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Effect Of Geometric Properties (Shape) On The Strength Of Interlocking Paving Stone

Building Technology | Civil Engineering | Engineering

The effect of geometric properties, particularly shape, on the strength of interlocking paving stones is significant in understanding the structural integrity and durability of such materials. The geometrical characteristics, including shape dimensions, interlock patterns, and surface textures, play a crucial role in determining load distribution, resistance to external forces, and overall stability of the paving system. The shape of the paving stones influences factors such as shear strength, compressive strength, and resistance to deformation under varying loads. Additionally, the interlocking mechanism between adjacent stones, determined by their shapes, contributes to the overall load-bearing capacity and performance of the pavement. Understanding how different shapes interact and distribute loads can inform better design practices and enhance the longevity and performance of interlocking paving systems, ultimately affecting their suitability for various applications in construction and landscaping projects.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i

Certificate ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgment iv

Table of Contents vi

List of Tables ix

List of Figures x

List of Plates xi

Abstract xii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Aims and Objective of the Project 3

1.3 Justification of the Study 4

1.4 Scope of the Project 4

1.5 Proposed Methodology 5

CHAPTER TWO:

2.0. Literature Review

2.1 Preamble 6

2.2 Structure of Interlocking Paving Blacks 7

2.3 Various shapes of Interlocking Paving Blocks 10

2.4 Laying Patterns 13

2.5 Manufacturing of Interlocking Paving Blocks 16

2.6 Materials Involved 17

2.6.1 Granite (Stone Dust) 17

2.6.2 Cement 18

2.6.3 Interlocking Stone Treatment after Production 20

2.6.4 Water 20

CHAPTER THREE

Procurement of the material components 22
Equipment used in interlocking paving stone

production 22

Mix Ratio 23
Determination of the Quantities of Materials 24
Sieve Analysis of the Material 24
Experimental Tests 25

3.6.1 Compressive strength test 25

3.6.2 Flexural Strength Test 26

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0. Analysis of Result and Discussion 29

4.1. Material Tests Performed on the Materials and

Samples 29

4.2. Material Tests 29

4.3. Determination of Quantity of Materials 30

CHAPTER FIVE:

5.0. Conclusions and Recommendations 38

Conclusions 38
Recommendation 39

References 40

LIST OF TABLES

Table 4.1: Composition of Constituent Material Per

Each Shape 32

Table 4.2: Sieve Analysis Result for Quarry Dust 33

Table 4.3: A Compressive strength result for the interlocking

paving stones 34

Table 4.4: Flexural strength properties of interlocking paving

blocks produced in laboratory 35

Table 4.5: Showing Flexural Strength properties of interlocking

paving blocks produced in laboratory 35

Table 4.6: Showing Flexural strength properties of interlocking

paving blocks produced in laboratory 36

Table: 4.7: Showing Flexural strength properties of interlocking

paving blocks produced in laboratory 36

Table: 4.8: Showing Flexural strength properties of interlocking

paving blocks produced in laboratory 37

LIST OF FIGURES

Fig 2.1a: Small element pavement structure 8

Fig 2.1b: Load spreading in the small element top

layer through shear forces in the joints 8

Fig 2.3a: Categories of Block shapes 11

Fig 2.4a: Types of laying patterns for concrete tiles 14

Fig 2.4b: Types of laying patterns for burnt clay bricks

and concrete blocks 16

Fig 4.1: Particle size distribution for quarry dust 43

LIST OF PLATES

Plate 1: Bubble Glover Interlock Tiles

Plate 2: Didalo Interlock Tiles

Plate 3: Double T Interlock Tiles

Plate 4: 3 Star Interlock Tiles

Plate 5: Land Roman Interlock Tiles

Plate 6A: Crushing of the materials in progress

Plate 6B: Crushing of the materials

ABSTRACT

Interlocking paving stone is a good surface material produce as a result of mixture of aggregate to produce a good workability surface.

This research work investigates on how the shapes affect the strength after production. The materials used include cement, sharp sand, quarry dust or granite dust and water.

The structural engineering properties investigated include compressive strength, flexural strength of each types of interlocking paving stone produced that is 3 Star, Double T, Land Roman, Bubble Glover and Didalo tiles respectively. The mix ratio of each stone was also investigated as well as the rate of crushing of the paving stone were noted.

