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Description: This PCA classic shows how to achieve great color and texture in concrete walls, both cast-in-place and precast. Copiously illustrated in full color. Explores the potential for enhancing concrete structures with white and pigmented concretes, exposed aggregate surfaces, and decorative as-cast textures achieved with a variety of form liner systems. Discusses gap grading, materials properties, aggregate exposure methods, and construction practices essential to achieving optimum results with each of these techniques. This publication is also found on CD028 and DVD021.
How to achieve color and texture in cast-in-place and precast concrete walls. White architectural concrete: effects of cement uniformity, aggregate color, cement content, sand content. Mineral pigments for integral color: using trial mixes for best results. Choosing which oxide to use for different colors. Effects of coloring material dosage, admixtures, release agents, and curing on color. Exposed-aggregate surfaces: how aggregate size and other properties influence color, durability, and surface texture of concrete. Aggregate cost considerations. Precast exposed-aggregate panels: facing mixes and single-layer panels; importance of mixer type, loading method, and loading sequence; jobsite precasting by seeding, sand embedment, or mortar facing. Cast-in-place exposed aggregate: overcoming harshness effects of gap graded mixes; ensuring even distribution of coarse aggregate in preplaced aggregate concrete; joint treatment, form tie selection, side-form spacers, and form stripping times; choosing the correct vibrators and vibration times; avoiding uneven colors or mottling caused by curing methods. Aggregate exposure techniques: surface retardation, washing with brushing, acid etching, abrasive blasting, bushhammering, grinding and polishing, and water blasting. Textures and patterns from forms and form liners: making a choice among wood, metal, and plastic liner materials; first cost, wear resistance, and design flexibility of rigid or elastomeric plastics; polystyrene foam liners; aluminum forms to simulate brick. Patching and cleaning: patching exposed aggregate, tie holes, and defects; acid washing as a cleaning method. Surface protection: use of water-repellent coatings; avoiding glossiness, discoloration, and staining; and materials for best protection of exposed aggregate concrete. Includes over 70 photos, mostly color, to illustrate completed projects and sample panels. Related materials include Finishing Concrete Slabs with Color and Texture (PA124).
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