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Need help with research
art	05-06-2008 13:11:56
Member Posts: 586 Joined: --	I am doing some research for a presentation on stamped concrete and I would love to have some input from some of the guys on the field, I have a lot of information from books and articles but I want to hear recommendations from contractors. Here are some of the topics I am researching: - Mix design to provide the best paste for workability and better imprint for stamped concrete, without compromising quality of the mix. - What is the selection criteria for choosing the best aggregate size/mix for stamping concrete. - How to ensure uniform color on the stamped surface using color hardeners and integral colors - Managing the imprint process to ensure good texture throughout the job Any input will be greatly appreciated, please email responses to artpinto@decosup.com Thanks!

customc	05-06-2008 13:30:37
Member Posts: 76 Joined: 02-02-2008	alot of that has to do with where you live.i pour a whole different mix here in fort worth than i did in buffalo.the more cement you put into the mix the better it stamps.here is only 3000 psi so hardeners work better.up there 4000 psi so integral works better.pea gravel dries out faster .i like all 1 inch stone but cannot buy it here.here when it is 100 degrees plus i add retarders half through the pour so it doesn't set at the same time.there are endless thing to do and i am sure there are plenty i don't know about .18 years at it and still trying to tame the concrete beast.

art	05-06-2008 14:06:51
Member Posts: 586 Joined: --	Thanks, that is good info, can you expand on why you like Hardeners at 3000 PSI and integral at 4000 PSI? I also never liked pea gravel when I poured precisely because it dried too fast and was more unpredictable than larger aggregate, it didn't make it easier to stamp either as you would think. Art

Dan Wirtanen	05-06-2008 19:42:43
Member Posts: 12 Joined: 02-08-2007	I use pea grave once and it seemed like the stamps kept hooking the concrete when we lifted them even if you came straight up . I per fer 3/4 inch rock ( normal mud mix) no ash.

customc	05-07-2008 16:32:07
Member Posts: 76 Joined: 02-02-2008	cement stamps better than sand and stone.i do alot of 2 inch cap overs here so i have to use pea gravel.cannot do caps in the north because of the freeze.

Mike Murray	05-10-2008 05:41:36
Member Posts: 196 Joined: --	Art We sent you a mix-design program from University of Kansas we had to send it in 2 parts, any questions contact Will Linquest at the dept engineering . We also sent you a file that I used at the ACI convention on history of decorative concrete, by mail you should get next week. Hope that helps. Mike Murray

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