Multi-Layer Concrete Block for Evaporative Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete paving blocks face issues with waterlogging and limited evaporation properties, leading to delayed evaporation and potential damage during freeze/thaw cycles, and require significant substrate preparation, increasing costs and work.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing a concrete block with a multi-layered structure, comprising a water-impermeable top layer, a water-permeable middle layer for water absorption and storage, and a third layer with reduced water permeability to prevent oversaturation, allowing moisture from the bedding material to be absorbed and evaporated effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an impermeable third layer is arranged on the underside of the concrete block to prevent waterlogging in the second layer, then water storage capacity is improved, but evaporation properties are limited and waterlogging occurs during freeze-thaw cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different permeability characteristics in different layers: the second layer (core) has high permeability for water absorption and storage, while the third layer (underside) has reduced permeability to prevent excessive water accumulation. This localized differentiation of material properties allows the block to simultaneously store water effectively while preventing waterlogging that would impair evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the permeability parameter across different layers of the concrete block. The second layer is designed with high permeability (open-pore concrete) to maximize water absorption, while the third layer has modified permeability characteristics to regulate water discharge. This parameter variation enables optimal water storage while maintaining evaporation capacity and preventing waterlogging during freeze-thaw cycles.
2Reliability
If a multi-layered structure with impermeable layers is used to improve water absorption and storage, then evaporation cooling effect is enhanced, but substrate preparation requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water absorption, storage, and evaporation functions into a single integrated concrete block structure with multi-layered construction. The first layer (facing concrete) provides surface protection and aesthetics, the second layer (open-pore core concrete) provides water absorption and storage, and the third layer (reduced permeability concrete) provides water regulation. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate substrate preparations and allows the block to function as a complete evaporative cooling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining different concrete types with varying permeability characteristics in a single block. The facing concrete, open-pore core concrete, and reduced permeability concrete work together as a composite structure that achieves optimal evaporation cooling while simplifying installation. This composite approach integrates multiple functions into one product, reducing the need for extensive substrate preparation.
3Reliability
If the third layer has reduced water permeability to prevent oversaturation, then waterlogging is prevented, but moisture absorption from bedding material is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The third layer acts as an intermediary between the second layer (high permeability core) and the bedding material. It regulates moisture transfer by allowing controlled absorption from the bedding layer while preventing excessive water accumulation in the second layer. This intermediate layer with reduced permeability balances the competing requirements of moisture absorption and waterlogging prevention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enhances evaporation properties, prevents waterlogging and damage from freeze/thaw cycles, and improves the urban heat island effect by increasing water evaporation, while reducing the need for extensive substrate preparation.
Implementation Method 1
The second concrete block layer arranged between the first and third concrete block layers is designed to absorb and store water
Implementation Method 2
the third concrete block layer forms the concrete block underside, which is provided for resting on a bedding layer of a substrate... the third layer is designed as an impermeable layer... The impermeability of the third layer leads to waterlogging in the second layer
Implementation Method 3
it is already known to increase water evaporation, since evaporation of water is known to produce evaporative cooling... there is a need for surface coverings that are able to absorb and store water and release the temporarily stored water back into the environment through evaporation when exposed to heat
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a concrete block (1) comprising at least one multi-layered concrete block body (2) with at least one flat concrete block underside (2.1) and a substantially flat concrete block upperside (2.2) opposite it, wherein the concrete block body (2) has at least one first concrete block layer (2a) forming the concrete block upperside (2.2), at least one water-permeable second concrete block layer (2b) adjoining the first concrete block layer (2a), and a third concrete block layer (2c) immediately adjoining the second concrete block layer (2b), wherein the third concrete block layer (2c) forms the concrete block underside (2.1), which is provided for resting on a bedding layer (3) of a substrate, and wherein the second concrete block layer (2b) arranged between the first and third concrete block layers (2a, 2c) is designed to absorb and store water.Advantageously, after providing formwork, in a first step to produce the third layer of concrete blocks (2c), which has a lower water permeability compared to the second layer (2b), fine aggregate- and/or sand-rich concrete is placed in the formwork. In a subsequent second step to produce the water-permeable second layer (2b), porous core concrete is additionally placed in the formwork, and in a third step to produce a third layer (2a), facing concrete is placed in the formwork, whereby the placed concrete material is subsequently compacted.