Stamped Concrete

This post is providing a brief idea about the Civil Engineering Topic Stamped Concerete. Stamped Concrete is the process of adding texture and color to the concrete to make it as a resemble stone, slate, brick, cobblestone and many other products found in the nature including wood, shells, fossils, and many more things. This limitless array of the possibilities combined with a great durability and lower cost than the natural products makes the Stamped Concrete as an easy choice for new construction and renovation projects.

The installation consists of the pressing molds into the concrete while the concrete is still in its plastic state. Color is achieved by using the Color Hardeners or Dry Shakes , Liquid Releases or Powder, Acid Stains or Integral Colors. All these products may be combined to create even more intricate designs.

History related with Stamped Concrete:

The Stamped Concrete has been around for about 50+ of years, what it started in the late 50's as a novelty products grew steadily until the mid 70's. When it experienced a huge growth spurt as more architects, contractors and designers became aware of it's benefits, lower costs & natural beauty. Stamped Concrete caused a major stir when it was introduced @ World of Concrete and since 1978 Decorative Concrete has been one of the show's major attractions.

In the beginning stage there were only very few designs available, but when the industry grew and more companies got into the scene the choices multiplied exponentially. Today there are many tools & materials manufacturers and with the advent of the additional coloring systems such as Stains, Acid Stains and Dyes the choices are even more numerous.

Stamped Concrete may used on the driveways, patios, commercial roads and parking lots and even interior floors. Stamped concrete, commonly referred to as patterned concrete or imprinted concrete, is concrete that is designed to resemble slate, slate, stone, flagstone, tile and even wood. In this section we will see how stamped concrete can be used to the beautify pool decks, entries, driveways, courtyards,patios, etc. Due to the wide array of options when it comes to concrete pattern, concrete colors, and the cost of stamped, or imprinted concrete in relation to the materials it is a substitute for, the choice of stamped concrete is becoming more popular and frequent.

Colors & patterns for stamped cement are often chosen to blend with other stone, tile or with the patterned concrete elements @ residence. Complex designs incorporating steps, courtyards, and the fountains can be achieved when the patterns are pressed into the concrete. Stamped concrete can also be blended with other decorative concrete elements such as exposed aggregate finishes and the acid-etch staining, along with a particular pattern, such as running bond brick, hexagonal tile, worn rock or stone. Concrete provides the perfect canvas for creating an economical replica of more expensive materials and yet still maintaining a very natural and authentic look. Stamped Concerete is one of the very important topic in the Civil Engineering.