How can imitation stone permeabie brick simulate the texture of natural stone while ensuring high permeability due to its interconnected porosity?
Publish Time: 2026-01-15
With the deepening of urban ecological construction and the concept of sponge cities, permeable paving materials have become an important technical means to improve the living environment, alleviate urban flooding, and conserve groundwater. Imitation stone permeabie brick, due to its combination of the aesthetic texture of natural stone and excellent permeability, is widely used in sidewalks, park trails, plazas, and courtyards. However, a core technical contradiction remains: realistic stone surfaces often pursue density, smoothness, and fine texture, while high permeability relies on a large number of interconnected open pores.
1. Aggregate Grading and Cementitious System: Constructing a Synergistic "Skeleton-Porosity" Structure
Imitation stone permeabie brick typically uses high-performance concrete or polymer-modified cementitious materials as the matrix. Its core lies in the scientific design of the particle size distribution and dosage of coarse aggregate. By reducing or completely omitting fine aggregate and mixing at a specific water-cement ratio, a "skeleton structure" of point contact is formed between coarse aggregate particles. The gaps between particles naturally create a large number of interconnected pores—the porosity can reach 15%–25%, and the permeability coefficient generally exceeds 1×10⁻² cm/s, far exceeding the national permeable pavement standard. Simultaneously, to balance strength and durability, silica fume, mineral powder, or special permeability enhancers are often added to improve the binding force of the cementing layer on the aggregate and prevent over-filling of pores. This "less fine aggregate, stronger cementing" proportioning strategy retains a highly interconnected pore network while ensuring the brick has a compressive strength of over 30MPa, meeting the needs of pedestrian and light-load passage.
2. Layered Composite Molding: Separate Design of Surface Simulation and Underlying Permeable Function
To resolve the contradiction between surface densification and internal permeability, the mainstream process adopts double-layer or triple-layer composite pressing molding technology. The upper layer, approximately 3–8 mm thick, uses fine aggregate, pigments, and high-grade cement. It is molded to create realistic textures of natural stone such as granite, bluestone, and slate, and then acid-washed, roughened, or sandblasted to enhance texture and slip resistance. The lower layer uses the aforementioned high-porosity coarse aggregate formula, focusing on permeability and load-bearing capacity. Both layers are pressed together before initial setting to ensure a strong interface bond. This "functional zoning" design cleverly decouples decoration and engineering: the surface layer can pursue extreme visual simulation, while the base layer prioritizes permeability, each performing its specific function without interference.
3. Mold and Pressing Process: Precise Control of Texture Depth and Pore Connectivity
Imitation stone permeabi brick production generally employs high-precision steel molds and hydraulic vibration molding machines. The mold surface is engraved with micron-level stone textures. Under high pressure and high-frequency vibration, the surface material adheres tightly to the mold, replicating delicate contours; while the base layer maintains a loose skeletal structure under lower pressure. The key lies in controlling the surface layer compaction—ensuring clear texture and wear resistance while avoiding excessive density that could close surface pores. Some advanced production lines also incorporate vacuum-assisted degassing technology to further eliminate air bubbles, improve interlayer bonding, and prevent clogging of connecting channels.
4. Post-Construction Maintenance and Surface Treatment: Balancing Aesthetic Durability and Permeability Maintenance
After standard maintenance, some finished bricks undergo the application of an environmentally friendly penetrating protective agent. This agent penetrates deep into the surface micropores, enhancing stain resistance and efflorescence resistance, but does not form a film on the surface, thus not affecting rainwater infiltration. Furthermore, a well-designed paving structure can reduce sediment backflow that clogs brick pores, extending the permeability lifespan.
In conclusion, Imitation Stone Permeabie Brick, through a technical approach of "functional layering + aggregate optimization + precision molding," successfully solves the industry challenge of achieving both "stone-like aesthetics" and "highly permeable" permeability. It is not just a paving brick, but a green infrastructure carrier that integrates materials science, ecological engineering and landscape art. While enhancing the city's appearance, it silently protects the way home for every drop of rainwater.
