. The surface is leveled and compacted.
To prevent mixing of crushed stone with sand, the layer can be covered with geotextiles. A 10-centimeter layer of sand is poured on top of this material. After 2-3 days in sunny weather or the next day in cloudy weather conditions, the surface should be leveled.
What you need to do to lay tiles correctly
Laying paving slabs requires the implementation of certain points that will ensure long-term operation of garden paths, eliminating the occurrence of unevenness. We carry out laying paving slabs on sand step by step. Read about the composition of the seal for laying paving slabs here.
Selection of tools and materials
There are two criteria for choosing tiles:
- Performance characteristics;
- Color solutions and product shape.
If in the second case you decide on a purchase based on taste preferences, then in the first you will need qualified help from a specialist.
The questions that he must answer for you should be as follows:
- What is the maximum load the product can withstand?
- What is the surface of the tile - smooth or rough?
- Will the tiles need to be trimmed?
- Will it require drawing selection?
When the tile is selected, we proceed to choosing a tool for the work.
You should always have at hand:
- Master OK;
- Mallet made of rubber or wood;
- Tamping;
- Pegs;
- Cord;
- Construction level;
- Pipe of any diameter;
- Watering can;
- Rake;
- Broom;
- Cement;
- Sand.
To get started, you also need to carefully calculate the number of tiles, taking into account the location and area of the paths.
Base arrangement: thickness
The most important step when laying paving slabs on sand is creating a base surface. The service life of the path or site and the success of the construction itself directly depend on its quality.
First, limit the path along the edges, driving pegs about 7 cm high into the ground, and pull the cord at the level. Then the top layer of soil with vegetation and debris is removed. If the surface is uneven, then a larger layer of soil is removed at higher elevations, and in places where there are depressions, it is added.
The entire area is leveled with a rake and carefully compacted to avoid unevenness during laying.
Video: technology, how to lay on sand
The video shows the technology and arrangement of the base for laying paving slabs on sand:
Creating a "pillow"
We cover the prepared soil - the base for paving slabs - with a layer of sand, which will increase the stability of the sidewalk and serve as a drainage system. What kind of sand is it laid on? It is better to take medium-grained or coarse sand for the base. Read about paving slab laying schemes here.
It is best to level the sand with a rake, then water it until puddles appear on its surface. After 3 hours, level the sand layer with a profile or pipe. The coating can be given special strength using a base made of crushed stone or mortar.
In the video: creating a cushion for laying paving slabs and rules for laying tiles on sand:
We spread the finished mixture on the sand. Tip: at each stage it should be taken into account that the future path must have a slope for water drainage. This will prevent the formation of puddles on its surface during heavy rains.
Laying and correct laying of paving slabs
To ensure even rows when laying paving slabs, you should start by installing the ordering cord along the chamfer, and laying should begin from the curb. We do the laying ourselves, strictly adhering to the cord. About plastic garden paving slabs at this link.
It is quite easy to achieve equal spacing between the tiles; it is enough to use crosses when laying them. Sometimes the tiles may not lie very smoothly. In such cases, you can remove a layer of sand with a trowel or add it, and then compact it thoroughly. As for the designs of paving slabs, find out about the options in the article.
A perfectly flat coating surface can be achieved using a building level or a mallet. When the installation work is completed, we begin to refine the joints by filling them with a cement-sand mixture. The sand for filling joints should be very fine. To ensure that the mixture fills the seam tightly, pour water over the seams.
In places where paving slabs adjoin parts of landscape design or buildings, the edges of the tiles can be trimmed with a grinder. Installing a curb will help avoid loosening of the tiles, and subsequently the spreading of the path. Read about installing a curb for paving slabs in this material.
During the operation of the path, the sand in the seams may be washed out and will have to be renewed from time to time. Of all the methods of laying paving slabs, the method of laying on sand is the easiest to carry out the work yourself. We also recommend an article about the technology of installing a wet facade.
Video
In the video - laying paving slabs on a dry mixture with your own hands:
A newcomer to this field may be surprised by such an abundance of details. In order for you to have a truly reliable and safe high-quality path, the best way would be to use the services of a specialized company performing this work. A professional approach and high quality of work, well-chosen materials and reasonable prices will allow you to enjoy the sidewalk or a completely small path for a long time.
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Waterproofing the base
After the drainage has been installed, it is waterproofed. This event is intended to create protection for subsequent levels from ground moisture. It is advisable to use one continuous piece of material, since over time the joints diverge and begin to let water through. If the base for the platform is being prepared, the strips are sewn together on a sewing machine and covered with aluminum tape on both sides.
