Vegetation concrete with three-dimensional network channels and slope protection method
By introducing three-dimensional mesh channels and vertical layered structures into the vegetation concrete, the problems of plant roots being unable to penetrate and microenvironment being unsuitable are solved, realizing the directional transport and anchoring of plant roots, and improving the mechanical stability and ecological effect of ecological slope protection.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SOUTHWEST FORESTRY UNIVERSITY
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing planted concrete relies solely on random micropores, making it difficult for plant roots to penetrate the matrix. The internal microenvironment has poor water retention and high alkali inhibits root development. At the same time, increasing porosity will lead to a decrease in mechanical load-bearing strength.
The structure employs a three-dimensional mesh channel structure, including a porous concrete matrix, an entrance, and a main channel. The main channel extends along the diagonal of the space and intersects internally. Combined with a vertical layered structure, the lower part uses small-diameter aggregate to ensure the strength of the matrix, while the upper part uses large-diameter aggregate to provide a channel for plant growth. Functional fillers are also provided in the public areas.
It enables directional transport and anchoring of plant roots, improves the overall mechanical stability and anti-slip performance of ecological slope protection, improves the microenvironment, provides suitable growth conditions for plants, and maintains the structural strength of concrete.
Smart Images
Figure CN122169513A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of ecological slope protection engineering technology, specifically to a vegetated concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel and a slope protection method. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, ecological slope protection projects are widely used in water conservancy and transportation infrastructure construction. Traditional slope protection methods are gradually shifting from simple hardening protection to ecological protection. Vegetated concrete, as a building material with a porous structure, balances the physical stability of the slope with the growth needs of plants. It allows plant roots to take root and develop within its pores. Vegetated concrete not only prevents soil erosion but also restores the natural ecological landscape of the slope.
[0003] Regarding the aforementioned issues, existing vegetated concrete typically uses a single-graded coarse aggregate mixed with a suitable amount of cementitious materials. During the stacking process, the aggregate particles randomly form numerous irregularly connected micropores. Construction workers then mix plant seeds with nutrient-rich topsoil and directly fill these random pores. After germination, the primary roots seek out interconnected micropores within the substrate and extend randomly. External precipitation also naturally infiltrates through the surface-opening micropores. This type of structure relies solely on the material's inherent porosity to provide space for fluid flow and plant growth.
[0004] The random micropore paths within the planted concrete matrix are tortuous and uneven in diameter. Primary plant roots struggle to penetrate the hard matrix and reach the underlying slope foundation soil. Deep physical anchoring cannot be established between the slope protection system and the underlying soil. Overall anti-slip performance is difficult to guarantee. The micropores have a very limited capacity to trap external moisture. Alkaline substances released during cement hydration tend to accumulate at local solid interfaces. The highly alkaline and relatively dry internal microenvironment restricts the normal early development of plant roots. To improve permeability, engineers often directly increase the overall porosity of the material. This drastically reduces the effective physical bonding area between aggregates. Consequently, the macroscopic mechanical bearing strength of the planted concrete will decrease significantly.
[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a vegetation concrete and slope protection method with a three-dimensional mesh channel to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. Summary of the Invention
[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a vegetated concrete and slope protection method with a three-dimensional mesh channel, which solves the technical problems of existing vegetated concrete, such as the difficulty for plant roots to penetrate the matrix to anchor the foundation soil layer due to relying solely on random micropores, poor water retention of the internal microenvironment and high alkalinity inhibiting root development, and the significant reduction in mechanical bearing strength caused by increasing porosity.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a vegetation concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel, employing the following technical solution: A type of vegetation concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel includes a porous concrete matrix, an entrance, a main channel, and a public area. The outer contour of the porous concrete matrix is set as a cube or a cuboid, and the eight external geometric vertices of the porous concrete matrix are respectively formed as an entrance. The porous concrete matrix has eight main channels running through it. The starting end of each main channel is connected to a corresponding entrance. The eight main channels take the eight entrances as independent starting points and extend into the internal solid space of the porous concrete matrix along the spatial diagonal direction. The eight main channels intersect and connect with each other at the three-dimensional geometric center of the porous concrete matrix to form a common area that presents a through-cavity structure. Furthermore, the porous concrete matrix is composed of a lower main layer and an upper vegetation layer stacked vertically, and the aggregate particle size of the lower main layer is smaller than that of the upper vegetation layer.
[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, since the eight main channels extend along the spatial diagonal of the porous concrete matrix and intersect and connect with each other in the common area at the internal three-dimensional geometric center, the entrances at the eight external geometric vertices of the porous concrete matrix constitute three-dimensional fluid input and output ends. Therefore, a macroscopically interconnected three-dimensional spatial network is obtained, which limits the directional transport of external fluids and plant roots from the outside of the porous concrete matrix to the internal geometric center and then to the other end outside, following the spatial trajectory of the main channels. At the same time, by introducing a vertical layered structure, the lower part uses small-diameter aggregate to ensure the mechanical strength of the matrix, while the upper part uses large-diameter aggregate to provide a smooth soil-breaking channel for plant stems and leaves. This effectively solves the problem of the above-ground parts of plants being blocked by concrete, realizes rapid and uniform vegetation coverage, and further improves the overall effect of ecological slope protection.
[0009] Preferably, the thickness of the lower main body layer accounts for 2 / 3 to 3 / 4 of the total height of the porous concrete matrix, and is composed of concrete with a first aggregate gradation, the aggregate particle size ranging from 5mm to 15mm; the thickness of the upper vegetation layer accounts for 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the total height of the porous concrete matrix, and is composed of concrete with a second aggregate gradation, the aggregate particle size ranging from 15mm to 30mm; the three-dimensional edge length of the porous concrete matrix is set within the size range of 100mm to 300mm, and the interconnected porosity parameter of the porous concrete matrix is between 20% and 35%, the interconnected porosity parameter only refers to the proportion of pore volume generated by the aggregate accumulation of the porous concrete matrix itself, and the interconnected porosity parameter does not include the space volume of the main channel reserved inside the porous concrete matrix.
