PIAVE PREMIX CONCRETE PTY LTD
DISCLAIMER – DECORATIVE CONCRETE

Decorative concrete has transformed concrete from a primarily functional construction material into a product capable of delivering sophisticated aesthetic and tactile finishes.

Decorative concrete may be achieved through the incorporation or application of a variety of materials and processes during mixing, placement, finishing, or after the concrete has cured. These may include, but are not limited to, stamped or stencilled concrete, acid staining, exposed aggregate, decorative overlays, polished concrete, honed finishes and other specialised applications.

While Piave maintains comprehensive quality-control procedures and operates in accordance with applicable industry requirements and Australian Standards relating to materials, concrete production and mix design, there are numerous variables outside Piave’s control that may influence the appearance, performance and consistency of finished decorative concrete.

This disclaimer outlines some of the factors that may affect the final result.

Natural Variation in Aggregates

Decorative concrete contains naturally occurring materials, including stone and sand (collectively referred to as “aggregate”). These materials are naturally occurring, non-renewable minerals extracted from the earth and are subject to geological variations that can result in differences in colour, texture and appearance.

Quarry operators make reasonable efforts to classify and manage different areas of aggregate resources according to their visual characteristics. However, consistency of colour and appearance cannot be guaranteed, particularly where material is supplied over an extended period.

To assist in maintaining consistency of appearance, Piave strongly recommends that all concrete required for a continuous decorative area be supplied and placed on the same day wherever practicable. Concrete supplied or placed on different days or weeks may exhibit variations in colour, aggregate distribution or overall appearance.

Piave accepts no responsibility for variations in appearance resulting from concrete being supplied or placed at different times.

Iron Staining (“Ironstone”)

Iron is one of the most abundant elements in the earth’s crust. Consequently, naturally occurring iron-bearing minerals may be present within aggregates.

When exposed to moisture and oxygen, these minerals may oxidise and produce a rust-coloured or brown staining known as “ironstone” or iron staining.

Ironstone is a naturally occurring characteristic of some aggregates and is outside Piave’s control. Its occurrence does not necessarily indicate a defect in the concrete.

Where iron staining occurs, treatment and cleaning methods may be available to reduce or remove the staining. Appropriate instructions for remediation can be provided where applicable.

Pumping of Decorative Concrete

Decorative concrete products with exposed surface finishes, including exposed aggregate, polished and honed finishes, often contain aggregates selected primarily for their visual characteristics as well as their structural properties.

In some instances, the aggregate selection and mix design required to achieve the desired decorative appearance may result in a concrete mix that is more difficult to convey through a concrete pump.

Successful pumping is also influenced by a range of factors, including:

• the type and condition of the concrete pump;
• pump size and configuration;
• the type, diameter, length and condition of the pump line;
• the number and configuration of bends in the line;
• site conditions; and
• the characteristics of the concrete mix.

Accordingly, Piave cannot guarantee that decorative concrete will be successfully conveyed or placed using a concrete pump.

Any concerns regarding the suitability of a particular decorative concrete mix for pumping should be discussed with Piave prior to ordering and supply.

Site Conditions, Weather and Workmanship

In Piave’s experience, many variations in the appearance and consistency of finished decorative concrete result from conditions encountered on site, including weather and workmanship.

Once concrete has been delivered to site, the Concrete Placer/Concreter is responsible for the placement, finishing, curing and protection of the concrete, including managing the effects of prevailing weather conditions.

Environmental conditions can materially affect the colour, texture, finish and overall appearance of concrete. For example:

• concrete placed in shaded areas may appear different from concrete placed in direct sunlight;
• concrete placed during cold conditions may appear different from concrete placed during warm conditions;
• concrete placed during wet conditions may appear different from concrete placed during dry conditions.

