Choosing the right flooring for various environments, particularly hospitals, is crucial. This decision impacts not only the aesthetic appeal of the space but also its safety and hygiene. In this note, we will provide a comprehensive introduction to different types of flooring, outlining the benefits and features of each. Additionally, we will highlight key considerations for selecting the best option for specific settings such as hospitals and medical centers.
Stone flooring offers numerous advantages and features that make it a popular choice for many homeowners. Here are some key points to consider:
Onyx is a highly popular and beautiful flooring material, renowned for its attractive and glossy appearance. It is commonly used in luxurious environments, such as hotel lobbies and hospitals, where a stunning effect is desired. The diverse colors and exquisite designs of Onyx can enhance any space. Additionally, Onyx exhibits good resistance to abrasion and scratches; however, it requires special care due to its sensitivity to acidic substances.
Granite is a popular flooring material, especially suitable for high-traffic areas such as hospitals, stores, and public spaces due to its excellent resistance to impact and abrasion. It comes in a wide variety of colors and designs, making it easy to coordinate with any decor. In addition to its durability, granite is an outstanding choice for healthcare and industrial environments because of its resistance to heat and chemicals.
Travertine is a natural stone commonly used for flooring because of its small pores and unique texture. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces, making it an excellent choice for residential and commercial environments due to its warm and natural appearance.
Available in a wide variety of colors, travertine can complement any interior design style. Additionally, this stone demonstrates good resistance to various weather conditions.
Limestone is one of the oldest and most popular building stones, making it an excellent choice for flooring due to its soft and uniform texture.
This stone is primarily used in interior spaces such as rooms, halls, and residential areas. Its soft, natural colors can create a sense of peace and comfort in any environment. However, limestone requires special care and maintenance to preserve its beauty and durability.
Onyx is one of the most beautiful types of stone, primarily composed of calcium carbonate. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, which are the result of different minerals present in the stone. Onyx is highly valued for its smooth and shiny surface, heat resistance, and ability to be polished to a high sheen. Its applications are diverse and include flooring, wall coverings, stairs, as well as artistic works and sculptures.
Marble is a type of metamorphic rock that forms from the metamorphism of limestone. The primary mineral in marble is calcite, which crystallizes during this process and creates this valuable stone.
The characteristic veins found in marble are caused by the presence of various impurities in the main mineral, such as silica, mica, iron oxide, graphite, or calcareous materials.
Interestingly, many people appreciate these veins, as they add beauty and uniqueness to the marble, often preferring them over plain, vein-free marble. The color of marble is influenced by the quantity and type of these impurities.
Elegant and Shiny Stones
These beautiful and shiny stones are an excellent choice for enhancing living spaces. They can be used not only in homes but also in office environments, conference rooms, and meeting areas, making them an ideal option for creating a polished and professional identity.
While the stunning appearance of these stones may initially give off a sense of luxury and high cost, many types of marble can actually be purchased at more affordable prices compared to other decorative stones.
Reasonable Price
The price of marble is particularly favorable, making it an important choice in commercial and economic contexts. Among the various ornamental stones used in construction, marbles generally have the most reasonable price—though this can vary for different types of marble.
This affordability can be attributed to several factors: the abundance and variety of these stones, the discovery of numerous marble mines in different regions of the Earth’s crust, and advancements in cutting and carving techniques that lower excavation costs.
Easy Cleaning Ability
Marble has a smooth and polished surface, which makes it very easy to clean.
Categories of marble stone based on the intensity of alteration:
Granite stone is one of the most widely used materials in high-traffic and industrial environments because of its exceptional resistance to abrasion, impact, and heat.
This igneous rock is characterized by its coarse grains and durable texture, which is composed of a mixture of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Due to its durability and longevity, granite is an excellent choice for flooring, kitchen countertops, stairs, and historical monuments.
Travertine stone is characterized by its natural porosity and is formed from mineral deposits. Available in a variety of natural colors, it has a matte texture that enhances the beauty of both indoor and outdoor spaces. Due to its high resistance to temperature fluctuations and weather conditions, travertine is an excellent choice for building facades, flooring, and both interior and exterior wall coverings.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate. It is widely used in the construction industry due to its ease of cutting and carving. This stone comes in various natural colors and generally has a softer texture compared to other types of stone. Common uses for limestone include wall coverings, flooring, cement production, and even sculpture.
When selecting floor stones for hospitals, it is essential to consider specific criteria that ensure hygiene, safety, and durability.
The first important factor is the stone’s resistance to chemicals, as hospitals frequently use strong disinfectants and cleaners. Additionally, the stone should have a non-slip surface to minimize the risk of slipping and falling.
