Book 3

Both scoring and sawcutting can be used to create decorative effects that add depth and texture to concrete surfaces such as floors, patios and driveways. On hardened concrete, cement masons can sawcut lines that are straight, diagonal or circular. Often these designs created by sawcutting are then stained with a variety of colors or etched […]

Concrete is a versatile material that can be used in many different applications. However, in its natural gray state, concrete can appear plain. Fortunately, the versatility of concrete also allows the use of aggregates, tools, and additives to change the color and texture of the finished surface. Two methods that are especially effective in changing

Chemical staining is one method available for cement masons to demonstrate the creative effects used in the field of decorative concrete. Cement masons can create impressive artistic effects for a variety of purposes. Staining can turn ordinary concrete slabs into floors that resemble marble or glazed stone. Cement masons are also using staining to create

Abrasive blasting is the process of ejecting a stream of abrasive particles from a blast machine using compressed air propelled at high speeds. Abrasive blasting is used for the cleaning, surface preparation and finishing of concrete surfaces. As a finishing technique, abrasive blasting can produce pleasing, decorative effects, enhancing the visual features of the sandblasted

Shotcrete is a special application of concrete that requires the concrete mixture to be applied to a surface at a sufficient velocity in order to obtain compaction. Shotcrete is normally used for building and repairing vertical and overhead structures. Read Book 3 / Unit 5 Review “Words You Should Know”  Watch the videos below:  Complete the Shotcrete Quiz  

Tilt-up construction has been around since the turn of the twentieth century. However, in recent years it has become an extremely popular form of constructing, not only warehouses and industrial buildings, but schools, churches, and office buildings. Innovations in construction and lifting techniques have made tiltup construction a quick and economical choice for builders. Architects have a wide range of colors,