Washed concrete and its areas of application

Exposed aggregate concrete, another name for washed concrete, is a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing material that is becoming more and more popular in a variety of building projects. The natural beauty of the stones and pebbles embedded in the mixture is revealed in this type of concrete, making it distinctive. To reveal the underlying aggregates and create a textured, aesthetically pleasing surface, the top layer of cement paste is washed away during the process.

The versatility of washed concrete is one of its key advantages. It can be applied to many different surfaces, such as pool decks, patios, walkways, and driveways. It is the perfect option for spaces that need to be both safe and functional because of its non-slip surface. Furthermore, the aesthetic appeal of washed concrete can improve outdoor areas’ overall appearance and make them seem cozier and more appealing.

Apart from its visual appeal and practical features, washed concrete is renowned for its longevity and minimal upkeep. This material is appropriate for both residential and commercial projects because the exposed aggregates are resilient and weather-resistant. Because of its durability, it can endure rough environments and high traffic levels without suffering severe wear and tear.

All things considered, washed concrete provides an elegant and useful answer for a range of building requirements. This material can be used to create a strong driveway or a lovely patio, as it offers a combination of strength, safety, and aesthetic appeal that can improve any outdoor area. For those looking for a dependable and eye-catching building material, washed concrete is a great option because of its distinctive texture and inherent beauty.

Exposed aggregate concrete, sometimes referred to as washed concrete, is a visually appealing and adaptable material used in a variety of construction projects. Its distinctive finish, which is achieved by removing the top layer of cement to expose the aggregate underneath, adds to its durability and visual appeal. This kind of concrete is frequently used for patios, walkways, driveways, and decorative facades. It offers an anti-slip surface that improves the appearance of any outdoor area. It is a well-liked option for both residential and commercial applications due to its resilience to inclement weather and high traffic.

Application area

Every single one of these building and structural materials is utilized in the creation of decorative concrete goods. Specifically, the following structures and products are built and produced using washed concrete technology:

  • Decorative tiles for finishing the local area.
  • Production of outdoor flowerpots and plant pots.
  • Production of outdoor tables, benches and other garden furniture.
  • Production of tiles for finishing the surfaces of load-bearing walls.
  • Production of slabs for the arrangement of garden and park paths.

Because washed concrete is a special kind of decorative finishing material, it is only used for aesthetics. Concrete structures intended to support weight are not made of washed concrete.

Technology for the production of washed concrete

The process of turning raw concrete into paving slabs, flowerpots, and other products involves creating an environment in which the product’s inner, primary layer dries and solidifies considerably more quickly than its outer, decorative layer.

The standard recipe for heavy concrete in this instance calls for preparing the inner layer’s concrete using Portland cement for general construction (CEM I 32.5N PC (M400) or CEM I 42.5N PC (M500), sand, water, and aggregate (granite crushed stone, pebbles, or gravel) with a fraction size of 10–20 mm.

The standard Portland cement grades CEM I 32.5N PC (M400) or CEM I 42.5N PC (M500), clean sand, and decorative filler (quartzite, marble chips, river or sea pebbles, small multicolored crushed granite, dolomite, or gorgeous multicolored gravel) are used to prepare the concrete mortar for the outer layer of the concrete.

The application of a unique substance to the outer layer or pouring surface of the mold—a retarder for washed concrete, or deactivator of concrete hardening—is the "highlight" of the technology. As an illustration, consider the "Retarder of setting of the surface layer of concrete Bisil Retarder SF" gel retarder for cleaned concrete.

In order to allow for the "erosion" of the decorative layer of concrete with a stream of water to the indicated depth without destroying the concrete structure or product, a short of the concrete settling slowly penetrates into the "body" of a decorative layer to a depth of 8 mm.

The binder solution is washed out and the decorative filler particles are "exposed, drawn," as a result of processing the uncured concrete layer with a water jet. The concrete products such as garden path slabs, tiles, fence blocks, pillars, flowers, and flowerpots that have been cleaned and polished take on the appearance of "natural wild stone," adding decorative elements and appealing relief.

Accordingly, the size of the decorative filler fraction, the color of the filler elements, and the degree of "washing" all have an impact on the final product’s appearance when it is produced using washed concrete technology.

Consequently, multicolored fillers should be used if the goal is to create unique "washed" reinforced concrete products. It is ideal to use a special mix that includes marble chips, small granite crushed stone, sea or river pebbles, and small gravel.