[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the interconnected porosity parameter is characterized as the ratio of the total volume of interconnected micropores inside the porous concrete matrix to the total volume of the outer contour of the porous concrete matrix. This calculation model is separated from the macroscopic volume of the main channel, thereby achieving a balance between structural mechanical bearing strength and microscopic permeability.
[0011] Preferably, the cross-sectional geometry of the main channel is set to be circular, elliptical, or rectangular. When the cross-sectional geometry of the main channel is circular, the cross-sectional diameter of the main channel is between 3 mm and 10 mm. When the cross-sectional geometry of the main channel is elliptical or rectangular, the equivalent cross-sectional diameter of the main channel is between 3 mm and 10 mm. The equivalent internal diameter of the main channel is greater than the equivalent internal diameter of a single microscopic random pore inside the porous concrete matrix.
[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the equivalent diameter parameter of the main channel is characterized as the ratio of four times the channel cross-sectional area to the channel inner wall perimeter. Based on this size parameter, the flow diameter of the main channel is limited to be larger than the micropore diameter, thereby obtaining a preferred fluid conduction and solid growth path with the lowest fluid flow resistance.
[0013] Preferably, the inner wall surface of the main channel is formed with a textured structure, which is formed by imprinting the texture of the outer surface of the forming mold rod in situ after demolding and pulling, thereby increasing the roughness of the inner wall surface of the main channel. The inner wall surface of the main channel is coated with a coating structure, which is selected from either a hydrophilic coating or a biocompatible coating.
[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the root attachment area can be increased and the amount of water attached to the inner wall surface of the main channel can be maintained.
[0015] Preferably, the internal space of the public area is provided with a functional filler, which is any one or a mixture of multiple materials selected from pH regulators, polymer water-retaining materials, or microbial agents. The polymer water-retaining material absorbs and stores some liquid water, the pH regulator contacts the flowing liquid water and neutralizes the alkaline substances precipitated from the porous concrete matrix, and the microbial agent adheres to the internal solid interface of the public area and uses the trapped liquid water for biodegradation and material transformation.
[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, and using multi-component materials as functional fillers, the synergistic effects of water storage and moisture retention, chemical acid-base neutralization, and biological material transformation are achieved.
[0017] Preferably, a single porous concrete matrix is considered as an independent unit module. Multiple unit modules are arrayed and assembled along the inclined and horizontal directions of the slope base surface to be protected. Adjacent unit modules are directly bonded to each other through the outer plane of the porous concrete matrix. The geometric vertices of adjacent unit modules coincide and align with each other in spatial coordinates. The geometric vertices of eight adjacent porous concrete matrices converge at the same spatial node. The inlets of the eight adjacent unit modules contact each other and establish a direct communication structure for fluid and solid extension.
[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, a macroscopic continuous three-dimensional interconnected pipeline structure spanning independent modules is obtained.
[0019] Secondly, the present invention provides a slope protection method for vegetated concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel, employing the following technical solution: A slope protection method for vegetated concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel includes the following steps: Level the slope base surface to be protected, remove debris from the slope base surface, and compact the foundation soil layer using compaction machinery; Multiple aforementioned vegetated concrete structures with three-dimensional mesh channels are laid out in a three-dimensional array on the leveled slope base. The outer sides of adjacent porous concrete matrices are directly attached to each other, and the entrances of adjacent porous concrete matrices at the geometric vertices are connected to form a three-dimensional channel network covering the entire slope area. Pre-made nutrient substrate and plant seeds are backfilled into the gaps between large-diameter aggregates penetrating the surface of the upper vegetation layer of the completed porous concrete matrix and in the splicing joint areas of adjacent porous concrete matrices. After the plant seed germinates, the primary root system of the plant seed is guided by gravity and the moisture gradient of the nutrient substrate, and enters the interior of the porous concrete matrix through the upward-facing entrance on the surface of the porous concrete matrix. It grows downward along the main channel with a set inclination angle and reaches the geometric center of the porous concrete matrix, i.e., the common area. Subsequently, the primary root system is diverted through the common area and continues to grow along other main channels facing the bottom. Finally, it exits the porous concrete matrix from the corresponding entrance at the bottom and directly penetrates into the foundation soil layer at the bottom. During the growth process, the above-ground part of the plant seed has its stems and leaves passing through the gaps between the large-diameter aggregates in the upper vegetation layer and emerging from the top surface of the porous concrete matrix, forming a continuous vegetation cover layer.
[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, a three-dimensional channel network is constructed by splicing and docking structures, and plant roots are guided along the main channel to penetrate the porous concrete matrix and sink into the foundation soil layer by gravity and water gradient. Therefore, the interlayer connection strength of the slope protection structure system is enhanced and the overall anti-slip performance is improved.
[0021] Preferably, before the step of backfilling the pre-prepared nutrient substrate and the plant seeds, the method further includes: Based on the geological and climatic parameters of the target slope protection area, select plant species with corresponding growth characteristics, obtain or measure the primary root diameter of the target plant corresponding to the plant species during the seedling stage or seed germination stage, match the obtained primary root diameter with the inner diameter of the main channel inside the porous concrete matrix, and control the maximum diameter of the primary root of the target plant to be smaller than the inner diameter of the main channel to provide accommodation space.
[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the matching relationship between the maximum diameter of the primary root and the inner diameter of the main channel is limited, thus achieving the effect of avoiding poor root development due to space constraints.
