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Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, the American Concrete Institute is a leading authority and resource worldwide for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, educational programs, and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials, who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete.
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Home > Tools > Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is chiseled concrete, with fine/medium and rough finishes, a common technique for facades, and are there any potential alternatives for achieving similar aesthetic effects? A. Chiseled concrete is a recognized technique in architectural design, particularly for surface texturing and achieving unique aesthetic effects. According to ACI 310R-19, techniques like integral colors, surface texturing, exposed aggregate, and polishing can be combined to create visually appealing designs. However, it's important to ensure proper construction and maintenance to prevent cracking or scaling, which are common issues in decorative concrete. For alternatives, ACI 347R-14 recommends architectural concrete, which allows for high-quality finishes while considering budget constraints. Standardizing building elements or using formwork modules can also help manage costs without sacrificing the design. In conclusion, chiseled concrete is a viable option, but other texturing techniques or standardizing elements can be considered as alternatives to balance aesthetic goals with durability and budget. References: ACI PRC-310-19; ACI PRC-347-14(21); ACI PRC-347.3-13(21) Topics in Concrete: Architectural Concrete; Decorative Concrete; Aesthetics in Concrete
Q. Is chiseled concrete, with fine/medium and rough finishes, a common technique for facades, and are there any potential alternatives for achieving similar aesthetic effects?
A. Chiseled concrete is a recognized technique in architectural design, particularly for surface texturing and achieving unique aesthetic effects. According to ACI 310R-19, techniques like integral colors, surface texturing, exposed aggregate, and polishing can be combined to create visually appealing designs. However, it's important to ensure proper construction and maintenance to prevent cracking or scaling, which are common issues in decorative concrete.
For alternatives, ACI 347R-14 recommends architectural concrete, which allows for high-quality finishes while considering budget constraints. Standardizing building elements or using formwork modules can also help manage costs without sacrificing the design.
In conclusion, chiseled concrete is a viable option, but other texturing techniques or standardizing elements can be considered as alternatives to balance aesthetic goals with durability and budget.
References: ACI PRC-310-19; ACI PRC-347-14(21); ACI PRC-347.3-13(21)
Topics in Concrete: Architectural Concrete; Decorative Concrete; Aesthetics in Concrete
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