Paver blocks, commonly used for driveways, walkways, and patios, are typically made from concrete. Specifically, for cement concrete paving blocks, a concrete mix consisting of cement, sand, and stone chips is used.
Understanding the Material Composition
Based on industry standards, a specific composition is often recommended to ensure the paver blocks are durable and robust.
Key Components of Paver Block Material
According to standard practices, a suitable concrete mix for paving blocks involves several key components:
- Cement: The binding agent that holds the aggregates together.
- Sand: Fine aggregate that fills the voids between the larger aggregates.
- Stone Chips (Coarse Aggregate): Larger aggregate providing strength and bulk to the concrete.
- Water: Essential for the chemical reaction (hydration) that hardens the cement.
The Concrete Mix Ratio
A common and effective mix proportion for cement concrete paving blocks is specified by volume. The reference states that a concrete mix of 1:2:4 (cement: sand: stone chips) by volume may be used. This ratio means for every one part of cement, two parts of sand and four parts of stone chips are used.
Furthermore, the reference mentions that the water to cement ratio should be 0.62. This ratio is crucial for achieving the desired workability and strength of the concrete mix.
It is also important to note that the concrete mix should not be richer than 1:6 by volume of cement to combined aggregates before mixing. This ensures a proper balance between cement content and the total volume of aggregates.
Summary of Paver Block Mix Details
To summarize the material specifics based on the provided information:
| Component | Proportion (by Volume) | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cement | 1 | Binder |
| Sand | 2 | Fine Aggregate |
| Stone Chips | 4 | Coarse Aggregate |
| Water | Varies (W/C ratio 0.62) | Hydration & Workability |
Note: The total volume of combined aggregates (sand + stone chips) should be at least 6 times the volume of cement (aggregate:cement ratio not leaner than 6:1).
This specific concrete composition provides the necessary strength and durability for paver blocks subjected to foot traffic, vehicle loads, and environmental factors.
