Basic Terrazzo Systems information |
The following systems information describes different types of Terrazzo systems
and how it is applied in variable job conditions: |
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EPOXY:
Description:
A nominal 1/4" or 3/8" thick resin matrix
veneer placed upon a level concrete slab; Also
can be specified with glass, synthetic, or granite
aggregates in lieu of marble to provide brilliant
colors or chemical resistance; The best "thin-set" system.
Advantages:
Unlimited matrix colors, color control, resiliency,
chemical resistance and tensile-compressive strengths
not found in cement based systems. Excellent for
multi-colored patterns and designs. Light weight
and flexibility make it ideal for multi-story use.
It has the lowest maintenance cost due to non-absorbancy.
In sanitary areas can be installed with minimal
dividers providing seamless characteristics. When
used in conjunction with a flexible membrane as
a specified extra, it can absorb some horizontal
concrete crack or control joint movement. It also
has the quickest pour to grind installation time.
Can also be used over properly installed and prepared
plywood. Glass and other decorative aggregates
increased costs.
Thickness:
Nominal 1/4" or 3/8" Epoxy Terrazzo topping.
0-1 chip sizes opt.#2 chip for 3/8".
Weight:
3-4 lbs. PSF.
Dividers:
Most systems adhere to the concrete and require
dividers to be placed precisey above any concrete
joints. To prevent the concrete from cracking and
therefore the terrazzo, "ACI 302.1 R.89 Concrete
Joint Placement" must be followed. Some of
these requirements include: Concrete joints should
occur a maximum of three times in feet the depth
of the concrete in inches. (Example: A 4 inch slab
should have concrete joints at a maximum spacing
of 12 feet). Concrete joints should run off all
corridor intersections and corners. They should
not be spaced more than 1.5 times the width of
the concrete pour. (Example: A 6 foot wide corridor
should have concrete joints at a maximum of 9 feet.)
In addition other dividers can be set to separate
colors or as an accent themselves. In these systems
the dividers not located over concrete joints
are strictly decorative. They do not function
as leveling devices or crack preventers.
Dividers
vary in width from 18 gauge to 1/2 inch. 16 gauge
or 1.8 inch are standards. Zinc
is standard but brass and colored plastic are
readily available.
Architects should design structural
inset expansion plates between areas where major
movement is
anticipated.
Note: The standard
finish on terrazzo is an 80 grit carborundum
polish. When used in conjunction
with a U/L listed "slip resistant" sealer
this provides a 0.6 anti-slip coefficient of
friction. Higher polish grits that tend to deepen
and darken the aggregates are available.
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POLYACRYLATE:
Description:
A nominal 3/8" think polymer modified cement
matrix veneer placed upon a provided level concrete
slab. Polymer provides strength to allow for
thinner applications of cementitious systems.
Advantages:
Fast installation and moderate price range make
it ideal to replace vinyl or carpet without
depth transition difficulties; also good to
use in areas subject to moisture vapor transmission
where Epoxy terrazzo or other non-breathing
floors will not adhere.
Thickness:
Nominal 3/8" polyacrylate with terrazzo
topping. Chip sizes 0,1 and 2.
Weight:
4.5 lbs. PSF.
Dividers:
Most systems adhere to the concrete and require
dividers to be placed precisey above any concrete
joints. To prevent the concrete from cracking
and therefore the terrazzo, "ACI 302.1
R.89 Concrete Joint Placement" must be
followed. Some of these requirements include:
Concrete joints should occur a maximum of three
times in feet the depth of the concrete in
inches. (Example: A 4 inch slab should have
concrete joints at a maximum spacing of 12
feet). Concrete joints should run off all corridor
intersections and corners. They should not
be spaced more than 1.5 times the width of
the concrete pour. (Example: A 6 foot wide
corridor should have concrete joints at a maximum
of 9 feet.)
In addition other dividers can be set to separate
colors or as an accent themselves. In these systems
the dividers not located over concrete joints
are strictly decorative. They do not function
as leveling devices or crack preventers.
Dividers vary in width from 18 gauge to 1/2
inch. 16 gauge or 1.8 inch are standards. Zinc
is standard but brass and colored plastic are
readily available.
Architects should design structural inset expansion
plates between areas where major movement is
anticipated.
Note: The standard
finish on terrazzo is an 80 grit carborundum
polish. When used in conjunction
with a U/L listed "slip resistant" sealer
this provides a 0.6 anti-slip coefficient of
friction. Higher polish grits that tend to
deepen and darken the aggregates are available
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MONOLITHIC:
Description:
This 1/2" thick cement matrix veneer placed
upon a provided concrete slab is dependent on
the concrete quality for flatness and crack prevention.
On grade or below grade only.Advantages:
Fast installation and the most economical price
make it ideal where time and budget are critical
but where the beauty, low maintenance and the
preformance of terrazzo is desired.
Thickness:
1/2" Terrazzo topping
Weight:
5-7 lbs. PSF.
Dividers:
Most systems adhere to the concrete and require
dividers to be placed precisey above any concrete
joints. To prevent the concrete from cracking
and therefore the terrazzo, "ACI 302.1
R.89 Concrete Joint Placement" must be
followed. Some of these requirements include:
Concrete joints should occur a maximum of three
times in feet the depth of the concrete in
inches. (Example: A 4 inch slab should have
concrete joints at a maximum spacing of 12
feet). Concrete joints should run off all corridor
intersections and corners. They should not
be spaced more than 1.5 times the width of
the concrete pour. (Example: A 6 foot wide
corridor should have concrete joints at a maximum
of 9 feet.)
