GLOSSARY OF CONCRETE COUNTERTOP TERMS

Provided by The Concrete Countertop Institute www.concretecountertopinstitute.com

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K

knockout—A rubber or foam shape placed in a form where there will be a hole in the countertop

M

melamine—Particle board coated with a plastic material. Often used in forming concrete countertops because of its smoothness and easy release

metakaolin—Refined kaolin clay that is fired (calcined) under carefully controlled conditions to create an amorphous aluminosilicate pozzolan that consumes calcium hydroxide (lime) byproducts produced during cement hydration, resulting in increased compressive strength due to decreased lime content. Used as a 10% to 20% replacement for cement.

microspheres/cenospheres—Very fine, lightweight hollow ceramic spheres that are chemically identical to fly ash but too large to offer any significant pozzolanic reactivity. Used as a replacement for sand for lightweight concrete or to modify the consistency of the concrete, making it stiffer and less sticky.

mortar mixer—A mechanical mixer designed for blending cement based mortar. Mortar mixers use rotating paddles attached to a horizontal axle to mix mortar or concrete. Often mortar mixers are used for mixing the small batches of concrete required for concrete countertops.

P

penetrating sealer—A sealer with the ability to penetrate into the concrete surface to increase water repellency and resist stains. Often used on decorative concrete to provide invisible protection without changing the surface appearance.

pigment—A finely ground natural or synthetic particle adding color and opacity to a coating or topping.

plastic shrinkage cracks—Irregular cracks that occur in the surface of fresh concrete soon after it is placed and while it is still plastic.

primary reinforcement—Structural reinforcement designed to carry tension forces in reinforced concrete. Often steel rebar or carbon fiber is used as primary reinforcement. Choice of material, amount and correct placement are critical to obtaining the desired structural characteristics.

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