Other factors that may influence the final appearance and serviceability of decorative concrete include, but are not limited to:

• natural variation in raw materials;
• placement and finishing methods;
• contamination;
• sub-grade conditions;
• consistency and timing of surface finishing;
• excessive addition of water;
• segregation during handling;
• installation and configuration of jointing systems;
• the type, timing and dosage of surface retarders or release agents;
• the quality and dosage of topically seeded materials or powders; and
• the selection, application and dosage of sealing liquids or compounds.

For these reasons, it is essential that suitably experienced and appropriately qualified contractors are engaged to undertake decorative concrete works.

Customers are strongly encouraged to request references and addresses of completed projects from their chosen Concreter so that examples of their workmanship can be viewed before engagement.

For most domestic concrete pavement projects, the Concreter has a significant role in advising on, designing, constructing and finishing the works. The Concreter is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the concrete is placed, finished and constructed safely, diligently and in accordance with the requirements of the project and the intended use of the finished structure.

Piave accepts no responsibility for poor on-site practices, inappropriate placement or finishing techniques, inadequate curing or protection, or the effects of weather conditions after the concrete has been delivered to site.

Cracking

Cracking, although undesirable, is an inherent risk associated with concrete and may occur for a variety of reasons. The occurrence of cracking can affect the appearance and, in some circumstances, the performance of the finished concrete structure.

Several factors can contribute to cracking. Particular care should be taken when placing concrete during hot, humid, dry or windy conditions, as these conditions may result in rapid evaporation of moisture from the concrete surface and increase the risk of plastic shrinkage cracking while the concrete is still in a plastic or wet state.

Protecting the concrete surface from excessive moisture loss can assist in reducing the risk of plastic shrinkage cracking.

Where appropriate, an aliphatic alcohol evaporation retarder may be applied to the concrete surface following initial screeding or floating. This product forms a temporary surface film that can reduce the rate of evaporation and assist in maintaining moisture within the concrete.

Any evaporation retarder should be applied and reapplied as required whenever the concrete is worked, strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable technical data sheet.

Where windy conditions are present, appropriate wind barriers should be considered to reduce the effects of wind on the concrete surface.

Where practicable, concrete placement should be avoided during periods of exceptionally high evaporation. Where placement during such conditions is unavoidable, appropriate measures should be implemented to minimise rapid surface drying.

Excessive addition of water to the concrete must be avoided. Adding water beyond the designed requirements of the mix may adversely affect the colour, finish and strength of the concrete and may increase the risk of cracking and other defects.

Cracking resulting from natural drying and shrinkage is an inherent characteristic of concrete and may occur despite appropriate construction practices. Such cracking is, in many circumstances, outside the control of Piave.

Photographs, Samples and Colour Charts

Photographs, digital images, colour charts, brochures, colour cards and displayed product samples, whether electronic or physical, are intended to provide an indication only of the colour, texture and general appearance of decorative concrete products.

Such materials are illustrative and indicative of the types of finishes that may be achieved. They do not constitute a guarantee that the finished concrete will exactly match any photograph, image, colour card, brochure or sample.

For a more accurate representation of available concrete colours, aggregates and finishes, customers are encouraged to visit one of Piave’s display centres and inspect physical samples wherever practicable.

Wash Water and Environmental Management

Exposed aggregate concrete commonly requires the removal of surface cement paste through the use of pressurised water during the finishing process and must be consistently washed all around the surface area to have a consistent finish.

The resulting wash water may contain cement, aggregate particles and other particulate matter that must be appropriately contained, collected and disposed of.

The Concrete Placer is responsible for implementing appropriate measures to prevent concrete wash water and other construction waste from entering stormwater drainage systems, waterways or other environmentally sensitive areas.

Summary

Decorative concrete is a natural product, and its final appearance is influenced by a combination of materials, site conditions, workmanship, weather and other variables.

While Piave takes reasonable steps to provide consistent, high-quality concrete products, certain variations and outcomes are inherent to decorative concrete and may be outside Piave’s reasonable control.

Customers should ensure that they understand these inherent characteristics and the responsibilities of all parties involved before proceeding with decorative concrete works.