How can imitation stone permeabie brick simulate the texture of natural stone while ensuring high permeability due to its interconnected porosity?
Publish Time: 2026-02-12
Driven by the modern concept of sponge city construction, permeable paving materials are increasingly becoming an important part of urban public space design. Among them, PC imitation stone permeabie brick, with its dual advantages of "beauty on the outside and beauty on the inside"—possessing both visual texture comparable to natural stone and excellent rainwater permeability—is widely used in sidewalks, park trails, plazas, and courtyards. However, stone itself is dense and impermeable, while its permeability depends on a large number of interconnected pores within the material. How to scientifically construct and retain effective permeable channels while highly replicating the texture of natural stone is the core technical challenge in the research and manufacturing of imitation stone permeabie brick.
1. Precise Control of Aggregate Grading and Cementitious System
The permeability of imitation stone permeabie brick mainly stems from its internal interconnected porosity of 20%–30%. To achieve this, a formulation strategy of "single-graded coarse aggregate + low water-cement ratio cementitious material" is adopted in production. The coarse aggregate has a uniform particle size, forming a skeleton through point contact; the high-performance cement-based cementitious material only coats the surface of the aggregate, acting as a bond without filling voids. This "skeleton-cement" structure ensures sufficient mechanical strength while preserving permeability channels throughout the brick. Simultaneously, by adjusting the aggregate particle size distribution and cementitious material dosage, an optimal balance between strength and permeability can be found.
2. Mold Imprinting and Biomimetic Reproduction of Surface Texture
The beauty of natural stone lies in its unique texture, color, and grain. Imitation Stone Permeabie Brick uses high-precision steel molds or elastic silicone molds to hydraulically or vibrately imprint the surface of natural stones such as granite, bluestone, and slate during the initial setting stage, accurately replicating the surface irregularities, cracks, and granular texture of natural stones. Crucially, the imprinting only affects the surface layer of a few millimeters, without affecting the porous skeleton structure inside the brick. Some high-end products also employ a two-layer fabric process—the bottom layer is a permeable structural layer, and the top layer is a decorative layer, both molded as a single piece, ensuring both a realistic appearance and maintaining overall permeability.
3. Surface Treatment Technology Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality
To prevent fine sand from quickly clogging the surface pores, some Imitation Stone Permeabie Bricks undergo microporous hydrophobic treatment or are sprayed with a breathable protective agent after molding. These agents are "breathable," allowing water vapor and liquid water to pass through while repelling oil and organic pollutants, extending the permeability lifespan. Simultaneously, the surface color is achieved using weather-resistant inorganic pigments, ensuring that it does not fade or powder under long-term sun and rain exposure, continuously presenting the texture of natural stone.
4. Structural Design Optimizing Permeability Paths and Durability
Besides the material itself, the overall design of the paving system also affects permeability. Imitation Stone Permeabie Bricks are typically laid using dry-hardened mortar or a sand cushion layer, with 2-5mm gaps between the brick joints, forming a dual permeability path of "surface layer + gaps". Rainwater not only seeps vertically into the pores of the bricks but also quickly permeates down the brick joints to the gravel base layer, ultimately replenishing groundwater. This systematic design ensures that even if some surface pores are slightly blocked, the overall permeability is maintained.
The success of Imitation Stone Permeabie Brick lies in its use of modern materials technology to "deconstruct" the aesthetic code of natural stone while simultaneously "reconstructing" an efficient and sustainable permeable system. It is not merely a paving material but also a medium for dialogue between the city and nature—beneath the texture of each brick flows a profound reflection on ecology, function, and aesthetics.