Stones used in hospitals need to be easy to clean and disinfect. They should have minimal pores to prevent the buildup of bacteria and germs.
Additionally, the flooring stones in hospitals must be highly resistant to abrasion and impact to endure the heavy foot traffic of people and medical equipment.
Granite is one of the best options for hospital flooring. It is highly resistant to abrasion and chemicals, making it ideal for high-traffic environments like hospitals.
Another popular choice is marble, known for its smooth surface and ease of disinfection. Travertine stone may also be used in some areas of hospitals due to its attractive appearance and reasonable resistance; however, it requires more care and maintenance compared to granite and marble.
Additionally, high-quality ceramics that offer good resistance and durability can serve as a suitable alternative to natural stone in hospital settings.
When selecting floor stones for medical centers, it is crucial to consider several key factors:
By keeping these points in mind, you can make a more informed decision when choosing floor stones for medical centers.
Incorporating decorative stones in hospital environments can significantly enhance both the beauty and tranquility of the space.
Natural stones, with their diverse colors and patterns, create a sense of nature that contributes to a calming atmosphere.
Research indicates that the presence of natural elements in treatment settings can reduce stress and improve satisfaction for both patients and staff. Therefore, selecting the right decorative stones can enhance the overall hospital experience and foster a more pleasant environment.
Decorative stones serve various purposes in hospital settings. One of their primary applications is in flooring. Natural stones like marble and granite are excellent choices for hospital floors because of their durability and aesthetic appeal.
Additionally, these stones are easy to clean and maintain, making them hygienic options for healthcare environments.
In addition to flooring, decorative stones can also be utilized for hospital interior wall coverings. Walls adorned with natural stones provide a stylish and relaxing atmosphere in treatment environments.
Furthermore, these wall coverings are durable and require minimal maintenance. Another application of decorative stones is in the construction of hospital tables and countertops.
These surfaces are hygienic and practical due to their resistance to scratches and dirt, while also enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space. Choosing natural stones for these surfaces can help create a beautiful and soothing environment that is beneficial for both patients and hospital staff.
Lastly, decorative stones can play a role in designing green spaces and outdoor areas of hospitals.
Incorporating natural stones into walkways, streams, and gardens can evoke a sense of nature and tranquility, improving the experience for patients and visitors alike.
One of the most important factors to consider when buying paving stones is the budget and associated costs. Paving stones are available in a wide range of prices and qualities. Establishing your budget before making a purchase will help you select the best option based on your financial limitations.
Additionally, remember to factor in installation and maintenance costs, as these will contribute to the overall expense you need to consider.
The quality of the flooring stone is a crucial factor that will significantly influence your choice.
Different types of stone have varying characteristics, including resistance to abrasion, water absorption, and durability against environmental conditions.
It’s essential to assess these characteristics and select a stone that aligns with your needs and the specific environmental conditions. Additionally, it is advisable to closely observe and compare various stone samples to make the best decision.
Selecting a reputable place to buy stones and finding trustworthy suppliers is crucial. Reliable suppliers typically offer quality products along with excellent after-sales service.
To ensure a good purchase, it’s important to research and read reviews from previous customers, which can help you identify dependable suppliers.
Additionally, visiting reputable exhibitions and stores can provide valuable insights into the different types of stones available.
When it comes to purchasing stones, it’s essential to choose reputable suppliers. Reliable suppliers typically provide quality products and excellent after-sales service.
Before making a purchase, it’s a good idea to research and read reviews from previous customers to ensure you’re selecting a trustworthy supplier.
Additionally, visiting well-regarded exhibitions and stores can offer valuable insight into the different types of stones available.
The recent surge in construction projects across the country has led to the rapid development of luxurious buildings, including hospitals.
In their quest to keep up with this trend, many hospitals are being designed with hundreds of beds, often mimicking the styles and features of office, commercial, and residential buildings.
However, this approach neglects the specific standards and requirements necessary for hospital and laboratory environments.
One significant concern is the use of granite in both the facades and interiors of these facilities.
Granite is a stone highly valued by civil engineers and contractors due to its unique and beneficial properties.
These characteristics result from the specific and complex processes involved in the formation of granite.
Given the abundant resources of this stone in the country, it is widely used in hospitals and laboratories for flooring, hallways, corridors, and platforms.
These features make granite a popular choice for various applications in construction and design.
The noteworthy point regarding this stone is its radioactive properties.
Recent research indicates that when this stone is placed in environments with x-ray and gamma radiation, magnetic fields, and strong chemicals, it emits radioactive waves.
