THERE IS A SEEMINGLY NEVER-ENDING LIST OF DENSIFIERS, COLORANTS, EQUIPMENT, AND DIAMOND TOOLING, ALONG WITH COUNTLESS TRADESMEN AND SUBCONTRACTORS OF ASSORTED SKILL LEVELS. WITH ALL THESE VARIABLES, HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE A FLOOR THAT MEETS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE OWNER, ARCHITECT, AND CONTRACTORS WHILE STILL KEEPING THE GOAL OF SUSTAINABILITY? 1 The work of Howard Janey, CSI, CDT (Janey Associates) is acknowledged in creating this article. Janey is a founding board member of the Decorative Concrete Council (DCC), an affiliate of the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC).
Leaving a specification to read "polished concrete" is simply not enough. Ali too often, construction documentation is provided to a contractor and the floor still does not meet expectations. Efforts to standardize concrete polishing have been made by various groups, but suggesting a need for standards is different from implementing them. In other words, the current standards already in place can help create the needed specification for a successful floor-but only when followed. 2 Most of these standards are performance-based; there is currently nothing for increased gloss, abrasion resistance, or coefficiency readings, but some definitions have been proposed by the Concrete Polishing Association of America (CPAA) An architect may specify a gloss level based on a metal or resin bond grit level to yield that result, but if the abrasive is used on a floor burnisher instead of a concrete grinder, the desired sheen may actually vary substantially. Thus, specifying the gloss reading can make clear what the desired floor should be.
To further complicate matters, not ail chemistry, equipment, and tooling work well together. For
example, a specification for a high school project stated "use polish to a high gloss." However, there
was no mention of edge-work. (The architect and owner naturally expected the floor to be polished from
edge to edge.) The contractor used a grinder machine and left several inches of edge-work unpolished,
claiming this was as close as his machine would grind and that this was the rationale for edge painting.
The general contractor (GC) and architect were compelled to paint the edges, which was not in the scope
or budget and is not what the owner envisioned.
When it came to light there was equipment that could have clone the job properly in the first place, the
contractor simply pointed out he had followed the spec-therefore, the facility was charged for
regrinding the entire floor. Additionally, dye did not penetrate the floor because a densifier that had
a high alkalinity was used; the dye company's color chart did not match the floor.
To avoid these sorts of problems, continuity is needed. This sort ofholistic systems approach would
include:
Many specifications for polished concrete flooring are supplied by manufacturers. While there may be
some advantages to this approach, an inherent problem is when not enough consideration has been given to
whether a colorant selected is compatible with the concrete chemistries being specified, or whether the
equipment and abrasives being used are able to open the concrete enough for the chemistry and color to
properly penetrate.
It may be true equipment manufacturers would be less likely to show
interest in creating a specification, but this type of contribution would result in a polished concrete
floor that has just as much focus on the eut as on the floor. This is because the equipment used
dictates the type of chemistry and colorant that should be employed.
A specification based on a complete concrete flooring system gives evidence of knowledge of
the process from pour to polish; it includes clear communication to ail parties to avoid or overcome
issues arising during construction. Architects may be hesitant to specify means and methods in many
building practices, but polished concrete should not be one of them.
Since the product is actually crafted onsite, instead of being installed, this author suggests
specifying more of the ways and means greatly increases the likelihood of success for the desired floor
finish. In the end, it also limits both negligence and liability.
3
This author has seen a lot of unnecessary failures. If a specification calls for
"polished concrete," one contractor might say "I will burnish with a sealer, and it will
be polished," while another says "I will grind it like natural stone, and it will be polished."
The specifier needs to communicate specifically what is required. In the end, the architect
may have to repay for the floor to be done the way the owner wanted because it was not made
clear in the spec.
When properly implemented in a performance- or outcome-driven specification, there are nine fundaments
resulting in a final product that meets expectations and schedules and promotes environmental
responsibility.
