More info
Description / Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
This guide presents recommendations for cast-in-place
architectural concrete that is exposed to view. Architectural
concrete requires special care in the selection of concrete
materials, forming, placing, and finishing to achieve the desired
architectural appearance. Refer to the photos in Appendix A for
examples of architectural cast-in-place concrete. Various
procedures are recommended for determining requirements of the
architect, contractor, concrete producer, and inspector. Critical
areas are indicated for special attention, and means for prevention
or correction of defects are discussed. Specific surface treatments
and special forming techniques are presented. Applicable codes,
specifications, and recommendations are given. A good resource for
general information about architectural concrete can be found in
several papers published in Concrete International (1984(a) to (i);
1988(a) to (h)), as well as the Concrete Construction
Engineering Handbook (Kenny and Freedman 1997).
The information presented in this guide is broad and covers
several special conditions for specific architectural concrete.
Information that may be applicable for use in producing a specific
result may not be applicable to another. The user should also be
aware that recommendations in this guide are subjective to the
means and methods used for accomplishing a specific task for a
specific level of architectural effect, and should be tested before
use to ensure it will produce the required result. Further research
is needed to provide additional information on surface air voids
and other construction problems. This guide does not address all
the problems associated with architectural concrete.