[0023] Preferably, before the three-dimensional array tiling assembly step, the vegetation concrete with three-dimensional mesh channels is pre-prepared through the following operation process: A molding die is provided, in which a functional filling module wrapped with a water-soluble material is pre-fixed at the three-dimensional geometric center of the cavity within a cavity that matches the outer contour of the porous concrete matrix; eight removable channel forming mold rods are provided, such that the central axis of the eight channel forming mold rods is completely coincident with the eight spatial diagonals of the cavity, one end of which is fixed at the corresponding mold vertex position, and the other inner end contacts the functional filling module, so as to form the common area in situ after water dissolution. A two-stage pouring process is adopted: First, the first mix proportion of the planted concrete mixture is poured into the lower area of the cavity to form the blank of the lower main layer, and then vibrated to compact it; after the lower blank has initially stabilized, the second mix proportion of the planted concrete mixture containing large-diameter aggregate is poured into the remaining upper area of the cavity to form the blank of the upper planted layer, and multiple low-amplitude mechanical vibrations are applied after each layer is filled to ensure good bonding at the interface between the two layers; After the planted concrete mixture in the cavity undergoes a hydration reaction and reaches initial curing strength, the outer mold plate of the molding mold is removed, and a parallel pulling force is applied outward along the diagonal direction of the cavity to pull out the channel molding rod in a straight line, leaving eight through tubular cavities in situ inside the porous concrete matrix to form the main channel.
[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the use of eight channel forming mold rods with matching spatial diagonals, pre-set functional filling modules, and a combination of secondary layered casting and straight extraction processes, achieves the effect of accurately forming a three-dimensional cross cavity structure and a vertical layered structure inside the porous concrete matrix and simplifying the demolding process.
[0025] Preferably, under the influence of gravity, external liquid water located on the top surface of the porous concrete matrix is injected from the top inlet. The external liquid water flows from top to bottom inward along the inclined inner wall of the main channel to the common area, and then continues to flow downward through the four main channels in the lower half until it flows out from the four inlets at the bottom. This guides the primary root system to penetrate from the top surface of the porous concrete matrix to the bottom surface by following the inclined space of the main channel, thus establishing an interpenetrating anchoring structure between the porous concrete matrix and the foundation soil layer.
[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, the effect of achieving both directional fluid transport and mechanical anchoring of plant roots using natural gravity is obtained.
[0027] This invention provides a vegetated concrete structure with a three-dimensional mesh channel and a slope protection method. It has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention constructs a macroscopically continuous three-dimensional spatial network within the entire slope protection system by setting eight main channels extending diagonally within a porous concrete matrix and converging at the common area of the internal three-dimensional geometric center, combined with an arrayed and aligned assembly structure at the entrances at the external geometric vertices. This channel structure, aligned with the direction of gravity, directly guides external liquid moisture and primary plant roots from top to bottom through the porous concrete matrix and into the underlying soil layer, forming an interpenetrating physical anchoring structure between the concrete slope protection modules and the underlying soil, thereby improving the overall mechanical stability and anti-slip performance of the slope protection system.
[0028] 2. This invention creates a common area with a through-cavity structure at the intersection of the three-dimensional geometric centers within a porous concrete matrix, and places functional fillers such as pH regulators, polymer water-retaining materials, or microbial agents within this area. When external liquid moisture gathers into the common area along the main channel, the functional fillers can trap and store the flowing liquid moisture, while simultaneously neutralizing alkaline substances precipitated from the porous concrete matrix. This internal structure provides a physically suitable transfer space for the diversion and root development of plant roots within the porous concrete matrix, reducing the adverse effects of the alkaline environment of the concrete on the early development of plant roots.
[0029] 3. This invention employs a fabrication method that involves setting a removable channel forming mold rod along the diagonal direction of the forming mold, thus preserving a tubular main channel cavity in situ within the porous concrete matrix. This physical structural design decouples the macroscopic channels used for guiding fluid flow and root growth from the microscopic pores of the porous concrete matrix itself. In application, while ensuring the porous concrete matrix possesses load-bearing strength, the main channel with its predetermined inner diameter provides a preferred conduction path with lower fluid flow resistance, avoiding the engineering problem of structural mechanical strength degradation caused by excessively increasing the overall interconnected porosity in traditional planted concrete.
[0030] 4. This invention introduces a vertical layered structure, with small-diameter aggregates in the lower part to ensure the mechanical strength of the matrix, and large-diameter aggregates in the upper part to provide a smooth soil penetration channel for plant stems and leaves. This effectively solves the problem of the above-ground parts of plants being blocked by concrete, achieving rapid and uniform vegetation coverage and further improving the overall effect of ecological slope protection. Attached Figure Description
[0031] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional perspective structural diagram of the planted concrete test block of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of the test block of the present invention along the central horizontal section line; Figure 3 This is a side cross-sectional view of the test block of the present invention along a diagonal perpendicular section line; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the core mold of the present invention in the positioning and installation state within the mold. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the layered structure of the porous concrete matrix in the vertical direction in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] Among them, 110 is the porous concrete substrate; 120 is the entrance; 130 is the main passage; 140 is the public area; 200 is the forming mold; 210 is the cavity; 220 is the passage forming mold rod; and 230 is the mold apex position. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0034] See attached document Figure 1 The present invention provides a type of vegetation concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel, which may include: Porous concrete matrix 110 and main channel 130 pre-installed inside porous concrete matrix 110.
[0035] The porous concrete matrix 110 presents itself as a regular three-dimensional blocky solid structure. The outer contour of the porous concrete matrix 110 is set as a cube or cuboid. The three-dimensional edge length of the porous concrete matrix 110 is set within the size range of 100mm to 300mm. Using the porous concrete matrix 110 with an edge length of 100mm to 300mm as the basic molding unit, it supports the seamless arraying and assembly of adjacent test blocks on the slope base surface.
[0036] The porous concrete matrix 110 is formed by mixing a pre-proportioned cementitious material with single-graded coarse aggregate, adding water, and then curing. Within the porous concrete matrix 110, the coarse aggregate particles are stacked and compressed, forming randomly distributed and interwoven microscopic matrix pores. The interconnected porosity parameter of the porous concrete matrix 110 is between 20% and 35%. This 20% to 35% interconnected porosity refers only to the volume percentage of pores generated by the aggregate accumulation within the porous concrete matrix 110 itself; this porosity parameter does not include the spatial volume of the main channels 130 reserved within the porous concrete matrix 110.