How to make washed concrete with your own hands

A private or rural home can use washed concrete products because the technology involved in their production is not complex. These are the supplies and equipment you’ll need to make washed concrete products at home:

  • General construction Portland cement grade CEM I 32.5N PC (M400) or CEM I 42.5N PC (M500).
  • Quarry or river sand.
  • Clean water.
  • Fine-fraction filler.
  • Setting retarder. Depending on the required depth of "drawing" of decorative elements, use the Gel-retarder for concrete "Standard-1", "Standard-2", "Standard-3", "Standard-5" or "Paper-deactivator of washed concrete" allowing a washing depth of: 1, 3 and 5 mm. The gel retarder is applied to the surface of the product, and the forms are lined with paper for pouring.
  • Concrete mixer, spatula, trowel, shovel, buckets.
  • Ready or homemade vibro -stop for compaction of concrete mixture.
  • Homemade or purchased forms for washed concrete.
  • A conventional spray gun for applying a retarder.
  • A unit that creates a high-pressure water jet and a sprayer for washing concrete out of the surface layer of the product.

  • Preparing the solution. Proportions of washed concrete: 1 part cement, 1.5 parts sand, 3.5 parts decorative filler. Mixing dry components in a concrete mixer for 3 minutes. Adding water in an amount of 0.5 of the volume of cement, mixing until a homogeneous mass is obtained. If necessary, re-add the sealer, then mix until the consistency of the solution is “creamy”.
  • Preparing the form for pouring. Preparing the form consists of degreasing and applying a retarder to the pouring surface or lining the surface with deactivator paper.
  • Installation of the form on the vibro stove, filling the form with concrete solution, vibration for several minutes. If necessary, add the solution and vibrate again.
  • Dismantling the mold. Keeping it stationary for the time required for the inner layer of the product to set.
  • Removing the product from the mold and washing out the concrete from the outer layer with a powerful jet of water.

Large-sized reinforced concrete products and blocks of cleaned concrete are poured into the formwork structure rather than molds. As a result, the process for making washed concrete for these products entails applying a setting retarder (lining the formwork surface with deactivator paper), removing the formwork once the structure’s main mass has solidified, and then washing the concrete solution from the product’s front.

Practical advice

  • Premature removal of the product from the mold or premature stripping of the formwork leads to increased washout of the solution and excessive exposure of the decorative filler. To avoid an unpleasant effect, an experimental filling should be carried out with the control of the time of setting a specific concrete solution.
  • Keeping the product in the mold or formwork for too long makes it impossible to wash the concrete solution layer to the planned depth. Therefore, as in the previous case, the time for removing the product from the mold or formwork is determined empirically (experimentally in each specific case).
  • When washing the surface layer, concrete products are placed at a slight angle to the plane of distribution of the water stream. This contributes to the most accelerated washing out of the unset material.

Conclusion

By examining the technology involved in creating your own washable concrete, you can draw the following conclusions. For large volumes, independent production of products from washed concrete is financially viable.

For instance, the task may involve decorating the landscape with concrete flowerpots or furnishing the adjacent area with concrete tables, urns, and garden benches manufactured with washed concrete technology. This is the case when the task involves equipping the adjacent territory with slabs of washed concrete (garden paths, blind area, and other areas). In all other situations, outsourcing these tasks to a third-party organization is financially viable, especially for smaller volumes of work.

Washed Concrete Areas of Application
Definition Used in both residential and commercial spaces, washed concrete is a type of concrete that is textured and polished to reveal the natural beauty of the aggregates within.
Pathways and Driveways Commonly used for pathways and driveways due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Patios and Pool Decks Ideal for patios and pool decks because it is slip-resistant and visually appealing.
Interior Floors Increasingly popular for interior floors in modern homes and commercial buildings for its unique look and easy maintenance.
Public Spaces Frequently used in public spaces like parks and plazas to create attractive and functional surfaces.
Decorative Features Employed in decorative features such as garden walkways, outdoor seating areas, and building facades.

Washed concrete is an aesthetically pleasing and adaptable material that has been used in many different contexts. It’s a great option for both residential and commercial projects because of its distinctive texture and longevity. Washed concrete improves the aesthetic appeal of a variety of surfaces, including driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks, while also offering a durable surface that can withstand weather and heavy use.

The non-slip surface of washed concrete is one of its best qualities, making it perfect for outdoor areas where people are concerned about safety. Washable concrete is a sensible option for public spaces like parks, plazas, and pedestrian zones because of this quality and its low maintenance needs. In addition, customization to fit any design preference is possible thanks to the extensive selection of colors and aggregate options.

Washed concrete gives gardens and landscaping a smooth, organic appearance that melds in with the surroundings. It is a popular choice for garden paths, retaining walls, and decorative elements because of its versatility in complementing different architectural styles and landscape designs. These installations will last for many years as long as they are visually appealing and functional thanks to the durability of washed concrete.

All things considered, washed concrete sticks out as a strong, eye-catching, and adaptable material ideal for a variety of applications. Many building and remodeling projects choose it because of its practicality, visual appeal, and low maintenance requirements. Washed concrete is still a dependable and fashionable way to improve any area, whether it is used for commercial or residential purposes.

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Dmitry Sokolov

Chief engineer in a large construction company. I have extensive experience in managing construction projects and implementing modern technologies.

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