This emission occurs periodically and follows specific time curves, with each element contributing to particular types of pollution and cancer-related diseases. Consequently, since 2004, the use of such stones in hospitals and laboratories has been prohibited in European and American countries.
To prevent the irreparable damage caused by these materials, it is crucial not to use such stones in closed environments that contain radiation and strong chemicals.
Radioactive radiation is extremely dangerous and harmful, and the serious effects of this invisible radiation have been highlighted repeatedly.
It poses a threat not only to the present generation but also to future generations. Currently, in most developed countries, ceramics made from clay and standard ceramic glazes are preferred.
These ceramics are free from contamination, offer significantly higher resistance to impact and specific radiation, and can withstand physical and chemical shocks. Furthermore, they adhere to environmental standards and do not pose risks to employees working in these settings.
Polymer stone, commonly referred to as engineered stone, cement plast, or polymer cement, is an artificial stone made using nanomaterials and polymer compounds.
The process involves adding nanomaterials to natural stones, which triggers polymerization and alters the structure of cement and other minerals.
This results in the crystallization of cement and the formation of a crystalline network.
This network exhibits several beneficial properties, including hydrophobicity, surface cohesion, high compressive strength, and overall strength.
Polymer stone is considered a modern construction material and is produced by utilizing cement concrete. The polymer structure and additives improve the adhesion between components, enhancing the material’s resistance.
The color of polymer stone is created using iron oxide pigments, which are highly resistant to alkalis and ultraviolet radiation.
With a very high density, this artificial stone is a type of self-compacting concrete, achieving its density through polymerization and a vibration process.
The production of polymer stone involves materials such as cement, aggregates, sand, lubricants, water, and chemical pigments. Together, these components enhance the stone’s overall properties.
Chemical additives and polymer compounds significantly enhance the adhesion and cohesion of stone materials. As a result, engineered or polymer stone is highly resistant and durable, making it suitable for various applications due to its wide range of designs and colors.
This stone weighs significantly less than artificial stones, making it easy to transport and use quickly.
The special materials and compounds used in the production of this stone enhance its insulation properties.
These materials effectively prevent the transmission of sound and heat, which helps to significantly reduce energy waste.
There is no darkness on the surface of polymer stone. This material has a high molecular density, which means it lacks both continuous and discontinuous holes in its texture.
As a result, water and dust cannot penetrate it, preventing any dark spots from forming. Additionally, the texture of polymer stone is highly resistant to sunlight and acid rain.
Thanks to modern technology and a special formulation used in the production of polymer stone, this material boasts high resistance and strength.
It is designed to adhere securely to a variety of surfaces. Once installed, polymer stone remains firmly attached to the building surface, eliminating any risk of separation or detachment.
Polymer stones are molded into various dimensions and sizes, eliminating the need for cutting.
This type of stone is available in a wide variety of designs and colors. Depending on the application requirements in the desired location, the formulation of its composite materials can be adjusted, allowing the stones to be produced in different shapes.
Polymer stone is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It serves as wall and floor coverings in interior design, as well as a facing stone for building facades.
The market price of natural stones is quite high. In contrast, polymer stones are more affordable and offer similar beauty, design, and colors to natural stones.
Water penetration into the texture of natural stones can lead to freezing during cold seasons. As the water freezes, the stone contracts and expands, resulting in cracks and breaks.
In contrast, polymer stones are highly resistant to temperature fluctuations, weather changes, and water penetration, thanks to their special formulation.
In conclusion, selecting the appropriate flooring stone for different environments, particularly hospitals, requires careful consideration of several factors, including durability, longevity, aesthetic appeal, and the specific applications of each type of stone.
Marble and granite are strong candidates among flooring options due to their unique characteristics, which offer both beauty and strength, as well as resistance to various conditions.
In hospital settings, it is crucial to choose flooring stones that comply with health and safety standards. Stones with high resistance to abrasion, impact, and chemicals are the ideal choice.
Additionally, incorporating decorative stones can enhance the beauty of the space and create a calming atmosphere, which is essential for both patients and hospital staff.
Finally, when purchasing flooring stones, it is important to consider budget and costs.
Researching and reviewing customer feedback, as well as finding a reliable supplier, can help you avoid potential issues and select the best options for your needs.
By following these tips, you can choose the right quality flooring for various environments, including hospitals.
In light of this, it is important to examine the stones available in the Iranian market.
Patak Shibkouh marble stands out as one of the few stone mines whose physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics exceed the national standards of Iran in every respect.
**Introduction: **
Exploration activities at this mine commenced with the issuance of exploration permit number 35395/11 on 2nd August 1387.