Clearly communicating the role the substrate plays in the final product helps all involved to have realistic expectations. For example, an existing slab might have visual defects or blemishes that may not be completely resolved by processing the floor, as opposed to new construction that has substrate specifically designed with polished concrete in mind.
Both surfaces can be processed using the same system, equipment, and chemicals, and then still yield different results. Before the project begins, expectations are set through a review of the condition of the substrate, taking a system approach, and partnering with a manufacturer-certified contractor. Good, solid communication and reasonable goals, established through an awareness of each slab's possibilities and limitations, may prevent dissatisfaction with the finished product.
The specification should outline a process that involves mechanically polishing floors using bonded abrasives. A specification that identifies the finished product's polish as "high-gloss sheen" will result in a floor able to keep its finish longer than a substrate opened by various means and then coated with an acrylic or resinous polymer sealer. Especially for public works or projects with limited budgets, the more detailed the spec, the better result one can expect. It greatly reduces the likelihood of added costs to the project later because what was envisioned was not properly specified.
Many general contractors view the floors as the last step in the construction process. To save
considerable
time and money, the GC should plan timelines with a manufacturer or product consultant that has
experience with
similar projects. This means less downtime for other trades and promotes a schedule that will proceed in
the most
efficient manner (e.g. grinding floors either before or just after walls go up ).
When construction continues after the floors are complete, they will be exposed to possibly the most
damaging traffic they ever will experience. The manufacturer may recommend a specific method for
protecting
the floors. The GC plays an important role in onsite accountability, ensuring the specification is
followed.
For instance, acid-etching masonry walls after the floor has already been polished will also etch the
concrete.
When selecting a floor processor or subcontractor, the GC would want to compare the price quoted to the
costs that
may actually be incurred. Some have discovered that grinding equipment used for floor processing can
have hidden
electrical expenses, increasing the actual cost of the floor to more than what was bid. Better success
is seen
when those trained and certified by the equipment and chemical manufacturers are contracted to process
polished
concrete floors. When selecting a contractor, there should also be reasonable profit margins expected,
even in
a down economy.
It is beneficial for the owner, architect, contractor, and floor processor to be educated as to what the
specification outlines. Owners should understand polished concrete is different from other types of
flooring
to which they may be accustomed, but still requires maintenance. The architect and GC's expectations of
the concrete polishing contractor will greatly be based on the equipment, unless specified. A person
who uses janitorial equipment, and another who employs devices designed for concrete processing, will
produce different results.
Accountability and quality assurance can be monitored by having a product representative
onsite during the concrete polishing process. This person, in coordination with the contractor,
would ensure certified contractors are producing the desired floor, the specification is being
followed, and the final product will meet expectations.
The importance of the polished concrete specification cannot be understated. The final results of new
construction are significantly improved when the slab is poured to the proper mix design, floor
flatness, and levelness. When planning, it is important to view this part of the design as a total
flooring system that includes mix design, finishing and curing methods, control joint placement,
colorants, and polishing process.
The groundwork is laid by the architect specifying a polished concrete floor that will meet
expectations, and then holding to that specification. While many architects cite a need for
"equal to" products or for multiple bids, of primary concern should be the products and the contractor's
ability to perform the process specified.
These floor systems involve more than simply opening up the concrete and applying a topical sealer.
Consequently, the architect should employ a system approach when writing a specification. It should
outline:
One appeal of polished concrete as a flooring option is the lower maintenance costs. However, since the
lowest bids are often taken for public projects, a completed floor may not be processed using mechanical
means, unless specified.
For example, a subcontractor may grind the floor and then apply an acrylic or resinous polymer sealer,
which would have a high-gloss sheen at first, but need to be reapplied every few months for upkeep. The
floor would also be susceptible to staining and etching. For a facility to benefit from the lower
maintenance costs associated with polished concrete floors, the specification needs to follow a systems
approach.