In addition other dividers can be
set to separate colors or as an accent themselves.
In these systems
the dividers not located over concrete joints
are strictly decorative. They do not function
as leveling devices or crack preventers.
Dividers
vary in width from 18 gauge to 1/2 inch. 16 gauge
or 1.8 inch are standards. Zinc
is standard but brass and colored plastic are
readily available.
Architects should design structural
inset expansion plates between areas where major
movement is
anticipated.
Note: The standard
finish on terrazzo is an 80 grit carborundum
polish. When used in conjunction
with a U/L listed "slip resistant" sealer
this provides a 0.6 anti-slip coefficient of
friction. Higher polish grits that tend to
deepen and darken the aggregates are available
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BONDED:
Description:
A cement matrix and underbed system for interior
and exterior areas where conditions require
1.25" to 1.75" inches of recessed
depth to be filled in addition to the .5" terrazzo
topping.
Advantages:
With sand-cement underbed it has less dependence
on the concrete slab for flatness when compared
to monolithic.
Thickness:
1.75" to 2.25" including .5" terrazzo
topping.
Weight:
18-22 lbs. PSF.
Dividers:
Most systems adhere to the concrete and require
dividers to be placed precisey above any concrete
joints. To prevent the concrete from cracking
and therefore the terrazzo, "ACI 302.1
R.89 Concrete Joint Placement" must be
followed. Some of these requirements include:
Concrete joints should occur a maximum of three
times in feet the depth of the concrete in
inches. (Example: A 4 inch slab should have
concrete joints at a maximum spacing of 12
feet). Concrete joints should run off all corridor
intersections and corners. They should not
be spaced more than 1.5 times the width of
the concrete pour. (Example: A 6 foot wide
corridor should have concrete joints at a maximum
of 9 feet.)
In addition other dividers can be
set to separate colors or as an accent themselves.
In these systems
the dividers not located over concrete joints
are strictly decorative. They do not function
as leveling devices or crack preventers.
Dividers
vary in width from 18 gauge to 1/2 inch. 16 gauge
or 1.8 inch are standards. Zinc
is standard but brass and colored plastic are
readily available.
Architects should design structural
inset expansion plates between areas where major
movement is
anticipated.
Note: The standard finish
on terrazzo is an 80 grit carborundum polish. When
used in conjunction
with a U/L listed "slip resistant" sealer
this provides a 0.6 anti-slip coefficient of
friction. Higher polish grits that tend to
deepen and darken the aggregates are available
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SAND CUSHION:
Description:
A cement matrix topping underbed with wire reinforcing,
isolation sheet, and sand layer system for
interior floor use. This is the best cement
system.
Advantages:
Due to the underbed's depth, wire mesh reinforcing,
isolation sheeting and sand layer it will absorb
minor substrate defects and prevent mirroring
to the surface.
Thickness:
2.5" to 3" including a .5" terrazzo
topping.
Weight:
25-30 lbs. PSF.
Dividers:
The position of divider strips is essential to
performance, serving a dual function: a control
for anticipated contraction and an aesthetic
enhancement in separating colors. 5 feet or
less on centers. Architects should design structural
inset expansion plates between areas where
major movement is anticipated.
Note: The standard
finish on terrazzo is an 80 grit carborundum
polish. When used in conjunction
with a U/L listed "slip resistant" sealer
this provides a 0.6 anti-slip coefficient of
friction. Higher polish grits that tend to
deepen and darken the aggregates are available
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STRUCTURAL:
Description:
For large areas over a graded compacted base.
Involves 4" of 3,500 PSI underbed concrete
plus .5" terrazzo topping
Advantages:
Single contract control: One contractor places
both the concrete slab and the finished terrazzo
surface.
Thickness:
4.5" to 6", including a .5" terrazzo
topping.
Weight:
Approx. 60 lbs. PSF.
Dividers:
Divider strips are deeper than usual: 1.5" to
2" inserted into the underbed 8 feet to
10 feet on centers. Control strips are provided
on column lines.
Note: The standard finish
on terrazzo is an 80 grit carborundum polish. When
used in conjunction
with a U/L listed "slip resistant" sealer
this provides a 0.6 anti-slip coefficient of
friction. Higher polish grits that tend to
deepen and darken the aggregates are available
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RUSTIC:
Description:
Terrazzo with a non-ground, textured surface,
for exterior use. This system is available
with Sand Cushion, Bonded, Structural and Monolithic
or any cement system.
Advantages:
Inifinitely variable textures, colors and patterns
may be created in a weather-resistant, skid-resistant
deck surface.
Thickness:
.5" to 6" including a .5" terrazzo
topping.
Weight:
Dependent on system selected.
Dividers:
Temporary wood strips are used, then replaced
by a pourable sealant inserted into the joint.
Note: The standard
finish on terrazzo is an 80 grit carborundum
polish. When used in conjunction
with a U/L listed "slip resistant" sealer
this provides a 0.6 anti-slip coefficient of
friction. Higher polish grits that tend to
deepen and darken the aggregates are available
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PRECAST:
Description:
Prefabricated custom units for steps, bases,
planters, benches, wall panels, etc.
Advantages:
Unlimited uses
Thickness:
Custom finished
Weight:
Custom finished
Dividers:
N/A
Note: The standard
finish on terrazzo is an 80 grit carborundum
polish. When
used in conjunction
with a U/L listed "slip resistant" sealer
this provides a 0.6 anti-slip coefficient of
friction. Higher polish grits that tend to deepen
and darken the aggregates are available
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