Outdoor AC paving

[ritotron]

Hi,
I'm trying to come up with some solution for specific client's request in UAE.
Desired plaza (70 x 70 m) shall have cool air raising from paving.

Strategy is to have 200 x 200 x 60 mm granite tiles without grouting to allow air to come through. Below concrete structures acting as a base (section: flat top mushroom, plan: rectangular) also allow the cool air to be evenly distributed for the whole area. Than brought above.

The problem I have is to spread the air beneath the granite tiles and how to anchor them (chemical / mechanical).

Also must withstand:
- light vehicular traffic (meaning light usage)
- 40t fire truck, max. 5t tire load (possible not regular)

Thanks,
r.

 

[Debaser]

My first thought is is there any proprietary product that you could seat these slabs into, whilst providing an air gap around and underneath them? I'm thinking along the lines of the cellular plastic matrices that are usually used to hold small patches of grass and soil and give them some additional load bearing capacity.

 

[hokie66]

Maybe something like this? 200 x 200 might be a bit small for the pavers. The fire truck access will be the main structural problem with this type system.

Don't know about the cool air. Sounds crazy, but anything seems possible in the UAE when enough money is thrown at it.

 

[ritotron]

Appreciate your comments guys.

Debaser: I have been thinking about using following cell available on the market
Link
However even if the empty Turf Cell 52mm has a crush load of 148 T/m2  the manufacturer doesn't recommend installation of empty cell... (yet)

hokie66: Small tiles are used purposely. Still bigger than mosaic . And don't let me start on patterns...

Considering the cell can be used empty I'm in stage of exploring sufficient anchoring system:
1. mechanical fixing - anchor bolts shall be not visible, has to fit into the gap between tiles < 10mm)
2. chemical - Henkel Polybit will do some destructive testing for us but I'm concerned if they will simulate or consider real conditions (mainly the sudden temp drop which to my estimate will be approx. 30^oC


r.

 

[Debaser]

You'd think some architect would have tried this before, possibly with water replacing the air, to give the effect of floating pads, and that there is some product out there to replace the usual mortar or sand bed, etc.

 

[Debaser]

I was thinking along the lines of this, but the side walls of each cell appear solid, so air couldn't permeate the whole floor.

http://www.gridforce.co.uk/ground-reinforcement-products.html

 

[civilman72]

Possbily using an open "tank" below the road may work. The attached link may give you some ideas.

 

[hokie66]

Not sure why my link didn't work before. Something like these stools was what I meant.

http://www.elmich.com.au/projects/beaumonde.php

 

[ritotron]

Above ideas are nice but not applicable due to stage and scope of work.

The concrete base is fixed and not part of our design.

Attached are some sketches to give you a better idea of my proposal.

hokie66: I like this method however the freely (loosely) laid tiles may he a problem while driving over.

 

[ritotron]

chemical fixing

 

[roncity]

How about using sloted storm water drain pipes fitted with blowers?
See

http://www.conteches.com/Products/Pipe/Corrugated-Metal-CMP/Slotted-Drain.aspx

 

[ritotron]

Roncity, thanks for your input.

Perforated pipe has been considered in the initial stage. However this wouldn't sort out the issue with fixing the granite paving on the sub-layers.