ACI/ASCC PRC-310-25: Decorative Concrete—Guide

Description

This guide describes techniques for imparting aesthetic finishes to concrete flatwork, of which many can be combined for unique effects. The owner and architect/engineer will acquire detailed, practical guidance for achieving aesthetic effects using proven techniques. Recommendations are made for the production of cast-in-place decorative concrete flatwork, decorative stains, and overlays. In addition to attention to the specified materials, mixture designs, concrete placement, curing, protection, sealing, and other treatments, this guide also considers the effects of these treatments on the overall aesthetics of the project.

Keywords:

cementitious overlays; dry-shake hardeners; embossing; engraving; etching; inlays; polishing; release agents; stains; stamping; tooling.

Document Details

Author: Joint ACI-ASCC Committee 310

Publication Year: 2025

Pages: 55

ISBN: 9781641953023

Formats: Printed Document or Protected PDF/Web View

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1—INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE, p. 2

1.1—Introduction, p. 2

1.2—Scope, p. 2

CHAPTER 2—DEFINITIONS, p. 3

CHAPTER 3—GENERAL AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS, p. 4

3.1—General, p. 4

3.2—Process development, p. 4

3.3—Substrate preparation, p. 6

3.4—Jointing, p. 6

3.5—Joint filling and sealing, p. 6

3.6—Proper installation and quality control, p. 7

3.7—Climate, p. 8

3.8—Curing, p. 8

3.9—Sealers, p. 10

3.10—Safety, p. 10

3.11—Reinforcement, p. 10

3.12—Sustainability, p. 10

CHAPTER 4—LAYOUT AND FORMWORK, p. 11

4.1—General, p. 11

4.2—Layout considerations, p. 11

4.3—Step risers, p. 14

4.4—Reinforcement, p. 14

4.5—Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), p. 15

CHAPTER 5—PLASTIC CONCRETE COLOR TECHNIQUES, p. 15

5.1—General, p. 15

5.2—Integral color, p. 15

5.3—Color shake-on hardeners, p. 17

5.4—Exposed aggregate, p. 18

5.5—Advantages, p. 19

5.6—Disadvantages, p. 19

5.7—Special procedures and tools, p. 19

5.8—Required products, p. 19

5.9—Safety, p. 20

5.10—Maintenance, p. 20

CHAPTER 6—PLASTIC CONCRETE TEXTURING AND PATTERNING TECHNIQUES, p. 20

6.1—Texturing: embossing, imprinting, stenciling, and stamping, p. 20

6.2—Stamping, p. 21

6.3—Texture and pattern rollers, p. 22

6.4—Stencils (paper templates), p. 23

6.5—Object impressing, p. 24

6.6—Texturing with standard tooling, p. 24

CHAPTER 7—POST-PLACEMENT COLORING TECHNIQUES, p. 25

7.1—General, p. 25

7.2—Reactive stains, p. 29

7.3—Nonreactive stains and concrete dyes, p. 33

CHAPTER 8—POST-PLACEMENT TEXTURING AND PATTERNING TECHNIQUES, p. 34

8.1—General, p. 34

8.2—Ground and polished concrete, p. 35

8.3—Sandblast stenciling (abrasive blast stenciling), p. 43

8.4—Engraved concrete, p. 45

8.5—Decorative saw-cutting (scoring), p. 46

CHAPTER 9—DECORATIVE OVERLAYS AND REPAIR METHODS, p. 46

9.1—General, p. 46

9.2—Special procedures and tools, p. 48

9.3—Required products, p. 48

9.4—Application, p. 49

9.5—Touch-ups and post-repair aesthetic treatments, p. 49

CHAPTER 10—MAINTENANCE, p. 49

10.1—General, p. 49

10.2—Protective treatments, p. 50

10.3—Stained concrete, p. 50

10.4—Hardened and densified concrete, p. 50

10.5—Maintenance plan and closeout documentation, p. 50

CHAPTER 11—REFERENCES, p. 50

Authored documents, p. 51

ERRATA INFO

Any applicable errata are included with individual documents at the time of purchase. Errata are not included for collections or sets of documents such as the ACI Collection. For a listing of and access to all product errata, visit the Errata page.

Return/Exchange Policy

Printed / Hard Copy Products: The full and complete returned product will be accepted if returned within 60 days of receipt and in salable condition. A 20% service charge applies. Return shipping fees are the customer’s responsibility.

Electronic /Downloaded Products & Online Learning Courses: These items are not eligible for return.

Subscriptions These items are not eligible for return.

Exchanges: Contact ACI’s Customer Services Department for options (+1.248.848.3800 – ACICustomerService@concrete.org).