Download - 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 ?