[0037] The interconnected porosity of the porous concrete matrix 110 is controlled between 20% and 35% to establish a physical balance mechanism between the compressive strength and fluid permeation and transport capacity of the porous concrete matrix 110. When the interconnected porosity of the porous concrete matrix 110 is below 20%, the interior of the porous concrete matrix 110 is in a highly dense state, hindering the permeation and transport of liquid water and gaseous air within the porous concrete matrix 110. When the interconnected porosity of the porous concrete matrix 110 is above 35%, the effective load-bearing cross-sectional area of the internal solid structure of the porous concrete matrix 110 decreases, leading to a decrease in the overall compressive strength of the porous concrete matrix 110.
[0038] The porous concrete matrix 110, with a porosity between 20% and 35%, can withstand external mechanical loads while achieving water and air permeability through its random micropores. The random micropores within the porous concrete matrix 110 are physically connected to the pre-designed main channels 130 within the matrix. Together, the micropores and main channels 130 of the porous concrete matrix 110 constitute the internal spatial structure for fluid transport and plant root extension.
[0039] See attached document Figure 1 The present invention provides a type of vegetation concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel, which may include: Porous concrete substrate 110, entrance 120, main passage 130 and public area 140.
[0040] The eight external geometric vertices of the porous concrete matrix 110 each form an entrance 120. Eight main channels 130 are formed throughout the interior of the porous concrete matrix 110. The starting point of each main channel 130 is connected to a corresponding entrance 120. Each of the eight main channels 130 extends diagonally into the interior space of the porous concrete matrix 110, with each entrance 120 as an independent physical starting point. This diagonal arrangement of the main channels 130 allows them to penetrate the three-dimensional depth of the porous concrete matrix 110.
[0041] See attached document Figure 2 On the central horizontal section of the porous concrete matrix 110, eight main channels 130 converge geometrically toward the inner center. The eight main channels 130 intersect and connect at the geometric center of the porous concrete matrix 110, forming a common area 140. The common area 140 presents as a solid, through-cavity structure where multiple channels intersect.
[0042] Liquid water or gaseous air entering a single main channel 130 from any one inlet 120 reaches the common area 140 and is then physically diverted through the internal interconnected space of the common area 140 to the remaining seven main channels 130. This confluence and interconnection structure establishes a fluid transport physical path that is interconnected in both transverse and diagonal directions within the porous concrete matrix 110.
[0043] See attached document Figure 3 The main channels 130 exhibit an inclined physical orientation with an angle between the vertical section and the horizontal section of the porous concrete substrate 110. The four main channels 130 located in the upper half of the porous concrete substrate 110 extend downwards from the four top entrances 120 to the common area 140. The four main channels 130 located in the lower half of the porous concrete substrate 110 extend downwards from the common area 140 to the four bottom entrances 120.
[0044] Under the influence of gravity, external liquid water located on the top surface of the porous concrete substrate 110 is injected through the top inlet 120. The liquid water flows from top to bottom inward along the inclined inner wall of the main channel 130 to the common area 140, and then continues to flow downward through the four main channels 130 in the lower half until it flows out from the four inlets 120 at the bottom. The above physical structure guides the primary roots of external plants to penetrate from the top surface to the bottom surface of the porous concrete substrate 110, following the inclined space of the main channel 130.
[0045] The spatial interface of the main channel 130 is interconnected with the internal micro-random pores of the porous concrete matrix 110. The equivalent diameter of the internal space of the main channel 130 is larger than the equivalent diameter of the internal space of a single micro-random pore. The resistance to fluid transport and growth extension of plant primary roots inside the main channel 130 is less than the extension resistance inside the micro-random pores, reducing the time period for plant roots to penetrate the porous concrete matrix 110.
[0046] See attached document Figure 5This invention employs a vertically stratified aggregate particle size structure. The porous concrete matrix 110 is vertically divided into a lower main layer and an upper vegetation layer. The lower main layer occupies 2 / 3 to 3 / 4 of the total height of the test block and is formulated with small-diameter aggregates (preferably 5mm to 15mm) to ensure the macroscopic mechanical bearing strength of the concrete matrix. The upper vegetation layer occupies 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the total height of the test block and is formulated with large-diameter aggregates (preferably 15mm to 30mm). Its main function is to provide soil penetration channels for the growth of the above-ground parts of the plants. The macroscopic pore size formed between the large-diameter aggregates is much larger than the microscopic pore size of the lower main layer and is directly connected to the four entrances on the top surface. After the plant roots grow along the main channels and penetrate into the bottom soil, their stems and leaves can easily pass through the gaps between the large-diameter aggregates in the upper vegetation layer as they grow upwards, smoothly emerging from the top surface of the test block to form a continuous vegetation cover layer, preventing the plants from being trapped inside the concrete.
[0047] The same cementitious material system is used for both the upper and lower layers to ensure the physical bonding strength at the interface. A two-stage pouring process is adopted during pouring, that is, after the lower main layer is vibrated and compacted, the upper vegetation layer is poured immediately and light vibration is applied to make the two aggregate layers interlock and interlock at the interface to avoid the formation of obvious weak layers.
[0048] See attached document Figure 1 The present invention provides a type of vegetation concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel, which may include: Porous concrete matrix 110 and main channel 130.
[0049] The cross-sectional geometry of the main channel 130 is set to circular, elliptical, or rectangular. When the cross-sectional shape of the main channel 130 is circular, the cross-sectional diameter is between 3 mm and 10 mm. When the cross-sectional shape of the main channel 130 is elliptical or rectangular, the equivalent cross-sectional diameter is between 3 mm and 10 mm. Setting the cross-sectional dimensions of the main channel 130 within the range of 3 mm to 10 mm ensures that the spatial dimensions of the main channel 130 are compatible with the physical diameter of the primary roots during the seedling stage or after seed germination. This size range limits the depth of the plant root system while controlling the proportion of the main channel 130 occupying the internal volume of the porous concrete matrix 110, thereby ensuring the overall compressive strength of the porous concrete matrix 110.
