QR codes made of concrete slabs
It is worth having a closer look at the landscape design around the Mathematikon educational and research building in Heidelberg: The patterns of the anthracite-colored and medium gray concrete slabs are reminiscent of bar and QR codes. Conventional bar codes consist of a series of black bars of varying widths, QR codes (quick response codes) consists of a square matrix of black and white square dots; both systems are used for the labeling of goods so that they can be read in and found automatically and particularly fast.
The architectural office for landscape architecture “faktorgruen” was responsible for paving and furnishing of the public space. The large-sized concrete slabs, which were selected for designing the outdoor space, were supplied by Lithonplus.
According to the manufacturer, the “Rupal” concrete slabs with a thickness of 14 cm and an anti-slip surface feature an enormous load capacity. Moreover, integrally molded indentations avoid any displacement. The concrete elements, which are grinded to height, calibrated and provided with a high-quality finish, are laid in Heidelberg so as to ensure their reliable resting in the bedding. The bedding material, developed by the companies Lithonplus and Heidelberger Sand & Kies, is distinguished by an especially adjusted grading curve and the low fines contents compared to previous bedding materials for paving areas, concerning the workability and technical performance.
Tailor-made sample area
“It is extraordinarily durable and has a stabilizing effect,” says Alexander Eichler, head of the technical department of Lithonplus. “The challenges in planning resulted in a lot of discussions for coordination between the parties involved in the construction project and the technical presale,” he remembers. Within this dialog we were able to find and implement surprisingly simple and convincing solutions simultaneously regarding the various fields of application required for the outdoor facilities.
The manufacturer of the concrete slabs did the preliminary work for the landscape architects concerning the assumed load in terms of statics for different sections of application. Hence, the technical department of Lithonplus, for example, dimensioned the slabs of the supplier access for the retail stores included in the Mathematikon in building section B; they calculated the four-dimensional load and gave approval. The processor benefited from a detailed paver laying training with individual support provided at the Eggenstein factory. In this way, designed outdoor facilities have been created that emphasize the high architectural value of the building structure.
