Commercial Driveway Apron, Street Speed Bump, City Crosswalk
Porphyry Cubes are an ideal material to use where heavy traffic loads will be present and the beauty of natural stone is required by the design. Below is an installation technique for those type of areas completed by Buena Vista Masonry,Santa Fe,New Mexico. It is an example of rigid installation. This area is traversed by forklift traffic all day and garbage trucks pulling dumpsters. The axle load weights over this area replicate a city street’s daily requirements.
Laying
After preparation of the sub base and compaction, Copper Mountain Porphyry cubes (3 ¼” to 4¼” on all sides) are laid in a mortar mud base and leveled up to finished grade. The stone is laid in parallel rows with offset joints. Notice the only tools required – Stone hammer and chisel, trowel and level.
Grout Material
After the hardening of the mortar base, it is time to apply the grout material. This is a mix of water, cement and sand. It is mixed to the consistency of a vey thick milk shake.
Grouting
The main tool for the grouting is an ordinary rubber squeegee that will allow the material to be worked into the joints and not leaving much of it on the surface.
Clean-up
Before the mixture is completely dry, clean water and a sponge will clean the surface of the Porphyry. The inherent low absorption characteristic of the stone makes this part of the process even easier.
Finished
The finished area is allowed to set-up and dry before introducing traffic to it.
Porphyry’s composition determines its high compression strength, resistance to stains, slip resistance, and high freeze/thaw ratings. The stone is the most popular paver in Europe, and is favored for its flexibility in design, beauty, durability and low maintenance requirements. ADA Compliant Porphyry pavers are also adaptable to a permeable paving set. The stone is by far one of the most durable pavers in the world. These materials are available from Milestone Imports. – www.milestoneimports.com
