Curbstone is now used in the improvement of various areas, including landscape design, landscape gardening and, of course, suburban construction, where it is used to divide functional areas, framed lawns, sidewalks and flower beds. Curbstone is notable for the fact that it plays not only a decorative role, but also greatly strengthens the laying of various paved road surfaces. At times increasing the durability of the road surface, curbstone does not allow it to spread, does not allow to expand the gaps and joints that arise from the accumulation of excess moisture during prolonged thaws and heavy rainfall.
Modern curbs are made by vibro-pressing and vibro-casting of high-strength sand concrete, the strength of which is attached to special plasticizers. Automated lines that produce curb stone, used conveyor method vibrocompression. It allows to achieve the highest strength of the product; such curbs are resistant to abrasion, do not suffer from temperature changes, do not collapse under the influence of anti-icing reagents, perfectly resist moisture and frost. They have not only a reasonable price, but also a considerable margin of safety and durability, which is especially important. By the way, the cost of curbs directly depends not only on their types, but also on the ingredients used — the brand of concrete and pigments.
Today it is impossible to imagine any road surface without a modern curbstone! However, as well as to overestimate its role. Curbs – a link between the various elements of the road surface; they securely and firmly connect them with each other. With the help of curbstone decorated not only roads, but also various paths, playgrounds, lawns, tram tracks and other numerous elements.
Curbs stones perfectly perform their practical functions and serve as a wonderful decorative element: their colors are incredibly wide – from corny gray to white, blue and even pink.
In addition to the fact that the curbs are different in color, they have different purposes. So, distinguish, for example, road and garden curbs.
Road curbs
The most common-road curbs-have a characteristic gray color and a length of up to a meter. There are, however, and longer structures; they are still in the production process further reinforced with strong steel wire.
Curbs are installed, usually, before the paving, due to which once marked the boundaries of the future road. Where heavy traffic is expected (for example, on motorways), the curbstone is laid on a special concrete base made of cement-sand mortar.
Garden curbs
The border garden has a shorter length than the road, and looks more elegant. It is mainly used in landscape architecture: it is used to decorate flower beds, lawns and garden paths.
And this unique material is suitable to hold the soil and planting.
The decorative garden border is made in the same way, as well as road — by dry pressing or by means of vibrating casting. And it is mounted slightly above the soil level, in pre — prepared trenches, the base of which is a special “pillow” of gravel and sand-it performs the role of drainage at the same time.
Self-production of curbstone
If you do not like the shape of road and garden curbs, you are not satisfied with the price of finished curbs, or just need a more complex shape of the border, it can be made independently. To make a timbering, it is better to use plywood or fiberboard connected by means of special screw clips. In specialized stores you can buy ready-made moulds for kerb stone.
One of the most important stages in the manufacture of curbs stone with their hands will be the preparation of concrete solution. Optimal for the production of curbs concrete solution consisting of equal parts of cement and sand (400 kg) and 800 kg of gravel. When adding water, make sure that the solution is a little dry.
After completing the preparation of the concrete solution, proceed to the reinforcement (if the product is large) and pouring (finished purchased forms of polyurethane pre-lubricated with ordinary sunflower oil). Pour the solution to the top and leave in the formwork (form) for about a day. After 24 hours, the concrete, of course, is not completely dry yet, but is already gaining strength, and you can safely remove the formwork. This should be done very carefully, so as not to damage the product. Then a few more days curbs should dry, after which they can be used.
Using curbstones, you can not only divide the paths, sidewalks and flower beds, making them more accurate and protected from destruction, but also to give a more complete, concise look to your garden plot, make it more harmonious and well-groomed.