Following these exploration efforts, a discovery certificate, number 37436, was issued on 13th September 1389. Subsequently, an exploitation permit number 52990/10 was granted on 22nd December 1389, allowing the mine to begin exploitation and extraction, which has continued since that time.
After the issuance of the exploitation permit, access roads were constructed to connect various outcrops throughout the mine, encompassing twenty kilometers of mountain roads within the area.
To date, six working shafts have been opened in the mine, with two of these shafts currently in operation. Recognizing that transportation costs significantly affect the final pricing and competitiveness in the market, the processing and production of the final product were prioritized from the outset.
As a result, a decorative stone processing and stone artifact production unit has been established and is now operational alongside the main transit road of Bandar Abbas, within the Manojan Industrial Park.
This mine is situated in the southern part of Kerman province, approximately 55 km southwest of Kahnouj city, 27 km north of Manojan city, and 3 km southeast of Patak Shibkouh village in the Asminon district. The access road to this area branches off to the right from the Kahnouj-Manojan asphalt road and continues for 12 km along a dirt road, leading to the first outcrops of porcelain stoneware in the southernmost portion of the area.
The climate of the area where this mine is located is characterized as hot and dry, according to Iran’s climatic divisions. Annual rainfall is low and unpredictable, typically falling in the form of heavy showers.
The rocky elevations in the region overlook the village of Patak Shibkouh and the Nodzh district. Vegetation is sparse, primarily consisting of shrubs and annual plants. The main asphalt road connecting Manojan to Kahnouj serves as the most significant route to this area. The nearest residential centers to the mine are the village of Patak Shibkouh and the Nodzh district.
The area of this mine is situated within the geological maps of Kahnouj and Nodzh, specifically the 100,000 scale.
It encompasses highlands composed of recrystallized limestones, which belong to the Upper Cretaceous metamorphic units known as the Bajgan Complex.
This complex is located on the southeastern edge of the Nodzh map and the southwestern edge of the Kahnouj map.
The rock outcrops of the Bajgan Complex are divided into seven sub-assemblages, with the mineral in question classified within the K2 sub-assemblage of this complex.
Unit K2 consists of massive metamorphosed limestones that exhibit a polygonal granoplastic texture, which signifies high temperature and low deformation.
The primary mineral in these rocks is calcite, commonly referred to as porcelain stone or marble in the Iranian market. The color of these rocks varies, ranging from milky white and bone yellow to cloudy gray.
In this mine, these limestone formations maintain their original layered structure and are deposited in layers that exceed 100 meters in thickness, gently sloping towards the east and alternating with layers of schist.
The schist layers, along with thin and fragmented rock layers, contribute to the mine tailings, which can be recycled as waste rock during mining operations.
The mineral in this area consists of metamorphosed limestone from the Bejgan complex, which dates back to the Upper Cretaceous period.
These limestone layers vary in thickness and slope gently to the east among black schists. Mining activities have revealed that when these layers are thin and alternately situated with schists, most of the extracted rock is recovered as rubble.
However, in areas where the limestone layers are thick and occur in substantial masses, we can obtain aggregates of desired dimensions.
Although the initial estimate for the mine reserve was recorded as small, the extensive mineral outcrops in the area indicate that, now that access has been improved, it likely contains very rich and valuable reserves.
This area features twelve kilometers of dirt road connecting the Manojan Industrial Estate, where the processing plant is located, to the mine entrance.
Additionally, approximately twelve kilometers of internal roads have been constructed to access other significant outcrops. These roads have been built in a mountainous region, requiring extensive cutting and side cutting.
Currently, the mine extracts high-quality slate, available in dark to cloudy gray colors. Due to the extraordinary mineral reserves, there are plans to explore the extraction of different colors and backgrounds if market demand increases.
The mineral is extracted using an open-pit method, employing diamond wire cutting machines in a stepped manner. No explosives are used for waste removal; instead, mechanical devices handle this process. While this method is
more costly than explosive operations, it protects the integrity of the rock layers by avoiding the application of explosive stress.
The area’s geological features, including the location of rock outcrops and the presence of nearby valleys, create favorable conditions for the efficient removal of waste and waste rocks, eliminating the need for additional transportation.
The products from this mine meet all the requirements of the Iranian national standards for use in various construction and industrial projects.
The level of chemical purity is crucial to ensure that dolomite is absent from the stone. Over time, the presence of dolomite can lead to water absorption, causing the stone to become bald and flaky. This not only damages the stone’s appearance but also promotes the accumulation of unsanitary substances within the waste.
