Decorative aggregate concrete surface preparation process

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a process of creating a decorative aggregate concrete surface. The preparation includes washed decorative aggregate surfaces using a variety of decorative aggregate materials imbedded within a standard concrete mix having a one inch maximum aggregate. A 6-mil polypropylene sheet Visqueen material covered with a two-inch layer of sand is used directly below the concrete to retard the curing time. Roller tamping is used to move the large aggregate below the surface of the concrete material. Power brushes are then used to expose the decorative aggregate prior to the final process of applying a densifing sealer. This process has been designed to reduce installation time, as well as overall labor and material costs.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This patent application is directed to the surface preparation of concrete slabs. More particularly to the incorporation of a washed decorative aggregate surface using a variety of decorative aggregate materials imbedded within standard concrete mix having an aggregate size which will vary from ⅛th inch or less to as much as 1 to 2 inches or more, greatly reducing installation time, labor and material costs.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Exposed aggregate surfaces on concrete have been used for many years with a wide variety of patents filed to fulfill the specific needs of this application. The use of an exposed aggregate surface not only provides a unique decorative surface, it also provides wide variety of other benefits. Exposed aggregate can provide an abrasive, slip resistant surface as well as a smooth very decorative surface. It can also provide a surface with better wear resistance to heavy traffic.[0003]Standard concrete usually comprises coar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022]The principal advantage of the decorative aggregate concrete surface preparation is by using the standard concrete mix having a one-inch maximum aggregate base material, it reduces the potential for shrinkage and increases the adhesion potential for the smaller aggregates.

[0023]Another advantage to the decorative aggregate concrete surface preparation is by using a 6-mil poly (Visqueen) moisture barrier, the moisture in the concrete mix is not allowed to quickly dissipate into the sub base and surrounding soil extending the curing time. This is extremely valuable in temperate climates.

Problems solved by technology

Without the addition of decorative or seeded aggregate surfacing materials, the coarse aggregate in the concrete surfaces can be too abrasive due to the nature of the standard concrete stones.

Various arrangements and processes have been proposed in the past for accomplishing this process of providing a decorative and durable concrete surface, but they tend to add a great deal more work to install and a good deal of added expense.

This patent does not incorporate the application of decorative or seeded aggregate.

This is a ⅜ inch pea gravel mix, which requires more cement to meet the similar strength requirements, thus adding additional cost to the process.

This patent uses a special custom mix concrete, which adds to the expense of the procedure and a time consuming sanding process to achieve a high gloss finish on the surface of the finished product.

None of these previous efforts, however, provides the benefits and savings derived by the decorative aggregate concrete surface preparation described in this application.

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