Exploring the Art of Concrete CD This CD on architectural and decorative concrete provides an extensive compilation of resources describing what it is, how to produce it, where to use it, and the advantages associated with its use. CD028 - $35.00 For more information or to puchase, click here. The following documents are included on the CD. Some may be downloaded or purchased separately.

• EB217 - White Cement Concrete (Technical Manual)
• EB222 - Hormigón de cemento blanco (White Cement Concrete, Spanish)
• EB224 - Concreto de cemento blanco (White Cement Concrete, Mexican Spanish)
• EB223 - Le béton de ciment blanc (White Cement Concrete, French)
• SP388 - Guide for Specifying White and Colored Concrete
• IS528 - Finishes: Creating Visual Appeal
• IS529 - Light Reflective Floors
• IS530 - Mixing and Handling White Cement Concrete
• CR044 - Concrete Report: White Surfaces Reflect Light Better Than Darker Surfaces!
• PL991 - What is White Cement?
• PL993 - White Cement Concrete and Colored Concrete Construction
• PL376 - Using White and Colored Masonry Mortars to Expand Architectural Design Options
• PA020 - Exploring Color and Texture
• SP021 - Color & Texture in Architectural Concrete
• DX039 - Plastic Forms for Architectural Concrete
• DX090 - Gap-Graded Mixes for Cast-in-Place Exposed Aggregate Concrete
• DX137 - Clear Coatings for Exposed Architectural Concrete
• RX158 - Durability Studies of Exposed Aggregate Panels

This research bulletin takes a historical look at some of the early methods used to create surface aesthetics on concrete panels and discusses the panels’ durability in a long-term, natural weathering exposure. While quantities last, if you would like to receive one free copy of this publication (valued at $25), please contact pschardt@cement.org.

Surface Aesthetics and Construction Techniques

Over the years, many PCA visitors viewed the panels for a first-hand look. Although styles range from 1960s-era design to timeless classic finishes, the construction methods remain thoroughly contemporary. The collection of panels demonstrates the following techniques for creating architectural concrete finishes:

• chemical retarders and sand-bedding techniques for horizontally precast exposed aggregate surfaces


• form liners, rubber matting, plastic and wood forms for a variety of textures in horizontally precast panels


• colored surfaces via powdered pigments integrally mixed into fresh concrete


• two-layer construction, often with white portland cement and special aggregates contained only in the facing mix


• tooled surfaces, including sandblasting, bushhammering, grinding and polishing, and surface-bonded sheeting


• prepacked aggregate and gap-graded aggregate for vertically cast-in-place panels

After nearly 40 years of weathering, the 1960s-era panels were visually inspected and power washed. The report provides ratings on panels both before and after cleaning. In short, with very little maintenance, this concrete remained durable even after decades of exposure in an often harsh North American climate.

This report demonstrates why architectural concrete is cost effective over the long term. Use it as a reference, an idea book, and a time-saving teaching guide. Much has changed since the panels described in this report were built. The concrete panels, however, changed very little.

Click here for more detail on the report.

 
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