Paving stone with integrated water storage, evaporation function and water distribution across the stone

Abstract

Paving stone for the temporary storage, controlled evaporation and, if necessary, infiltration of rainwater, characterized in that it consists of a porous building material, has at least one integrated cavity for temporary water storage and this cavity is connected to the surface via joints so that rainwater can penetrate directly into the paving stone.

Description

[0001] The invention described here relates to a one- or two-part paving stone that combines the three functions of water storage, evaporation, and infiltration in a single building element. The developed paving stone reduces surface sealing, particularly in urban areas, stores water locally, and ensures demand-based evaporation and infiltration. By combining this functionality with a highly durable geometry and materials, the system offers a technically feasible sponge-like function that contributes to the concept of a water-sensitive city.

[0002] The system's technical functionality is based on a porous paving stone with an integrated cavity. Rainwater enters this cavity directly through the surrounding joints, where it is temporarily stored. The interconnected cavities allow the water to distribute homogeneously across the entire paved surface. This enables the drainage of covered areas (e.g., areas under bicycle shelters, which are increasingly required by authorities). This results in active surface sealing, even in partially shaded areas, as is increasingly demanded by authorities and urban planners. The stored water is then gradually released through evaporation from the surface, with the material's large-pored structure facilitating capillary action. Depending on the design, the system can also be finished with an evaporation-promoting surface (e.g., porous exposed concrete) to further enhance evaporation capacity.Excess water remains percolable via adjacent green areas, swales, emergency drainage systems, or drainage channels.

[0003] Existing products do not offer directly integrated water storage within the cavity of the paving stone, but require separate retention chambers in the substructure or external storage modules. Furthermore, there is no fluidic connection across the stones to create volume equalization over the entire surface. Conventional water-permeable stone structures also do not offer the necessary strength for applications such as road traffic. Since the developed system does not allow water to seep through the base course, a standard construction for the respective load class can be used.

[0004] The system can be manufactured using an integral construction method (complete monoblock) or a modular construction method (load-bearing base + top layer). In the two-component version, the top layer is designed to be replaceable for maintenance or in case of wear. The materials are weather- and frost-resistant and meet the requirements for the load class for traffic areas.

[0005] The invention thus provides a technically applicable solution for implementing sponge city concepts and adapting already developed areas to climate change. It supports the relief of sewage systems, the reduction of flood risks, the reduction of urban heat islands, and the reactivation of the natural water cycle on sealed surfaces. Reference symbol list a living soil zone (depression) b Entry joint c Evaporation d storage body

Claims

[1] Paving stone for the temporary storage, controlled evaporation and, if necessary, infiltration of rainwater, characterized by that it consists of a porous building material, has at least one integrated cavity for temporary water storage and that this cavity is connected to the surface via joints so that rainwater can penetrate directly into the paving stone. [2] Paving stone according to claim 1, characterized by , that the cavities of several adjacent paving stones are fluidically connected to each other, so that a homogeneous water equalization takes place over the entire surface. [3] Paving stone according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the stored water content is released into the environment via evaporation through the surface, with the open-pored material structure supporting the capillary rise of the water. [4] Paving stone according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that excess rainwater can be diverted into adjacent drainage facilities, swales or infiltration areas through volume equalization. [5] Paving stone according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it can be manufactured using an integral construction method made from a single casting (complete monoblock), or using a modular construction method (load-bearing base body + attached capstone). [6] Paving stone according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , the installed capstone is releasably fastened and designed to be replaceable without tools for maintenance or renewal. [7] Paving stone according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it can be used with industry-standard base course structures for different load classes. [8] Paving stone according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cavity network allows horizontal water displacement even into areas not irrigated (e.g. under bicycle overhangs). [9] Paving stone according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the materials used are weather- and frost-resistant and have a high durability.

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