High specific gravity and very low absorption of water and oil ensure the long-term hygiene, cleanliness, and aesthetic appeal of the stone; these values significantly exceed the allowable limits of Iranian national standards.
Chemical Specification: | ||
Tehran Polytechnics (July 20th 2008) | ||
Specification | Unit | % |
CaO | % ω | 55.68 |
MgO | % ω | 0.26 |
CO2 | % ω | 43.82 |
H2O | % ω | 0.13 |
Laboratory Analysis Summary | ||
ASTM D 792 | Unit | Marble |
Specific Gravity | gr/cm3 | 2.765 |
Water Absorption | % ω | 0.053 |
Oil Absorption | % ω | 0.560 |
CaO | % ω | 55.6800 |
SrO | % ω | 0.0250 |
MgO | % ω | 0.2600 |
P2O5 | % ω | 0.0036 |
CO2 | % ω | 43.8200 |
H2O | % ω | 0.1300 |
MnO | % ω | 0.0340 |
La & Lu | % ω | 0.0170 |
Al2O3 | % ω | 0.0000 |
K2O | % ω | 0.0000 |
Fe2O3 | % ω | 0.0420 |
A triaxial test conducted to determine the principal tensile stresses of the stone, which ensures its long-term durability, found that these values significantly exceed the permissible limits of the Iranian national standard.
Soil Mechanics Technical Laboratory Ministry of Road and Transportation
In the triaxial test, the maximum principal stress was 160 MPa, the minimum principal stress was approximately 108 MPa, and the destructive shear angle reached 67 degrees, significantly exceeding the minimum requirement set by the Iranian national standard.
Building stone is extracted from the mountain in large pieces, often weighing over 500 tons, which we refer to as blocks. The maximum weight of these blocks is determined by the capacity of the equipment used for transportation.
The extraction process begins with drilling. Holes are created along three axes: X, Y, and Z, extending until they converge at a single point.
The equipment used for drilling includes a high-powered compressor, auger, drilling rods, drills, and drill heads. Compressed air is employed during this process to cool the drill heads and remove the excavated material from the holes.
After the drilling operation, the block is cut to separate it.
This process utilizes wires with diamond segments attached to them. The wires are threaded through intersecting holes and formed into a closed loop, which is then rotated by the wire cutter while being pulled to the opposite side of the block.
The cutting occurs in the plane of the wire’s rotation. The wire cutter can rotate the wire ring both horizontally and vertically.
To begin the cutting process, the bottom of the block must be cut first, followed by the sides, a procedure known as side cutting. It is essential to use water during the cutting operation to prevent the wire from heating up, melting, or tearing.
After the initial cuts are made using a metal envelope and compressed air instead of wire cutters, the block is moved briefly to create a gap.
This allows mechanical devices to push the block, transporting it to a more open area where it can be divided into smaller pieces, evaluated, and sorted. The block-cutting operation employs mini wire cutters, and water is still required during this process.
Each smaller piece resulting from the block cutting is called a “coop,” which translates to “کوپ” in Persian. The maximum weight of each coop is determined by the transportation capacity of trucks, road limitations, and the capacity of shipping containers, typically being less than 28 tons.
In special cases, exceptionally large coops are produced and transported. These coops are transported to the factory area by reinforced stone trucks and loaded using a 35-ton forklift.
Upon arrival at the factory, the coops are unloaded from the truck with a large gantry crane.
Initially, their four sides are calibrated and measured using a single-lam machine. To correct the size of the top and bottom of the coops, the coop is often laid on its side for calibration. When aligned in this manner, it is termed a “six-cut calibrated” coop.
The coop is then laid flat with the assistance of a 75-ton coop turning machine. If the six-cut calibration is intended for export, the coop is loaded and dispatched to the export destination at this stage.
For further processing and cutting at the factory, the coop is remounted on the single-lam wagon.
By programming the PLC of the single-lam machine, the coop is cut into smaller pieces before being fed into peak-cutting machines or gantry milling machines to be shaped into the desired plate sizes.
The cut slabs then proceed to the processing line, where they undergo pre-sanding, primary sanding, secondary sanding, and acid sanding. After the sanding process is complete, necessary quality checks are conducted.
Defective slabs are removed from the production cycle, while suitable slabs are washed, packaged, and palletized, making them ready for transport to their final destination.
Depending on the volume of orders, processing operations are conducted either at the Manojan Industrial Park or at partner factories that are well-equipped.
High transportation costs emphasize the need for production at the Manojan Industrial Park, except in emergency cases, where additional transportation costs may be incurred to maintain the production schedule.