terrazzo: the history and evolution of the technology behind this legendary flooring system

SIKA CANADA INC. 2016

TERRAZZO: THE HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND THIS LEGENDARY FLOORING SYSTEM

SUMMARY The Beginnings Evolution of Methods & Equipment Types of terrazzo Characteristics Special Features Design Requirements Surface Preparation Installation Where to Use Terrazzo Cost & Life Cycle Benefits Case History

THE BEGINNINGS Although vestiges of terrazzo dating back to Antiquity have been discovered, the

technique was ‘rediscovered’ in the 15th century by Venetian mosaic artisans . Collecting those marble chips and leftovers on the jobsites they were working on, those artisans began to build terraces around their living quarters using at first basic technics to set , level and seal the surface that was created. Initially, the chips were directly set in the dirt floor and, later on, a more permanent method was developed consisting in setting the chips in clay acting as bedding mortar. The grinding process also evolved from a purely manual operation (literally rubbing the surface with a stone and then, later on with a tool called galera, which was a weighted grinding stone affixed to a long wooden handle) to a more mechanical one, with the development of various types of grinding machines. As far as surface sealing is concerned, in the early years, this operation was carried out using natural products such as goat milk or linseed oil. In the 20th century, the technique has shifted to chemical-based materials…

THE BEGINNINGS: DID YOU KNOW THAT…

1579: Gains official recognition as a form of

art under the Venetian Republic.

In the 16th century, almost all the craftsmen

working in The terrazzo and mosaic industry

originated from the Friuli region.

The workers in this line of work were

known as « terrazzieri ».

Michelangelo used terrazzo in St. Peter's

Basilica.

EVOLUTION OF METHODS AND EQUIPMENT

The Grinding Methods and equipment Typically carried out manually by rubbing the

surface with stones The first tool developped for grinding the

surface : The Galera (pictured on the right) 1924 – Water grindstone 1998 – Dry grindstone

EVOLUTION OF METHODS AND EQUIPMENT

Water grindstone (1924)

EVOLUTION OF METHODS AND EQUIPMENT

Dry grindstone (1998)

EVOLUTION OF METHODS AND EQUIPMENT

Dividing strips

In the past, dividing strips were made of wood and installed to create de required design. Then, once everything was set in place, they were removed and and space then created was filled up with another product.

Marble strips ¾”x ¾”x 12-36”

1920: Brass strips

1930: Zinc strips

1975: Plastic strips

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TERRAZZO

Floating system with sand, plastic sheet, metallic lattice, undercoat with dividing strips and 3’’ (75 mm) terrazzo

Adhering System with under coat adhering to the slab with dividing strips and 2’’ (51 mm) terrazzo

Epoxy resin: Terrazzo fully adhering to the slab ½’’ (13 mm) Venetian: Floating System with epoxy resin binder and large aggregates (#1-5 semi-

venitian, #1-8, 1-3’’ (25-75 mm)

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF EPOXY TERRAZZO

Rustic: Floating system with epoxy resin and exposed aggregates of ½’’ -3 ‘’ (13-75 mm)

Prefabricated: Thickness required

Polyacrylate: Floating system with resin and epoxy resin of ½’’ - 3’’ (13-75 mm)

Epoxy resin: Adhered to the slab ¼’’ - 3/8 ‘’ (6-10 mm)

TYPES OF EPOXY TERRAZZOMix : Thermosetting epoxy part A & B Mix with agregates to form an inert mass Marble Granite Glass

CHARACTERISTICS

Polymer structure with a double bound watertight Negligeable withdrawal High compressive strengh Resistance to chemical products Extremelly durable

SPECIAL FEATURES No solvent: Odourless during the installation Rapid curing: Short installation cycle Resistance to chemical products: Offers a good resistance to chlorides

IN PAIL TINTING FOR EPOXY TERRAZZO SYSTEM

Features:

May be sanded within 18-20 hours

Compressive strength of 10000 Psi (with the recommended formula for aggregates)

Meets the TTMAC and NTMA standards

Potential LEED credits: Low VOC content (< 50g/L)