[0050] The inner wall surface of the main channel 130 is physically formed with a textured structure. This textured structure increases the surface roughness of the inner wall of the main channel 130. The increased surface roughness expands the contact surface area of liquid water on the inner wall of the main channel 130. The textured structure also provides physical interlocking nodes for plant roots penetrating into the main channel 130, increasing the mechanical anchoring force between the plant roots and the porous concrete matrix 110.
[0051] The inner wall surface of the main channel 130 is coated with a structure. This coating structure is selected from either a hydrophilic coating or a biocompatible coating. The hydrophilic coating, attached to the inner wall surface of the main channel 130, increases the adsorption and retention capacity of external liquid water on the inner wall of the main channel 130, reducing the rate of water loss within the main channel 130. The biocompatible coating, also attached to the inner wall surface of the main channel 130, alters the physical and chemical interface properties of the inner wall of the main channel 130, providing basic interface conditions for the extension of plant roots within the porous concrete matrix 110.
[0052] See attached document Figure 2 The present invention provides a vegetation concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel, which may include: a porous concrete matrix 110, an entrance 120, a main channel 130, and a public area 140.
[0053] The public area 140 is located at the three-dimensional geometric center of the porous concrete matrix 110. The interior space of the public area 140 is equipped with a functional infill material. This functional infill material is a physicochemically modulating material or a bioactive material. Specifically, the functional infill material is any one or a mixture of multiple materials selected from pH regulators, polymer water-retaining materials, or microbial agents.
[0054] The public area 140, by accommodating the aforementioned functional filler, forms a concentrated physical retention space for fluids and chemicals within the porous concrete matrix 110. When external liquid water, carrying nutrients necessary for plant growth, flows downwards along the main channel 130 and converges into the public area 140, the polymer water-retaining material in the functional filler absorbs and stores a portion of the liquid water. The pH regulator in the functional filler contacts the flowing liquid water, neutralizing alkaline substances precipitated from the porous concrete matrix 110 and adjusting the hydrogen ion concentration index of the public area 140 and the liquid residing within it. Microbial agents adhere to the internal solid interface of the public area 140, utilizing the retained liquid water for biodegradation and material transformation.
[0055] The confluence of eight main channels 130 at the common area 140 establishes a physical mechanism for multidirectional fluid distribution within the porous concrete matrix 110. Taking fluid entering through one of the inlets 120 located on the top surface of the porous concrete matrix 110 as an example, liquid water flows into the common area 140 along a single downward-sloping main channel 130. Upon encountering physical interception by the functional filler, the liquid water entering the common area 140 overflows into the other connecting paths under the combined action of gravity and fluid pressure. This structure forces the single stream of liquid water flowing into the common area 140 to be physically dispersed into three downward-extending main channels 130 located in the lower half of the porous concrete matrix 110, where it continues to be transported downwards.
[0056] The combination of the common area 140 and the functional infill material enables the porous concrete matrix 110 to possess fluid retention and multi-path guidance capabilities. The dynamic water pressure within a single main channel 130 transforms into a diversion pressure that diffuses outwards upon reaching the common area 140, reducing the moisture content difference between different areas within the porous concrete matrix 110. The nutrients and liquid water retained within the common area 140 provide a continuous material supply interface for plant roots that penetrate along the main channel 130 to that location.
[0057] See attached document Figure 1 The present invention provides a vegetation concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel, which may include: a porous concrete matrix 110, an inlet 120 and a main channel 130.
[0058] The vegetation concrete component is assembled from an array of multiple unit modules. A single porous concrete substrate 110 serves as an independent unit module. Multiple unit modules are spatially arrayed and stacked in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Adjacent unit modules are directly bonded together through the outer plane of the porous concrete substrate 110.
[0059] Each porous concrete substrate 110 has a cubic or cuboid external structure, and the entrance 120 of each main channel 130 is located at the geometric vertex of the porous concrete substrate 110. When multiple unit modules are assembled in a three-dimensional array, the geometric vertices of adjacent unit modules coincide with each other in spatial coordinates and are physically aligned.
[0060] The alignment of the geometric vertices of adjacent unit modules enables direct physical connection of corresponding inlets 120 on different porous concrete substrates 110. At the boundary region of the three-dimensional assembly of multiple unit modules, the geometric vertices of eight adjacent porous concrete substrates 110 converge at the same spatial node. At this spatial node, the inlets 120 of each of the eight adjacent unit modules contact each other and establish a direct communication structure between the fluid and the solid extension.
[0061] The physical docking of the aforementioned entrances 120 establishes a continuous spatial physical channel between adjacent unit modules. Flowing substances or plant root tissue extending outward from the main channel 130 inside the first porous concrete matrix 110 directly penetrate through the corresponding entrance 120 of the adjacent second porous concrete matrix 110, and continue to extend along the main channel 130 inside the second porous concrete matrix 110. This array and assembly docking structure allows the main channels 130 inside a single unit module to be interconnected across the external physical boundary of a single porous concrete matrix 110, constructing a continuous and interconnected overall main channel network system within the macroscopic assembly composed of multiple unit modules.
[0062] See attached document Figure 4 The present invention provides a method for preparing a planted concrete component with a three-dimensional mesh channel as described above, which may include the following operation process.
[0063] A molding die 200 is provided, which is formed by a bottom panel and side restraint members to create a closed external physical boundary, defining a cavity 210 within it that matches the external contour of a porous concrete matrix. Within the cavity 210, eight removable channel molding rods 220 are provided. Each channel molding rod 220 is a slender, solid rod-like structure, with one end pointing towards and fixed to the corresponding mold apex position 230 of the molding die 200. By adjusting the fixed ends, the central axes of the eight channel molding rods 220 are made to completely coincide with the eight spatial diagonals of the cavity 210. Before assembly and fixing, a release agent layer is pre-applied to the outer surface of the channel molding rods 220, or a release agent coating is applied to the surface during manufacturing, thereby reducing interfacial friction during subsequent extraction processes.
