Solution Features and Benefits

• A cost effective and durable architectural flooring solution
• A natural appearance
• A wide range of colours and finishes available.
• Use of Concrete allows one time floor construction for Fast-track programmes

The AC-FS Solution

Concrete is a natural, cost effective and extremely flexible construction material.  It can be used to provide a wide variety of architectural concrete finishes from Coloured Concrete to Polished Concrete to exposed aggregate finishes – the possibilities are endless.  However there are limitations to its use and as with all high quality concrete floor construction there are risks involved.  When considering an Architectural Direct Concrete.

Finish floor it is important to note the following:

• The Flooring Specialist should be involved in the project as early as possible in the Design and Planning stage to ensure that the design and buildability of the entire facility is conducive to construction of a high quality concrete floor.

• From the start of the discussions, the Clients detailed specific requirements and expectations must be firmly established.

• It is important that all parties involved understand the limitations of concrete as a material.  It is strongly recommended that a Trial Panel is constructed – in fact a number of Trial Panels may be required to find the perfect solution so some level of commitment to the Flooring Contractor is needed at an early stage.

• Concrete is a natural material.  As suck there will always be variations in colour and surface appearance – that is one of its features.  Also – concrete always cracks.  Cracking can be minimised and controlled but some minor cracking should always be expected.

• The Flooring Specialist should have full control over the floor construction including supply and installation of all materials.  It is especially important that the Flooring Contractor supplies the concrete.

• Site Conditions must be perfect during the floor construction and the building must be fully enclosed.

• Upon completion of the floor construction it should be well protected until handing over of the building, and thereafter will require a good maintenance and cleaning regime with regular inspections.

The slab design and Concrete floor construction can be done in a number of ways included fully reinforced concrete slabs, Slabs on Grade and Topping slabs.  Most importantly the design must be carefully considered with attention to detail.  The Quality Control of the concrete is absolutely critical during the mixing, delivery and placement stages.  And of course, the flatter the floor is, the better it will look.

There is no limit to the solutions and finishes available, which include:

1. Coloured Dry Shake Toppings
– the consistency of the concrete is especially important and some colour variation should always be expected.  A range of standard colours are available although special colours can be produced on request.

2. Coloured Concrete
– Natural pigments are added to the concrete to simplify addition and ensure greater uniformity.  A wide range of colours are available although price varies a great deal.  White cements may be required with certain colours.

           
                                     
3. Polished Concrete
-New or old concrete floors can be Ground and Polished to an aesthetic finish.  However with old floors the process can be time consuming and the results may be variable.

                                  

4. Exposed Aggregate Finishes
– By grinding the concrete surface deeper then polishing the concrete floor, the aggregate can be exposed for an aesthetic finish.  The Concrete can also be coloured, even coloured aggregates can be used also.  This solution is only recommended for new floors with CoGri Korea controlling the total floor construction procedure.