Terrazzo
From MaterialProject.org, the free architectural material catalog
Contents |
Material analysis
MasterFormat Number: 09 66 00
Definition
A floor finish material consisting of concrete with an aggregate of marble chips selected for color and size, which is ground and polished smooth after curing.
History
The word terrazzo is derived from the Italian terrassa, meaning “terrace.” Terrazzo is one of the first recycled products - created by Venetian Workers utilizing the waste chips from slab marble processing. 15th Century Venetian stone cutters commonly used marble scraps as floor surfaces for their patios or terraces. (McGowen, 166)
Applications
- Retail/residential interior & exterior floors/wall systems
- Stair treads and risers
- Window sills
- Countertops
- Outdoor Furniture
Design trends
- Floor patterns to demonstrate company logos
- Patterns and themes in children’s facilities
- Casinos
- Hospitals and outdoor urban spaces
Finish and aesthetic qualities
- 80 grit carborundum polish standard finish
Surface forms / shapes
- Poured flat surface, tile, thresholds, benches
Standard Dimensions
- Epoxy: 1/4” or 3/8” resin (dependant on chip size) atop a concrete slab
- Polyacrylate: 3/8” polymer modified cement mixture atop a concrete slab
- Monolithic: 1/2” cement veneer atop a concrete slab
- Bonded: 1/2” terrazzo atop a concrete slab which is recessed 1-1/4” to 1-3/4”
- Sand Cushion: 1/2” cement matrix atop a 2-1/2” to 3” underbed with reinforcing wire mesh, isolation sheet and sand layer for interior floor use.
- Structural: 1/2” cement matrix atop 5-1/2” to 6” concrete underbed
- Rustic: 1/2” cement matrix atop 4-1/2” to 6” concrete or sand cushion
- Pre-cast: Customized for planters, benches, steps and wall panels
Price per Square Foot
- Approx. $9 - $15 poured but varies.
- Factors in price:
- Divider material, shape and size
- Panel size
- Marble chip size
- Origin of aggregates
Material properties
Primary Structural Use
- Non-structural finish material
Material performance
- Durable flooring material, good for high traffic areas
- requires periodic polishing to keep surface finish free of scratches
Opening Restrictions
- Terrazzo is poured onto flat surfaces
- It can be separated by aluminum, zinc and brass divider strips that come in many shapes and sizes, giving freedom to the design.
Manufacturing Process/Composition
Marble, granite, onyx or glass chips in Portland cement, modified Portland cement or resinous matrix. The terrazzo is poured, cured, ground and polished and can be poured or pre-cast. After the terrazzo is poured in place, additional chips are sprinkled or seeded and toweled into the terrazzo topping to achieve proper consistency.
Maintenance
Harsh cleaners and sealers can damage terrazzo; thus, only materials that are neutral with a PH Factor between 7 and 10 should be used when scrubbing or mopping floors. Avoid all-purpose cleaners or soaps containing water soluble, inorganic, or crystallizing salts, harmful alkali or acids. Sweeping compounds contain oil, which is not only a fire hazard, but will penetrate and could permanently discolor your floor. Many of these compounds contain sand, which is hard to sweep, and can abrade your floor if not removed. Semi annually strip all old sealer and any finish coats and reseal.
CSI Number
- 09 66 00
Environment and Life Safety
Environmental Impact
Sustainability, Off-gasing issues Maintenance/Resilience/Durability
- Epoxy or cement substrate (30 percent of material’s content) is petroleum-derived, cannot be recycled and can contain harmful chemicals like phthalates. Once cured, it has little impact on air quality, is nonporous and does not need to be sealed.
- Cement binders have high embodied energy and contribute greatly to global CO2. Cement-based terrazzo should be sealed to limit staining; it resists scratches well. It can be crushed and incorporated into new terrazzo, effectively recycling it.
- The binders constitute approximately 25-30% of the volume of the floor; the remainder of the floor is composed of aggregates, pigments and fillers.
Coefficient of friction
- 0.6 Anti-Slip COF when used with a UL-listed “slip resistant” sealer
References
Notes
Student contributions
- Katie Dubicki, Fall 2005
- Nicole Dagle, Spring 2007
- Hazel Echevarria, Spring 2008
- Heather Gray, Spring 2009
See also
Similar materials
- Terrazzo is similal to the materials that it is composed of which include:
Building references
- Logan International Airport
International Gateway One Harborside Drive East Boston, MA 02128
- Atrium space between 10 St. James Street and 75 Arlington Street
Boston, MA 02116
- Massachussetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Building 16 and 56
77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139
External links
General Material Resources
Ballast, David Kent. Interior Construction & Detailing for Designers and Architects, Third Edition. Belmont, CA: Professional Publications, Inc., 2005.
Material Specific Resources
Bowers, Helen. Interior Materials & Surfaces: The Complete Guide, First Edition. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books (U.S.) Inc..2004.
Ojeda, Oscar Riera (Editor). Materials: Architecture in Detail. Gloucester, MA: Rockport Publishers, Inc., 2003.
Green Home Guide. Green Home Guide
Local Manufacturers
- DEPAOLI MOSAIC COMPANY - Randolph, MA
- PORT MORRIS TILE & MARBLE CORP - Boston, MA
Organizations
- The National Tile & Mosaic Association