Much like a painter starts with a canvas, the polished concrete floor starts with a substrate. It is important to engineer this concrete with preference to shrinkage compensation concrete or another mix design favorable for the reveal expected by both architect and owner. The components should be in place for a substrate that leads to a successful exposing of the surface. In addition to establishing the actual mix for slab-on-grade concrete, it is wise to consider using a vapor retarder. (Even in arid parts of the country, this helps control moisture within the slab, which can affect color and staining.)
Mix designs vary, but preference may be given to material conforming to American Concrete Institute (ACI) 223R-10, Guide for the Use of Shrinkage-compensating Concrete. Other standards to note include:
It is best to avoid air-entrained concrete because porosity causes several issues. The pores will have
to be filled to render proper sheen and clarity on the floor-this entails more chemicals and could
affect bonding. Additionally, excessive use of fly ash (i.e. greater than 15) should be avoided as there
will be less calcium hydroxide for the hardeners to react with.
Specifying a mix design has much to do with the exposure of rock desired. Attention should also be given
to ensure proper slab finishing-that is, it is cured for 14 days, using a water base seven- to 10-day
natural dissipating-type curing compound, if necessary.
This prevents putting a product on that would inhibit the color or hardeners penetrating or causing
unnecessary grinding of the substrate. If fine aggregate concrete mix is specified, the concrete must be
thoroughly floated and tamped.
Established guidelines for overall value of FF 50 and FL 30 should be in place
using rational numbers
for
each to have a starting canvas that leads to a more even reveal, using ASTM E 1155, Standard Test
Method
for Determining Floor Flatness (FF) and Floor Levelness (FL) Numbers, for
reference.
Wet cures work well and the concrete may be machine-trowelled, but not burned black. Burning the surface
inhibits the introduction of concrete chemistry and color, and can add unnecessary grinding steps to the
process in efforts to eut through a hard, burned surface. Onsite management by knowledgeable manufacture
consultants often take pressure off architects and GCs that may not have the experience to know what to
look for during these crucial construction steps.
Traditional (or 'European-style') grinding equipment uses high-voltage three-phase or 220 electric
power. It is not designed for wet processing (discussed later in this article) and can add a substantial
cost in electricity that may not have been considered when the project went out to bid. These costs are
often passed on to the owner or GC, and also contribute to a considerably larger carbon footprint when
compared to alternative fuel-powered equipment.
Electric-powered grinding equipment may contribute to increased downtime and labor costs for the
duration of the project since it takes time to set up cords and for an electrician to set up special
wiring for the units.
Equipment powered by fuels like propane, on the other hand, allow for safe wet grinding. Eliminating the
need for electricity means being able to process floors before other trades are onsite, making the
schedule more efficient. This type of equipment can also have higher productivity, with some processing
465 to 930 m2 (5000 to 10,000 sf) per hour per eut. Edgers, used to process floors from
wall-to-wall
edge, can also greatly reduce labor.
Propane-powered concrete grinders and polishers can meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and
California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements with an emissions shut clown system (ESDS) and
catalytic converter. They can also meet Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit 3.7, Green Cleaning:
Sustainable Cleaning Equipment, for the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC's) Leadership in Energy
and
Environmental Design for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance (LEED EBOM) program.
Making use of a wet process eliminates potential airborne contamination. lt also controls ambient
indoor air quality (IAQ) by ensuring that silica dust neither contaminates existing surfaces and HV AC
ventilation systems, nor affects construction workers or future inhabitants.
Wet processing has not been popular in the past because the densifiers driving the market did not work
well within this method. A sodium-based densifier would have a tendency to efflorescence when applied to
a wet ground floor. More common chemistry now on the market is 100 percent reactive, non-resinous,
water-soluble, and pH-neutral chemicals can be used with a wet process (and are not considered
'hazardous waste'). Much of the chemistry products now available can be applied without further labor
investment, while at the same time reducing environmental impact.
Specialty concrete treatments with cutting agents work with a wet process to soften the substrate. The
frothy slurry created by the process is ground into the floor to help seal pores, producing a denser
surface. This is because the cutting agents help with a more aggressive eut, allowing a reduction in
bonded abrasive steps and labor requirements. A slurry recovery system may be used to reuse water.
