How to Test Water Absorption in a Paver Block

Saturation Co-efficient

• 1). Weigh the dry paver block on a scale to determine its weight. You will later compare this weight to the weight of the paver after it has been exposed to water to determine the saturation co-efficient of the block. The saturation co-efficient is a key element in the durability of the block and how well it will withstand the elements.
  
  
• 2). Submerge the block for 24 hours in a container of water that is at room temperature.
  
  
• 3). Remove the block and weigh it. Subtract the dry weight of the block from the weight of the block after it had been submerged in water.
  
  
• 4). Heat water to boiling and submerge the block in continuously boiling water for 5 hours.
  
  
• 5). Remove the block from the water and weigh it. Subtract the dry weight from the weight of the block after absorption.
  
  
• 6). Divide the results of the 24 hour room temperature trial by the results of the 5 hour boiling trail. This will result in a percentage. For example, if the weight difference of the 24 hour test was 100 grams and the weight of the 5 hour boiling test was 140 grams, the difference is 71 percent. The higher this percentage is the more durable the block is.
  
  

Initial Absorption

• 1). Weigh the dry paver block to get an initial weight.
  
  
• 2). Submerge the block in water for one minute and then immediately remove it.
  
  
• 3). Weigh the block again after the minute has expired. Subtract the difference in rates. This provides the initial absorption rate. This is used to determine how to apply mortar to the block. The paver will immediately draw water from the mortar as soon as it is applied. Paver blocks that absorb over 30 grams of water per minute must be made wet prior to installation, just like a traditional brick.