The challenge
The American University of Beirut campus has 64 buildings, including a medical centre, libraries, museums and dormitories. Its existing walkways and floors needed renovation. The client asked for a stamped overlay system, applied over the existing surfaces, with the appearance of conventional stamped concrete. The concrete mix had to give reliable placement and performance, with the right slump, to avoid defects.
The DCP solution
DCP supplied a stamped concrete system with five components. Cempatch SBR100 liquid polymer additive in the mix increases tensile, flexural and bond strength and improves workability and cohesion. PP Fiber monofilament polypropylene fibres control plastic shrinkage and settlement cracking. Monotop dry shake hardener is spread over the fresh concrete surface. Monorelease powder release agent lets the stamping mats come away cleanly. Monoseal sealer gives a durable, dust proof finish, improves abrasion resistance, enriches the colour, adds a sheen and resists oils and liquids. Stamped concrete can reproduce the texture of natural stone or brick.
DCP products used
How it was applied
- Add Cempatch SBR100 and 12 mm PP Fiber to the concrete mix and mix for 5 minutes before discharge. Place and level with a stainless steel straight edge.
- When light foot traffic leaves a 3 to 6 mm imprint, spread two thirds of the Monotop dry shake. Once it has absorbed the surface moisture, float with a magnesium bull float.
- Spread the remaining Monotop evenly and float for a final time.
- Cover the surface with Monorelease, then stamp in the order of placing, working to a reference line and tamping the mats with a pounder.
- Brush off excess Monorelease and clean the stamped area with pressurised water.
- Apply two coats of Monoseal sealer over the finished area.
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