Ceramics on concrete hits bull’s eye

After extensive research, MBI succeeded in making a connection between two materials that previously seemed impossible. This Dutch invention GeoCeramica® is “ceramics on concrete”. This new type of decorative paving reduces the construction costs of ceramics by 50%, because a special load-bearing foundation is already applied during the production process. The growing demand for outdoor ceramic tiles was a reason for paving specialist MBI to use its knowledge of concrete and production techniques for the development of this unique combination of a concrete tile with a ceramic top layer. The patents have been applied for and interest has already been shown from Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany.

Decorative paving market

The range for the garden is large and can be divided into three categories: concrete, ceramic and natural stone. Each category has its own range of features and characteristics. This also means that a certain processing method is coupled with a related price level. Concrete has the largest market share, partly due to the relatively simple processing method. Ceramics have been gaining ground over natural stone because of the convenience. However, ceramics has the major disadvantage that a labour-intensive, and therefore expensive, foundation must be installed. It is also not suitable for every soil type. A combination of a concrete tile and ceramics is the ideal solution.

Technical challenge

Combining two different materials represents a technical challenge. Firstly to connect the materials in a sustainable way and secondly, this connection must be maintained under all circumstances such as moisture, frost and heat. Previously, a construction seemed impossible, given the different properties of both materials. The shrinkage and expansion differences seemed insurmountable.

However, a new concrete recipe offers the solution. By allowing the concrete mixture to adhere to the ceramic in a moist state with the addition of an activation liquid, a very durable connection is also created. This innovative production process is called the Stabikorn® system.

The best of both worlds

With the invention of GeoCeramica®, a completely new category of decorative paving has been introduced that offers many advantages. The qualitative properties of ceramics and the relatively simple processing of concrete. After a controlled test period, production has since been scaled up further. The collection, which will be fully available at the end of April, contains 23 different designs. Of which 3 designs will also be suitable for heavy loads as a driveway.