[0064] Prepare the raw materials required for the vegetation concrete mixture. Weigh the cementitious materials, single-graded coarse aggregate, water, and water-reducing agent according to the predetermined proportions. The cementitious materials are ordinary Portland cement, and the coarse aggregate is single-graded crushed stone with a particle size distribution between 5mm and 15mm. Simultaneously add the weighed cementitious materials, coarse aggregate, water, and water-reducing agent into the mixing chamber of a forced mixer for mechanical mixing. Continue mixing until the mixture is homogeneous, resulting in a vegetation concrete mixture with the specified fluidity and workability. The use of 5mm to 15mm single-graded coarse aggregate limits the density of solid particles during the packing process, ensuring that the internal interconnected porosity of the final formed entity is between 20% and 35%, thus resolving the contradiction between the physical parameters required for large porosity and compressive strength.
[0065] A two-stage pouring process is adopted: First, the first mix proportion of the planted concrete mixture (small-diameter aggregate) is poured into the lower area of the cavity 210 to form the blank of the lower main layer, and then vibrated to compact it. After the lower blank has initially stabilized, the second mix proportion of the planted concrete mixture (large-diameter aggregate) is poured into the remaining upper area of the cavity 210 to form the blank of the upper planted layer. After each layer is filled, multiple low-amplitude mechanical vibrations are applied to ensure good bonding at the interface between the two layers. The mechanical vibration causes the planted concrete mixture to flow inside the cavity 210, tightly wrapping the channel forming mold rod 220 in its positioning state, and completely filling the bottom corners and edge areas of the cavity 210. By controlling the force and time of each vibration, excessive lateral thrust of the mixture on the channel forming mold rod 220 is prevented, ensuring that the channel forming mold rod 220 does not physically deviate and maintains its axis coincident with the diagonal of the cavity 210.
[0066] After pouring and vibration, the molding mold 200 containing the material is left to stand at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours. Once the hydrated concrete mixture in the cavity 210 has undergone a hydration reaction and reached initial curing strength, the fixing latches of the side restraint components are released, and the outer mold plate of the molding mold 200 is removed. Subsequently, a parallel pulling force is applied outward along the axial direction of each channel molding rod 220, i.e., along the spatial diagonal, to pull the channel molding rod 220 straight out of the initially cured porous concrete matrix. With the removal of the channel molding rod 220, eight through-tube cavities are retained in situ inside the porous concrete matrix, forming the main channels. After the extraction operation is completed, the porous concrete matrix specimen with the main channels is transferred to a standard curing room for hydration curing under the set temperature and humidity parameters until the standard age of 28 days is reached.
[0067] See attached document Figure 1 The present invention provides a slope protection method based on this vegetated concrete, which may include: The slope base surface to be protected is leveled, debris is removed, and the foundation soil layer is compacted using compaction machinery. Multiple unit modules composed of porous concrete substrates 110 are then laid in a three-dimensional array on the leveled slope base surface. The outer sides of adjacent porous concrete substrates 110 are directly attached to each other, and the corresponding entrances 120 at the geometric vertices of adjacent porous concrete substrates 110 are physically connected. This array laying operation forms a continuous vegetated concrete protective surface layer on the slope base surface, and the main channels 130 inside each porous concrete substrate 110 are interconnected at adjacent geometric vertices, forming a three-dimensional channel network covering the entire slope area.
[0068] Plant species with corresponding growth characteristics are selected based on the geological and climatic parameters of the target slope protection area. During the plant selection phase, the diameter of the primary roots of the target plants during the seedling or seed germination stage is obtained or measured. The obtained primary root diameter values are then matched with the inner diameter of the main channel 130 within the porous concrete matrix 110. The inner diameter of the main channel 130 is set within the range of 3mm to 10mm. The maximum diameter of the primary roots of the selected plants must be smaller than the inner diameter of the main channel 130 to provide physical space and ensure that the primary roots can pass through the inlet 120 without mechanical obstruction and extend longitudinally along the inner wall of the main channel 130.
[0069] Pre-prepared nutrient substrate and plant seeds are backfilled on the outer surface of the laid porous concrete substrate 110 and in the joint areas between adjacent porous concrete substrates 110. After the seeds absorb environmental moisture and germinate, their primary roots, guided by gravity and the moisture gradient of the nutrient substrate, enter the interior of the test block through the upward-facing entrance 120 on the surface of the porous concrete substrate 110. The roots grow downward along the main channel 130 with a set inclination angle and reach the geometric center of the porous concrete substrate 110, i.e., the common area 140. Subsequently, the roots branch out through the common area 140 and continue to grow along other main channels 130 facing the bottom, eventually exiting the porous concrete substrate 110 through the corresponding entrance 120 at the bottom. During the growth process, the above-ground parts of the plant seeds, with their stems and leaves penetrating the gaps between the large-diameter aggregates in the upper vegetation layer, emerge from the top surface of the porous concrete substrate 110, forming a continuous vegetation cover layer. The roots penetrate the porous concrete matrix 110 and directly penetrate into the bottom foundation soil layer. As the root diameter grows and expands and the length extends downward, an interpenetrating physical anchoring structure is established between the porous concrete matrix 110 and the slope foundation soil layer, thereby improving the anti-slip mechanical parameters of the slope protection system.
[0070] See attached document Figure 1 The present invention provides a method for vegetation concrete and slope protection with three-dimensional mesh channels, which may include the preparation process and corresponding testing and comparison steps of the following specific embodiments.
