Process Part II - Testing paver strength

Once we selected the concrete ratios for our conventional concrete mix and wood-aggregate mix we made several attempts at creating sample 2-layer pavers. There were a few flops:

but we eventually created a 2-layer paver using the mixes we selected earlier in the process.

Once this paver had a few days to cure we tested its strength.

Although this is the mix we will be using, we decided to make our paver in two sections instead of pouring it at once into two layers. The impermeable layer, 1/2" thick, will be cast first, then set into the mold before we cast the wood-aggregate layer, so that the impermeable layer will be set into the wood-aggregate layer.

While we were working on perfecting our concrete mix we were also getting our formwork ready. We decided on a paver in the shape of a Ginkgo leaf.

With the formwork complete, the next step was to test it! We poured three impermeable, 1/2" pavers and are waiting for them to dry to see if they are a success!

If they come out, the next step will be to insert them into the mold and pour the wood-aggregate concrete over them.