The use of concrete in Roman architecture is extensive the high compressive strengths of Roman concrete was a game changer as it removed the need for post and beam structures, or limits on opening sizes as there was not a requirement for lintel beams, while being ruled by brick dimensions was no longer an issue. In the Roman era it revolutionised design, as it was employed to create previously unbuildable structures such as the Pantheon, which remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. It is still able to perform this function when pigmented but would not if it were painted, as the paint would repel or block much of the transfer of heat.Ĭoncrete has been in use since at least ancient Mayan times, where it was used on temples and other key structures, as well as on a smaller scale in a related form, utilising hydraulic lime, in Middle Eastern civilisations from the 4th century BC. It is often specified in conjunction with underfloor heating as it distributes heat well, while absorbs and radiates heat from direct sunlight, making it an excellent temperature regulator throughout the day, collecting heat during the via radiation from direct sunlight exposure and convection from air while keeping the spaces cool, then dissipating the heat slowly as the air temperature cools at night, maintaining consistent, more comfortable environments in extreme locations. Alongside its extreme longevity and durable performance characteristics, concrete also has great thermal properties and is thermally massive. It is slip-resistant, making it suitable for use in wet rooms and kitchens. Once set however, polished concrete is low maintenance and easy to clean, with good load-bearing and aesthetic qualities allowing it to be used in a multitude of low and high foot traffic settings when specified as flooring, from domestic to commercial and industrial environments. Its durability and weather resistance allows it to be specified both inside and out, creating a seamless transition between the two environments.Īchieving a good, smooth polished concrete finish is a time intensive operation, as the process of pouring the concrete typically takes around 3 days, with polishing taking place around a month after the concrete has cured to allow it time to set properly and prevent cracking or damage when polishing. Both pre-cast and in-situ concrete can be polished to the desired level of shine, with this finishing technique used to help express the natural patterns, grains, tones and markings in the concrete surface, making it a popular technique for floors, walls, facades and cladding to achieve a silky, minimalist appearance in a variety of settings. The surface is then sealed using a penetrative sealant to allow the concrete to breathe, while protecting it from damage and water ingress. A higher grit level defines a more polished, reflective, shining surface. The polished effect is created by using a diamond polishing machine or tools in combination with adding chemical agents to fill holes and smooth the surface once it has cured, being finished to a grit level of 800 or higher. It is then levelled and refined before being trowelled by hand or machine to smooth and harden, developing a sheen. The joints are filled with flexible sealant to allow for movement. The mixture is poured in small areas over a reinforcement mesh, divided by joints, to prevent cracking. The aggregates, or larger stones and chips also influence the colour to a degree, varying depending on what type of rock fragments are used. The type of cement is the biggest influencing factor in the finished, set colour: Portland cement is the most commonly used, resulting in a classic, cool grey concrete, although white Portland and other cements are available as displayed here. This beige-white polished concrete texture is created by mixing cement, aggregate, sand and water. The image represents a physical area of 2000 x 1330 mm (78.7 x 52.4 inches) in total. A seamless concrete texture with a polished concrete surface.
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