[0071] In the first specific embodiment, the molding die 200 is a cubic steel mold with an internal cavity 210 and an edge length of 150 mm. Eight cylindrical steel rods with a diameter of 5 mm and a length of 260 mm are provided as channel molding die rods 220. Before assembly, a release agent layer is applied to the outer surface of the eight channel molding die rods 220. The eight channel molding die rods 220 are fixed inside the cavity 210 of the molding die 200, so that the axis of each channel molding die rod 220 precisely coincides with the eight spatial diagonal paths inside the cavity 210, and the ends point to the corresponding mold vertex position 230. Ordinary silicate cement, liquid water, and water-reducing agent are weighed according to the set mass ratio, and a first aggregate gradation (crushed stone coarse aggregate with a particle size distribution of 5 mm to 15 mm) and a second aggregate gradation (crushed stone coarse aggregate with a particle size distribution of 15 mm to 30 mm) are prepared respectively. The materials were separately mixed evenly in a forced mixing equipment to obtain the first mix proportion of vegetation concrete for the lower main layer and the second mix proportion of vegetation concrete for the upper vegetation layer. A two-stage pouring process was adopted: first, the first mix proportion of vegetation concrete was poured into the lower area of the cavity 210 (accounting for 2 / 3 of the total height), and low-amplitude mechanical vibration was applied to form the lower main layer blank; after initial stabilization, the second mix proportion of vegetation concrete was poured into the remaining upper area of the cavity 210, and low-amplitude mechanical vibration was applied to form the upper vegetation layer blank, so that the mixture densely wrapped the channel forming mold rod 220. After initial setting, the side plate of the forming mold 200 was removed, and the channel forming mold rod 220 was pulled out straight along the diagonal direction of the space, thus leaving a main channel 130 with a diameter of 5mm inside the porous concrete matrix 110. The prepared test blocks were then placed in a standard curing room for 28 days of hydration curing.
[0072] In the second embodiment, the molding die 200 is replaced by a large-size component molding die with an internal cavity 210 having a side length of 300 mm. The length of the channel molding rods 220 is increased proportionally to the dimensions of the porous concrete matrix 110, and their diameter is adjusted to a range of 8 mm to 10 mm. A functional filling module wrapped in a water-soluble material is pre-fixed at the geometric center of the cavity 210. This functional filling module contains a mixture of pH adjuster, high-molecular water-retaining material, and microbial inoculant. When the eight channel molding rods 220 intersect at the geometric center inside the cavity 210, they pass through or physically contact the aforementioned functional filling module. The same mixture preparation, pouring, vibration, extraction, and curing procedures as in the first embodiment are performed. After the porous concrete matrix 110 is formed, water enters the interior of the porous concrete matrix 110 through the main channel 130, dissolving the water-soluble materials outside the functional filling module, thereby releasing pH regulators, polymer water-retaining materials and microbial agents in the public area 140 inside the porous concrete matrix 110, forming an internal environment node that continuously supplies plant root development.
[0073] To verify the physical and biological parameters of the above technical solution, a control group test was conducted. A set of traditional randomly porous planted concrete specimens with the same external geometric dimensions and the same overall interconnected porosity parameters were prepared as the control group. The specimens prepared in the first specific embodiment above were used as the experimental group. Standard unconfined compressive strength tests were performed on both groups of specimens. The test data showed that, under the condition that the overall interconnected porosity was controlled between 20% and 28%, the compressive strength of the porous concrete matrix 110 in the experimental group was 15% to 22% higher than that in the control group. This is because the main channels 130 inside the porous concrete matrix 110 replace part of the randomly stacked large pores, allowing the mixture to use a more reasonable aggregate gradation, thereby improving the density and mechanical bearing capacity of the matrix skeleton.
[0074] Plant penetration growth tests were conducted on the experimental and control groups of test blocks under the same environmental parameters. The same number and type of slope protection plant seeds were sown on the top surface of both groups of test blocks, and equal amounts of water and nutrient solution were applied. The time span for the primary roots of the plants to completely penetrate the test block and emerge at the bottom was observed and recorded. The test records showed that in the experimental group, the plant roots entered the main channel 130 through the inlet 120 and rapidly extended along the predetermined physical direction of the main channel 130 to exit through the bottom inlet 120. The average time period for the roots to completely penetrate the porous concrete matrix 110 was shortened by 30% to 40% compared to the control group. In the control group, due to the randomly connected internal pores, the plant roots encountered more dead ends and high-resistance bends during their extension, resulting in a reduced longitudinal penetration rate. The test results confirm that the present invention, through the pre-set structure of the main channel 130 and the common area 140, achieves specific guidance of the plant root growth direction and a reduction in the penetration period.
Claims
1. A type of vegetation concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel, characterized in that, It includes a porous concrete substrate (110), an entrance (120), a main passage (130), and a public area (140). The outer contour of the porous concrete substrate (110) is set as a cube or a cuboid, and the eight external geometric vertices of the porous concrete substrate (110) are respectively formed as the entrance (120). The porous concrete matrix (110) has eight main channels (130) formed through it. The starting end of each main channel (130) is connected to a corresponding entrance (120). The eight main channels (130) take the eight entrances (120) as independent starting points and extend along the spatial diagonal of the porous concrete matrix (110) into the internal solid space of the porous concrete matrix (110). The eight main channels (130) intersect and connect with each other at the three-dimensional geometric center of the porous concrete matrix (110) to form a common area (140) that presents a through cavity structure. Furthermore, the porous concrete matrix (110) is composed of a lower main layer and an upper vegetation layer stacked on top of each other in the vertical direction, and the aggregate particle size of the lower main layer is smaller than that of the upper vegetation layer.
2. The vegetation concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the lower main body layer accounts for 2 / 3 to 3 / 4 of the total height of the porous concrete matrix (110), and is composed of concrete with a first aggregate gradation, the aggregate particle size range being 5mm to 15mm; the thickness of the upper vegetation layer accounts for 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the total height of the porous concrete matrix (110), and is composed of concrete with a second aggregate gradation, the aggregate particle size range being 15mm to 30mm; The three-dimensional edge length of the porous concrete matrix (110) is set within the size range of 100mm to 300mm. The interconnected porosity parameter of the porous concrete matrix (110) is between 20% and 35%. The interconnected porosity parameter only refers to the proportion of pore volume generated by the accumulation of aggregate itself, and does not include the space volume of the main channel (130) reserved inside the porous concrete matrix (110).
3. The vegetated concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional geometry of the main channel (130) is set to be circular, elliptical or rectangular. When the cross-sectional geometry of the main channel (130) is circular, the cross-sectional diameter of the main channel (130) is between 3 mm and 10 mm. When the cross-sectional geometry of the main channel (130) is elliptical or rectangular, the equivalent cross-sectional diameter of the main channel (130) is between 3 mm and 10 mm. The equivalent internal diameter of the main channel (130) is greater than the equivalent internal diameter of the single micro-random pore inside the porous concrete matrix (110).
