Sub base
If an area has been used previously for paving without rutting or settling, then the sub base may be retained for the proposed new use.
Excavations should generally be a minimum of 200 mm deep unless a suitable sub base is exposed. New sub base material should be graded crushed rock or brick rubble conforming to the grading requirements of the highways agency’s specification for highways work unbound sub base material type 1.
The thickness of the sub base should be a minimum of 100 mm. The sub base should be compacted with suitable plant, such as vibrating plate or roller.
Concrete and concrete laying
The concrete strength is 30 Newton`s or more. Which is the same strength for motorway concrete. In the winter we use 380 kgs cement per cubic metre and in the summer we use 320 kgs.
The concrete we use is re – enforced using fibre mesh and contains air entrainers for frost protection. The thickness of concrete slab should be a minimum 100 mm.
Once the sub base has been done, the concrete should be placed, compacted, levelled and floated ready for colouring.
Colouring and printing
Colour surface hardener (CSH) should be uniformly applied over the surface of the fresh concrete.
Once the CSH covered concrete surface has attained a uniform gritting darkened appearance, the CSH should be floated into the concrete surface and then steel trowelled.
When the concrete is judged to be ready for imprinting, the surface release agent should be applied, followed by the appropriate imprinting technique.
The concrete should be protected from all traffic (people, pets and cars) until the surface release agent has been washed off.
Removal of the surface release agent
Surface release agent should be washed off approximately 24 to 48 hours after installation of the imprinted concrete.
A small amount of ’antiquing’ colour will be left in the pattern texture and joints to provide the chosen contrast and antiquing effect.
Contraction joints
Contraction joints should be cut to minimise the risk of cracking on the concrete surface.
That way, the crack never becomes visible.
Surface sealing
Once the concrete has been washed and is sufficiently dry, the surface sealer should be applied.
Contraction joints should be filled by mastic after the surface sealer has been applied and dried.
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