Bianco Precast
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Off Form Description As the name suggests this finish is the concrete surface as lifted from the mould and consequently the quality of the mould, to a large degree, determines the quality of the finish. Method The concrete is simply poured against the mould surface which may be flat, ribbed, wood grain, textured, etc. General Remarks Off form finishes are generally the least expensive, particularly where no colour control is required (warehouses, panels with applied finishes and civil structures). However, quality off form finishes require considerable attention to mould detailing and sealing as well as concrete consistency; particularly in terms of slump and colouring oxides and additives. Architects should also be aware that any minor repairs required due to handling, transport or installation damage are likely to be noticeable. This finish is quite often chosen due to budget constraints. It should be understood there may be some colour inconsistency.
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Exposed Aggregate Description Provides an exposed aggregate surface with reduced matrix visibility. Method Retarders (available in varying strengths) are applied to the mould face forming the surface requiring aggregate exposure. Extreme care must be taken to ensure an even coating of retarder is applied. The following day the surfaces are brushed & high pressure water blasted to remove the cement matrix & expose the aggregate. Care is needed to match the retarder strength to the aggregate size in the concrete mix. General Remarks This finish is usually used when the aggregate is required as the dominant feature or as a contrasting feature in conjunction with other finishes. Care should be taken in choosing its location as the finish is quite abrasive on contact. Repairs are usually unnoticeable.
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5/4/10 8:53 PM
Bianco Precast
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Sand Blasted Description A textured finish displaying some aggregate exposure on the surface. Method The precast element is wet sand blasted to remove the surface film and exhibit the sand and aggregate colours. Quality of moulds is important. General Remarks This is considered an excellent option for a low cost decorative finish, particularly with the addition of off form bands and patterns. It is also popular for providing a contrasting texture on polished or acid washed panels. Ribbed and profiled panels also readily accept a sand blasted finish. Durability is not affected by this process. This type of finish is very good for colour consistency. Repairs are generally un-noticeable.
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Bianco Precast
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Acid Etched Description This is an attractive finish, similar to sandstone and is used extensively where a finer finish is required or to simulate sandstone. High quality moulds are required as any minor imperfections on the face of the mould will be reflected on the face of the panel. Method The precast elements are saturated with water and then treated with diluted hydrochloric acid to remove the smooth surface and expose the sand or sand-oxide matrix. General Remarks Bianco Precast clean all treated surfaces with high pressure water to remove any residual chloride ions. Architects should also be aware that any minor repairs required due to handling, transport or installation damage are likely to be noticeable. It should be understood there may be some colour inconsistency.
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Bianco Precast
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Polished Description Polished finishes replicate granite with the structural capabilities of concrete. Method The mix is batched using coarse and fine granite aggregate having the same structural capabilites & properties as normal concrete. After a suitable curing period, panels are processed where approximately 5mm of the surface is removed commencing with coarse diamonds & finishing with fine polishing stones. Panels are cast oversize to compensate for the material removed and maintain reinforcement cover. General Remarks Polished finishes are appealing due to the low maintenance and longevity of their high quality appearance. Traditionally they were frequently used only on prestige public buildings, corporate head offices, banks, insurance buildings, etc. Due to the long term benefits, polished finishes are now appearing more in general buildings like shopping centres, apartments, homes, etc. In choosing colours for polished panel projects, the best results are generally achieved by closely matching the matrix & main granite aggregates. Polished finishes are generally consistent in colour, repairs unnoticable & durability is of the highest order.
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Form Liners Description Profiled patterned off form finishes of an almost limitless range. Method The Required profile / pattern is manufactured from polyurethane using CAD / CAM technology. The pattern (form liner) is then installed in a mould purpose built by the precaster & concrete poured in the conventional manner. General Remarks The final product generally disguises the imperfections & any colour inconsistencies frequently experienced with flat off form finishes. Form liners can be expensive & considerable re-use is required to amortise the cost. Noise & traffic barrier projects are excellent examples of where high repetition has proven to be a cost effective solution. In building projects attention to programming is necessary due to the lead time required for procurement.
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5/4/10 8:55 PM
Bianco Precast
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Brick Snaps Desciption Clay bricks are cast on the face of the panel. Method Specialist brick manufacturers supply 230mm x 76mm x 15mm thick bricks in a range of colours. The wax coated bricks are held in position by interlocking plastic frames while the concrete is poured. The plastic frame also forms the finished joint. Various conventional brick bonds can be achieved by cutting. Following the lifting of the panel, the plastic frames are peeled from the surface. The bricks are then pressure cleaned removing the wax coating along with any concrete slurry. General Remarks The finished product is exceptional due to precise joints and the flat surface achieved from precast casting beds. Care in designing panel dimensions to suit the brick size is beneficial in order to eliminate additional costs resulting from cutting & fitting.
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