Molding process for forming a concrete paving block

Abstract

A molded and cured concrete paving member for paving driveways, walkways, patios, plazas and the like, comprising portland cement, a coal slag aggregate, water and an acrylic additive. The blend is poured into a non-porous, high gloss polyvinylchloride (PVC) mold in a relative dry mix and is vibrated to drive the portland cement to the bottom of the mold and to suspend the aggregate into chemical suspension. This also drives the lighter weight water to the top of the molding configuration, which top, due to the configuration or orientation of the mold, ultimately becomes the bottom of the paving member. The molding is accomplished while hanging from a frame in a so-called bag mold so that when the concrete expands and contracts in the relatively flexible mold during the hydration curing process a bond of the concrete to the PVC mold is maintained. The non-porosity of the high gloss mold surface and induced vibration pull the portland cement to the bottom of the mold cavity and suspend the aggregate. This, then, gives rise to an advantageous high gloss ceramic-like finish.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.