4. The vegetated concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner wall surface of the main channel (130) is formed with a textured structure. The textured structure is formed by imprinting the texture preset on the outer surface of the molding rod in situ after demolding and pulling, which increases the roughness of the inner wall surface of the main channel (130). The inner wall surface of the main channel (130) is coated with a coating structure, which is selected from either a hydrophilic coating or a biocompatible coating.
5. A type of vegetated concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The internal space of the public area (140) is provided with a functional filler. The functional filler is any one or a mixture of multiple materials selected from pH regulator, polymer water-retaining material or microbial agent. The polymer water-retaining material absorbs and stores some liquid water. The pH regulator contacts the flowing liquid water and neutralizes the alkaline substances precipitated from the porous concrete matrix (110). The microbial agent is attached to the internal solid interface of the public area (140) and uses the intercepted liquid water for biodegradation and material transformation.
6. A type of vegetation concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel according to claim 1, characterized in that, A single porous concrete matrix (110) is an independent unit module. Multiple unit modules are arrayed and flatly assembled along the inclined and horizontal directions of the slope base surface to be protected. Adjacent unit modules are directly attached to each other through the outer plane of the porous concrete matrix (110). The geometric vertices of adjacent unit modules overlap and align with each other in spatial coordinates. The geometric vertices of eight adjacent porous concrete matrices (110) converge at the same spatial node. The entrances (120) of each of the eight adjacent unit modules are in contact with each other and establish a direct communication structure for fluid and solid extension.
7. A slope protection method for vegetated concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel, characterized in that, A vegetation concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel as described in any one of claims 1-6 includes the following steps: Level the slope base surface to be protected, remove debris from the slope base surface, and compact the foundation soil layer using compaction machinery; Multiple porous concrete substrates (110) are laid out in a three-dimensional array on the leveled slope base surface. The outer sides of adjacent porous concrete substrates (110) are directly attached to each other, and the entrances (120) at the geometric vertices of adjacent porous concrete substrates (110) are connected to form a three-dimensional channel network covering the entire slope area. Pre-made nutrient substrate and plant seeds are backfilled in the gaps between large-diameter aggregates penetrating the surface of the upper vegetation layer of the completed porous concrete matrix (110) and in the splicing gaps of adjacent porous concrete matrices (110). After the plant seed germinates, the primary root system of the plant seed is guided by gravity and the water gradient of the nutrient substrate, and enters the interior through the upward-facing entrance (120) of the porous concrete matrix (110). It grows downward along the main channel (130) with a set inclination angle and reaches the geometric center, i.e., the common area (140). Then, it is diverted through the common area (140) and continues to grow along other main channels (130) facing the bottom. Finally, it exits the porous concrete matrix (110) from the corresponding entrance (120) at the bottom and directly penetrates into the foundation soil layer at the bottom. During the growth process, the above-ground part of the plant seed passes through the gaps between the large-diameter aggregates in the upper vegetation layer and emerges from the top surface of the porous concrete matrix (110) to form a continuous vegetation cover layer.
8. A slope protection method for vegetated concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel according to claim 7, characterized in that, Before the step of backfilling the pre-prepared nutrient substrate and the plant seeds, the method further includes: Select plant species with corresponding growth characteristics based on the geological and climatic parameters of the target slope protection area, obtain or measure the primary root diameter of the target plant during the seedling stage or seed germination stage, match the obtained primary root diameter with the inner diameter of the main channel (130), and control the maximum diameter of the primary root of the target plant to be smaller than the inner diameter of the main channel (130) to provide accommodation space.
9. A slope protection method for vegetated concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel according to claim 7, characterized in that, Prior to the three-dimensional array laying step, the vegetated concrete with three-dimensional mesh channels is pre-prepared through the following procedures: A molding die (200) is provided, and a functional filling module wrapped with water-soluble material is pre-fixed at the three-dimensional geometric center of the cavity (210) which defines the shape of the outer contour of the porous concrete matrix (110). Eight removable channel molding rods (220) are provided, such that the central axis of the eight channel molding rods (220) is completely coincident with the eight spatial diagonals of the cavity (210). One end is fixed at the corresponding mold vertex position (230), and the other inner end is in contact with the functional filling module, so as to form the common area (140) in situ after water dissolution. A two-stage pouring process is adopted: the first mix proportion of the planted concrete mixture is poured into the lower area of the cavity (210) to form the blank of the lower main layer, and then vibrated to compact it; after the lower blank is initially stabilized, the second mix proportion of the planted concrete mixture containing large-diameter aggregate is poured into the remaining upper area of the cavity (210) to form the blank of the upper planted layer, and multiple low-amplitude mechanical vibrations are applied after each layer is filled to ensure good bonding at the interface between the two layers; After the planted concrete mixture in the cavity (210) undergoes a hydration reaction and reaches initial curing strength, the outer mold plate of the molding mold (200) is removed, and a parallel pulling force is applied outward along the diagonal direction of the cavity (210) to pull out the channel molding rod (220) in a straight line, leaving eight through tubular cavities in situ inside the porous concrete matrix (110) to form the main channel (130).
10. A slope protection method for vegetated concrete with a three-dimensional mesh channel according to claim 7, characterized in that, Under the influence of gravity, external liquid water located on the top surface of the porous concrete matrix (110) is injected from the top inlet (120). The external liquid water flows from top to bottom along the inclined inner wall of the main channel (130) to the common area (140), and then continues to flow downward through the four main channels (130) in the lower half until it flows out from the four inlets (120) at the bottom. This guides the primary root system to penetrate from the top surface of the porous concrete matrix (110) to the bottom surface by following the inclined space of the main channel (130), thus establishing an interpenetrating anchoring structure between the porous concrete matrix (110) and the foundation soil layer.