So, from the observation made from this project the average strength of the interlocking paving stone was found to be 5.7gN/mm² and the highest strength received was found to be that of Bubble glover with a maximum strength of (6.39 N/mm²). While that of Double T (5.59N/mm²), 3 Star (5.39N/mm²), Land Roman (5.30N/mm²) and Digalo (5.19N/mm²)

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

Researchers have work on various materials for paving and method of pavement construction that will provide adequate support for traffic load with minimum construction cost and maintenance. The concept of interlocking stone pavers dated back over 200years ago to the Roman empire where over 800,000km of roads were built using interlocking paving blocks. The roman developed a simple system for building roads some of the roads are still in use today. The roads were constructed with a well compacted base of lime and gravel covered with a tight fitting cut stone which produced an excellent and economical roadway that remained virtually maintenance free in all types of weather (Wilford, 1994).

The elements are laid directly on a bedding sand layer with edge restraints to allow block layer to develop limited load spreading capacity to keep bond together at great mass and strength (Wilford, 1994).

Investigation has not been intensified on the use of paving stone for pavement unlike surface dressed concrete pavement structures. The potential of different types of paving stone for pavement structure used as car park or foot paths.

In developing countries paving stone are used for the construction of paved area on a large scale. The material use in paving stone are of different variety of colours and shapes which are most likely have effect on the strength of the stone, they create unique and creative pattens while providing a surface that is durable and functional (Akinyemi, et al, 1992).

It is observed that various shapes of these paving stone are produced and widely used in our locality. These include: roman, zenith, double T, 3 star etc. And the laying pattern include, stretcher, running, digalo, bubble glover, diagonal, Herringbone and parquet bond but in lieu of this, different materials and mix ratio are used in order to determine various strength and durability of the paving material. (Shackel, 1990).

Some use dust from quarry with sharp sand and granite of specified size while others prefer using stone dust with granite only but the most commonly used are dust from quarry only. During laying some prefer placing the elements over a graded sand base and interlocked with bedding and joint sand. The jointing sand allows the pavers to interlock and structurally function as one durable layer while others use dust (Sambawa, 2010).

All those variations in materials and production account for variations in properties, quality and strength and it is therefore necessary to carry out a research work to know whether the shapes of the stone has any effect on the strength.

Aim and Objectives of the Project

The aims of this project is to determine the followings:

To determine the strength of the stone
To know whether the shapes of the stone has any effect on the strength

To educate student on what they can lay their hand on after graduation.
- Justification of the Study

Due to the versatile indestructible nature of paving stone or tiles, they have been used for about every conceivable application such as residential and commercial garage floor etc. There is need for indepth study of this interlocking paving stone as to why the sudden crack or breakdown of the stone pavers.

Scope of the Project

The scope of this study include, the following:

The use of cement, quarry sand, sharp sand and water for the production of the interlocking paving stone.
The mix ratio used in this project is ratio 1:4 to produce a certain no of interlocking stone of various shapes these are Roman, 3 star, double T, Bubble Glover and Didalo tiles were used as an example in the project
Also the various laboratory test carried out in this project are compressive strength test, flexural strength, particle size distribution or sieve analysis.
Proposed Methodology

To achieve the above aim and objectives of this research work, the following steps were taken:

Procurement of materials
Preparation of mould

Laboratory tests on the materials

Production of the interlocking paving stone
Curing of the stones
Determination of the strengths

Analysis of the results

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1. Conclusions

Having established the compliance of the paving element produced with standard and specifications, one can therefore conclude that;

The domineering materials commonly used for manufacture of paving blocks were stone dust, cement and water.
The materials used for production are of adequate grading, shape and texture.
The effect of laterite in the mix of the laboratory produced specimens reduces both the flexural and compressive strengths.
The dimensional variations were adequate while the compressive and flexural strength properties were adequate, that is, the required standard was met.
The geometric properties (shape) do affect the strength of the produced interlocking paving stone.

5.2 Recommendation

Production of the concrete block should be strictly supervised to ensure consistency with specified variations of ±2mm for length and breadth and ±5mm for thickness.
Mix ratio of specimen (A) Bubble glover which give the highest flexural and compressive strength may be employed for production.
The produced interlocking stone must be properly cured
Extension of the curing age of the element must be ensured so as to increase both the compressive and flexural strengths.
Laterite should not be used in the mix.