Ever better, ever faster – increased quality and productivity in the manufacture of concrete products

Figure: Sika Deutschland

Fig. 1: Development of strength as a function of the density of the respective paver

Figure: Sika Deutschland

Fig. 2: Development of water absorption as a function of the density of the respective paver

Figure: Sika Deutschland

Fig. 3: Indirect tensile strength of the core concrete as a function of the w/c ratio at a constant pore content

Figure: Sika Deutschland

Fig. 4: Surface scaling rate of the core concrete as a function of the w/c ratio after 28 freeze-thaw cycles i. a. with CDF test

Figure: Sika Deutschland

Fig. 5: Influence of the w/c ratio on the flowability and compactability in the laboratory

Figure: Sika Deutschland

Fig. 6: Influence of different admixtures on the flowability and compactability in the laboratory

Figure: Sika Deutschland

Fig. 7a+b: Reduced range of variations in the concrete density achieved across a single production board in relation to the respective paver weight

Figure: Sika Deutschland

Fig. 8a+b: Flank pattern and critical area during filling of the molds in ongoing production

Figure: Sika Deutschland

In order to produce paving blocks of more uniform and higher qualities, the influencing factors and their mechanisms of action must be known. Against the backdrop of practical experience, Sika Deutschland GmbH has carried out specialized research to find solutions for paver production with zero-slump concrete.

Customers increasingly expect pavers to have an appealing and consistently uniform look. The higher quality requirements are defined by properties such as brilliant colors, absence of efflorescence, and ease of care, and are colloquially described by the term “better”. On the other hand, the producers of these pavers need to be profitable, which means manufacturing more products in less time and with fewer rejects. This requires a “faster” production process.

But how to reconcile the seemingly contradictory requirements of all parties involved with the aid of knowledge in the field of concrete...