We make paving stones without shapes with our own hands. All you need is stretch film
For the production of paving stones by the casting method (there is also a vibropressed paving stone), molds and a vibrating table are needed. There are many operations in its manufacture: mixing the mixture, vibrating the molds and then taking them out and storing them. For those who want to make paving stones with their own hands, there is an easier way to mold it directly in paths or platforms:
For this, there are special plastic forms. 2-3 forms will be enough for work. But there is an even easier way, how to make paths from homemade paving stones without shapes. The only limitation is that the paving stones will resemble a cobblestone pavement.
To do this, you need to knead the sand-cement mixture. Sold ready-made in bags, or you can knead yourself in a ratio of 3 to 1 and as thick as possible. With the addition of a plasticizer (sold in any hardware store). Someone adds dishwashing detergent or liquid soap.
The sand-cement mixture can be mixed in any container using a powerful drill or a perforator with a mixer attachment (who does not have a concrete mixer). When mixing, the mixture can be tinted with a pigment. Special pigments for painting concrete mix are on sale. Not to be confused with paint color.
To quickly form a paving element, you need to make a simple device. Place the roll with stretch film on a piece of plastic or other pipe. The process is as follows: we stretch the film, put a small volume of the previously prepared mixture in it, cut the film from the roll and wrap the mixture in film.
A stretch film that is too thin should not be used - it will tear. But too thick - too (cobblestones will be difficult to mold). To increase the strength of concrete, water glass can be added to the solution. But not in the total capacity, but in each element separately. With a syringe or measuring cup. The fact is that liquid glass greatly reduces the time of concrete hardening, increases its hydrophobic properties (paving stones will have increased frost resistance).
So that the upper edge of the paving stones is as flat as possible - after laying the track, you can slightly tamp the track with a board trimming plane equal to the track width. The elements will fill the empty spaces better and will look like polygonal masonry.
The paving stones can be tinted in different colors if a little dry pigment is added to it before adding the mixture to the film. Then the path will look like a real cobblestone pavement of different rocks. Without pigment, the track will look worse.
After laying the track and curing the concrete, the film must be burned with a torch or blowtorch. Polyethylene will remain under the paving elements, thereby preventing the absorption of water by the concrete - its frost resistance will increase. And for the water to leave the paths, the base must be sandy. And do not forget about the curbs - without them, the path can creep into the spring thaw, when the soil liquefies.
The cost of such a path is the cost of concrete. Approximately 300-400 rubles / m2, depending on the cost of sand and cement.
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