The best choice for waterproofing is thick cellophane, sold in rolls. The material is durable, flexible and elastic. It is not subject to rotting and decomposition. At the same time, the polymer does not release harmful substances into the environment.
To increase strength, it is advisable to fold it in half. The edges are brought out to ensure a complete seal. Immediately after laying the polyethylene, it should be sprinkled with sand to prevent it from being blown away by the wind and damaged by sharp objects.
Sand concrete consumption calculator M 300 per 1 m2
Before planning a repair, to find out the consumption of M 300 sand concrete per 1 m2, use a calculation calculator. In this case, such parameters as the thickness of the applied solution and the amount of dry material are taken into account. What is the consumption of sand concrete per 1 square meter? On average, the rate of use of dry mixture per 1 m2 is 19-20 kg, and per cubic meter. should not be more than 750 kg.
The most popular brands of sand concrete M 300:
Composition of tile mortar
Required qualities for tile composition:
- Abrasion resistance, wear resistance.
- Fine-porous structure.
- Low water absorption.
- Frost resistance.
Table of proportions of concrete components when using M500 cement (cement, sand, crushed stone)
More details about the components:
- Cement for paving slabs. To prepare concrete you need cement; Portland cement grade 500 and higher is used for paving slabs. Lower quality cements will not be able to provide the required quality.
- Sand. Performs the functions of fine aggregate. The medium group of sand is used, with a fineness modulus of about 2 (according to GOST 8736-93), raw materials from river quarries must be used. The sand must be sifted, without unnecessary impurities and debris.
- Crushed stone. Granite chips are used as a coarse aggregate, which improves the strength of the tiles and their frost resistance. The fractions range in size from 5 to 10 mm, and the needle and plate additions are less than a quarter of the volume of granular crushed stone. This material should only be used in a washed state. Crushed stone from igneous rocks, for example, granite, GOST 8267-82, is suitable. The required compressive strength grade is 1000 and above, and frost resistance is above 200.
- Additives and plasticizers - impart plasticity to the wet mass of concrete, prevent delamination and cracking both during drying and use, add water-repellent properties to the concrete mixture, and the product becomes less fragile. When using plasticizers, they should first be diluted in warm water, which will be added to the concrete solution. In this case, the addition occurs with constant stirring of the water and gradual addition of the plasticizer. Plasticizers are added in proportions from 0.5 to 1% by weight of cement.
The plasticizer imparts plasticity to the mass
To achieve greater strength characteristics, alkali-resistant polypropylene, polyamide and glass fibers can be added to the concrete composition in a mass of about one kilogram per cubic meter of solution.
- Dyes. The variety of color palette of tiles is achieved by adding dyes and pigments to the concrete mixture. The requirements for dyes are high resistance to ultraviolet radiation and alkalis, since the paving surface will have to experience heavy solar loads, and cement has alkaline properties. Pigments, like plasticizers, are first mixed in water, and then the mixture is added to cement. It should be added in a proportion of 3 to 15 percent to the volume of cement, depending on the desired color saturation. It is not recommended to add too little or, conversely, too much dye, since a small amount gives a bad color, and a large amount reduces the strength characteristics of concrete and increases the solution’s water requirements. The proportions are indicated in the instructions for the pigment from the manufacturer.
- Water. Here you should strictly follow the recipe, since an excess amount of water will increase the drying time of the finished tile and reduce its quality. Water should be taken purified from dirt and impurities.
Step-by-step preparation of the solution
Now we will look at several options for properly preparing a solution for the production of paving slabs. Let's start with the simplest methods and gradually move on to more complex ones. Recent Entries
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When you are preparing a solution for the production of paving slabs at home, it is not necessary to follow the standards that are recommended for enterprises. If you try really hard, you can use any recipe for a concrete mixture to produce this material. Below are some of the most common ones.
Preparation of dry cement-sand mortar in a ratio of 1:1.5. Gradually add water to the sand and cement and bring the mixture to the consistency of thick sour cream. For better mixing, you must use a hammer drill or drill equipped with a “mixer” attachment. When the desired consistency is obtained, pour it into prepared forms.
Another way to prepare a mixture for paving slabs. You need to take two buckets of sand and fill it with six liters of water, and then mix everything thoroughly. After this, you need to add two buckets of cement to the mixture.