Further, the wet concrete process holds open the product to be recycled.
Environmental conscientious chemistry is more than just content low in volatile organic compounds
(VOCs). Chemistry should fit into the system approach for an overall green process. Many impregnators
and coatings on the market are solvent-based and do not lend themselves to environmentally conscious
construction. Additionally, chemistry that contributes to alkali silica reaction (ASR) can exponentially
accelerate natural damage to the concrete.
One should avoid specifying a topical product that is no more than a 'wax,' as it would be wasting time
to open the concrete. It is also important to remember many facility maintenance personnel apply an
ultra-high-speed burnisher coating, negating all the effort that was put into a sustainable floor.
If a microfilm or other sub-topical treatment needs to be applied, it should have a low-VOC content and
be a non-resinous polymer to avoid having a topical treatment that requires maintenance such as for
vinyl composite tile (VCT) floors.
Many are still using chemicals that are caustic
( i.e. pH above 11.0) and produce hazardous waste water that is expensive to dispose of properly.
Dumping caustic water is a serious concern in many states. The application of pH-neutral ( or higher)
chemistry product that has no rinsing requirements is preferred when specifying a concrete treatment.
Alkaline- and pH-balancing chemicals are available for use on difficult substrates.
Hardeners and densifiers should meet:
They should also pass the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 244, Chloride Ingress Testing.
For successful integration of color, the use of colorants must fit within the 'family' of chemistry
employed on the floor. The introduction of color should be preceded by the placement of a concrete slab
with proper moisture content and a balanced pH level. Testing should be specified such as ASTM F
2170-09, Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using In-situ
Probes, and ASTM
F 710, Standard Test Method for pH.4
The concrete polishing industry has adopted this standard since moisture issues associated with
resilient floors can also create problems for the colorants, densifiers, and micro films used.
Preference should be
given
to the colorant that will provide
for
the best sustainability with the least environmental impact.
Products may be applied as matte-finish color hardeners on open concrete, or applied during the concrete
polishing process for a deeper penetrating, higher gloss, and richer color. Use of colorants should be
coupled with hardeners and microfilms that enable depth of penetration and lasting wear. There are three
common options for this:
A polished concrete floor is generally considered such after it has been eut using 800- to 3000-grit resin-bonded abrasives and displays a high-gloss sheen before any topical treatments are added to the surface. Using ASTM D 523-08, Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss, or ASTM E 430, Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Gloss of High-gloss Surfaces by Abridged Goniophotometry, can yield an acceptable gloss.
Some manufacturers provide a maintenance schedule for facilities after having a floor processed to
maximize its beauty and durability. Cleaning products that are pH-neutral and will not etch, stain, or
otherwise degrade floors are recommended, along with equipment suitable for that facility.
A pH-neutral enzyme-degreaser can be used as needed or otherwise instructed in the manufacturer's
recommended maintenance schedule. When the project is a public, commercial, or industrial facility,
preference should be given to use of an automatic scrubbing unit in conjunction with sustainable
maintenance programs.
The challenges of specifying a ground, honed, and polished concrete floor are greatly minimized, and
project outcomes are more assured, when a systems approach is utilized for project documents. The
systems approach treats concrete processing as coherent whole rather than unconnected actions. It
addresses the compatibility of the equipment, abrasives, chemistry, and process necessary to achieve the
polished concrete floor envisioned by the project owner and architect.
Crafting an a-la-carte specification, without a real understanding of the implications of incompatible
process components, creates problems starting with mix design through floor maintenance. It can also
compromise the green or sustainable qualities of a polished concrete floor.
Additionally, incorporating current or existing ASTM
standards for concrete floor construction into the construction documents will help support the
performance specification. Results are objective and
measurable, and less likely open to interpretation or degree. The intent is to make 'polishing,' as it
relates
to concrete floors, more of a defined process and
result in keeping with green and sustainable practices, and not just an ambiguous aesthetic description.