Lines and Texture
Concrete is a plastic molding material that can be processed into almost any shape and size using templates. When forming walls and components, using appropriately designed molds and certain processes, specific lines or textures can be created on the concrete surface. This is the main means of decoration on ordinary concrete, known as fair-faced concrete. For example, using steel templates can create large dividing joints on the concrete surface; textures can be created through templates, mold linings, surface finishing, or exposed coarse and fine aggregates. When creating lines and textures on the wall surface, a certain degree of unevenness is necessary, making some parts of the concrete purely decorative.
Color and Aspect Ratio
When using exposed aggregate decorative concrete, its color varies depending on the depth of surface peeling and the type of cement, sand, or gravel. When the surface peeling is shallow and relatively smooth, the color of cement and fine aggregate will play a major role; as the peeling deepens, the color of coarse aggregate has a greater impact. On exposed aggregate concrete surfaces, the combined effect of surface light and shadow, as well as the colors and textures of various materials, makes the colors appear quite vibrant.
There are several ways to change the color of exposed aggregate concrete. The main methods are to add pigments to the concrete surface to create a decorative layer, or to spray a layer of suitable, durable paint onto the concrete surface. An effective way to change the color of exposed aggregate concrete is to use brightly colored cement or aggregates. This method not only achieves better color, but also ensures stable aggregate color, resistance to staining, and excellent durability. White cement, colored cement, or colored aggregates are most commonly used in architectural decoration projects.
Shapes and Patterns Utilizing the plastic molding characteristics of concrete, concrete products can be manufactured according to designed artistic shapes, or the concrete surface can be adorned with geometric patterns and three-dimensional relief decorations. This is a means of concrete decoration. While meeting functional design requirements, ordinary concrete products can be designed into specific shapes that are both aesthetically pleasing and durable, as well as economical and practical.
Engineering practice has proven that by arranging lining plates with specific patterns and designs inside the concrete formwork, and then removing the formwork after the concrete has hardened, a three-dimensional decorative pattern can be formed on the concrete surface. This is a relatively simple construction method with good decorative effect.