When the mixture is ready, you need to fill in five more buckets of sand, carefully fill everything with water, which will require about six liters. The result should be a solution with a thick consistency that should not stick to the trowel. The finished mixture must be mixed for several minutes and then loaded into the mold.
If a plasticizer is added to the finished solution as an additive, the properties of the composition are significantly expanded. The composition acquires elasticity and becomes more resistant to low temperatures.
When adding plasticizers, care must be taken to ensure that the composition remains thick. When the mixture is ready, it is distributed into molds, and then tiles are formed by vibration.
To increase the strength of the solution, crushed stone, screenings or microsilica must be added to the composition. In this case, there is no need for a hammer drill. If you use a mixer for stirring, then breakage cannot be avoided. It is best to use a shovel. To make the task of preparing the mixture easier, you can use a concrete mixer.
If paving slabs are planned to be produced on a production scale, then it is necessary to take a more responsible approach to the preparation of concrete. You need to familiarize yourself with the state standards in advance and adhere to these parameters when preparing the mixture. It is necessary to approach the selection of material with special care.
It is also important to consider the grade of cement, which must be at least M500 and not contain additives. Crushed stone for preparing the mixture must be granite, fraction 5–10 mm
Additives must be used sparingly.
For coloring, it is best to use imported colors made in Germany or the Czech Republic. If the choice fell in favor of a domestically produced dye, then the filling should be increased by 80%. The dosage of cement and dyes cannot be changed, otherwise it will affect the quality characteristics of the paving slabs and their color will be inconsistent.
Features of preparing plasticizer
It should be remembered that the preparation of the plasticizer must be taken care of in advance. This is done as follows. Plasticizer S-3 is poured into water heated to 40 degrees. Here it is necessary to adhere to the proportion 1:2. Then it is mixed for 15 minutes with a hammer drill with a “mixer” attachment. When mixing is complete, the solution must be left for some time.
It is best to prepare the solution in the evening. In the morning, when the preparation of the concrete mixture begins, it will be enough to stir the mixture for 15 minutes, after which it can be used.
All materials that will be used to prepare the concrete mixture must be located within walking distance. It is advisable to decide in advance how many measuring containers will be used for each component of the mixture.
The workplace should be equipped as follows: cement, sand and crushed stone are poured onto sheets of metal, which are laid around the concrete mixer at swing distance. Nearby there is a container that needs to be filled with water in advance.
Consumption per 1 square meter
The sand concrete consumption calculator is used using the formula for 1 m2. As a result, you will get cost data for premises; you only need to know the parameters of the intermediate surface and the amount of dry mortar. If the layer is 1 cm, you need about 18 kg. When they take data on the consumption of building materials of 50 kg per sq. m. m., the result will be such that 1 bag is not enough to process three m2.
High-quality sand concrete is produced only at enterprises with expensive mixing and dosing equipment. The building material undergoes various inspections and tests in laboratory conditions.
The calculation of the quantity will be given using the example of an apartment of 100 sq.m. and will look like this:
- The layer thickness is 5 cm.
- The required volume is obtained by multiplication - 18 kg x 100 m2 x 5.
- Since the building material is packaged in 50 kg packs, the result is 180 bags (9 tons).
The amount of solution depends on the brand and properties of the surface layer on which the work will be done. When leveling a floor surface, the above formula will not give accurate results, because the uneven surface is not the same everywhere. If you do not take into account the unevenness of the floor, then the calculation is simple. The thickness of the screed usually does not exceed 7 cm. For one meter 2 you will need:
- 70 mm divided by 15 mm multiplied by 18 kg, the result is 84 kg of dry composition.
The screed is needed to smooth out protrusions and differences on the floor surface. Accordingly, you need to calculate what the thickness of the screed will be. If the protruding element is not possible to somehow smooth out. It is recommended to take the highest point and use it as a guide when determining the required thickness and amount of building material.
Sand concrete compositions are used mainly for pouring screeds in industrial and residential premises. Before pouring, you need to determine how much building materials you will need to purchase. Such dry mixtures are presented in bags weighing 40 and 50 kg. The consumption of sand concrete m300 per 1 m2 with a thickness of 10 mm will be 20 kg. A screed of 2 cm will require 40 kg. When the area of the room is known, calculating the required amount will be quite easy. For example, a building of 200 m2 requires 200 units. packages of sand concrete mixture.
How to determine the amount of building mixture for different types of work? It is known that there will not be any particular difficulties in calculating the thickness of the plaster and the area of the room. But for brick partitions you will need to take into account the filling of the seams.