EPOXY TERRAZZO: YIELD

Total resin per volume in one (1) gal. of mixed material: 9,34 L (Resin + Aggregates)

12 pi2/sq.ft. per gal. of resin per gallon: 8,4 mm (yielding 8.4 mm (6 mm final , minus 2.4 mm for sanding ) 8 pi2 /sq.ft. per gal. of resin: 12.5 mm (9 mm final, minus 3.5 mm for sanding)

EPOXY TERRAZZO: YIELD

Volume Part A: 3 US gal. (11,36 L) Part B: 1 US gal (3,78 L ) Aggregate recommandations : Marble : 25 kg # 0 25 kg # 1 5 kg of marble dust

Marble density : 2,7 kg/L Marble volume: 60 kg /2,7: 22,22 L Total volume for a 4 US gal unit: 37.36 L

EPOXY TERRAZZO FEATURES Unlimited design Freedom in conception Thin coating No need to lower slab Easy transition with other finish Light system

ADDITIONNAL EPOXY TERRAZZO FEATURES

Durable Long life expentency Easy maintenance Choice of aggregates Wide color selection Unllimited choices and combinations Natural stone or glass Color stability No whitenining Retains its shine for years

TERRAZZO EPOXY AGGREGATES

Types Sizes Number Going through Held

# 0 1/8 in 1/16 in # 1 ¼ in 1/8 in # 2 3/8 in ¼ in # 3 ½ in 3/8 in # 4 5/8 in ½ in # 5 ¾ in 5/8 in # 6 7/8 in ¾ in # 7 1 in 7/8 in # 8 1 1/8 in 1 in ***# 3 and # 8 are the most commonly used aggregates in cementitious terrazzo

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

Vapor barrier for slab on grade Color combination TTMAC ou NTMA Color chart Pantone color chart Glass or marble chips Integrated strips

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

Dividing strips: Zinc Copper Brass Aluminum Plastic

Strips arrangements: Control joints Expansion joints Daily application

INSTALLATION1. Surface preparation2. Surface repairs3. Cracks repairs4. Anti-fracture membrane5. Dividing strips

IMPORTANCE OF THE SURFACE PREPARATION

‘70% of premature coating breakdowns are the results of

bad surface preparation’

SURFACE PREPARATION• Blasting (Blastrack) (recommended) Sanding/Grinding (medium) Blasting (light)

Sandblasting Sandblasting + water Waterblasting

INSTALLATION 1. Mixing and trowelling (manual or mecanical process)2. Grinding (dry or water)3. Grouting4. Polishing5. Sealing

HEALTH AND SECURITY

VOC contents: < 50g/L

Part A (Epoxy) Allergen, potential sensitivityPart B (Amine) Potential sensitivity , strong irritant , corrosivePart C (Various types of aggregates available) For marble, the powder not toxic, but the dust is irritant

Recommended protection: Avoid physical contact (wear gloves, Tyvek®coverall, apron, long sleeves). Wear mask with cartridges for vapor and dust

WHERE TO USE TERRAZZP EPOXY? Hospital and institutionnals buildings Pharmaceutiques plants Sports centres Supermarket, commercial Centres Casinos Airports, railway stations, Counters, stairs and much more…

COST AND LIFE EXPECTENCY

TERRAZZO EPOXY: THE BENEFITS

Rapid installation, safe and easy Design variety Durable Easy maintenance Cost per life expectency is very low compare to other floor

systems

TERRAZZO PROJECTS ACR0SS CANADA

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA, EDMONTON (AB)

HIGHLAND FARMS (ON)

YMCA MISSISSAUGA (ON)

MARKHAM-STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL (ON)

CN TOWER TORONTO

NORTEL NETWORKS (ON)

PEARSON AIRPORT TORONTO (ON)

CINÉMA FAMOUS PLAYERS, MONTREAL (QC)

BELL NORTHERN RESEARCH (ON)

SCARBOROUGH TOWN CENTER (ON)

FORUM PEPSI, MONTREAL (QC)

MANUAL AND ASSISTANCE

Terrazzo guide

Color charts

Maintenance guide

TTMAC

Sika Canada

QUESTIONS ?