Architectural Concrete Surface Finish Without Retarder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for creating architectural concrete surfaces are time-consuming and costly due to the need for extended formation processes and the use of surface retarders, which hinder the achievement of desired aesthetic variations in color and texture.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of prescribed amounts of fine sand and aggregate broadcast over a concrete mixture to simulate quarried stone, eliminating the need for a surface retarder, thereby reducing formation time and costs while maintaining quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional surface finishing techniques are used to achieve desired aesthetic characteristics, then the concrete surface attains improved aesthetics similar to stone, mosaic, and terrazzo, but the formation process requires extended periods of time and various materials that add to the overall expense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the surface retarder step from the conventional concrete finishing process. By eliminating this intermediate material and its associated waiting time, the method achieves aesthetic surfaces directly through the concrete mixture composition and finishing techniques, thereby reducing formation time while maintaining aesthetic quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the concrete mixture parameters by adjusting the ratio and composition of aggregates, sand, and cement. This parameter change allows the concrete to achieve desired aesthetic characteristics without requiring surface retarders and extended formation times, resolving the contradiction between appearance quality and formation speed
2Shape
If conventional surface finishing techniques are used to achieve desired aesthetic characteristics, then the concrete surface attains improved aesthetics similar to stone, mosaic, and terrazzo, but the various materials required for such techniques undesirably adds to the overall expense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the use of surface retarders and reduces the need for additional finishing materials by incorporating aesthetic properties directly into the concrete mixture composition. This extraction of unnecessary materials reduces overall expense while maintaining aesthetic quality
Solution Approach 2:
The concrete mixture is designed to serve multiple functions: structural integrity, aesthetic appearance, and surface finish quality. By making the concrete mixture itself multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate surface retarder applications and additional finishing materials, thereby reducing material costs
3Shape
If surface retarder is applied to the concrete mixture to achieve conventional concrete formation, then the desired aesthetic characteristics can be obtained, but the process becomes more time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the surface retarder step from the concrete formation process. By eliminating this intermediate material and its associated waiting time, the method achieves aesthetic surfaces directly through the concrete mixture composition and finishing techniques, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining surface finish quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates aesthetic properties into the concrete mixture composition before pouring. This preliminary action ensures that the desired surface finish is achieved through the mixture itself rather than requiring subsequent surface retarder applications, thereby accelerating the formation process while maintaining quality
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming architectural concrete in a quicker and more cost effective manner relative to conventional concrete formation methods. The method includes forming the architectural concrete without the use of a surface retarder, and using prescribed amounts of fine sand and aggregate to allow for creation of the desired aesthetic look of the architectural concrete.