Self-Consolidating Concrete for Decorative Work

SCC can be used for decorative work of any kind. It accepts color, either integral or dry shake, as easily as any concrete. Stamping SCC flatwork might be an interesting experience—don't start too soon or the lines will just disappear back into the concrete.

SCC allows castings with this kind of detail. Lafarge Agilia

The most common use of SCC for decorative work, though, is for detailed molded (precast) concrete or intricate formliners. The high fluidity of SCC forces all of the air out the mold and results in perfect glassy surfaces. Remember, though, that with SCC any defect however slight in the forms will be directly reflected in the finished concrete. Also carefully select your form release agents to prevent bugholes (tiny entrapped air bubbles that cling to the form surfaces). In an article in Concrete Construction in November 2005, Paul Ramsburg described a study that concluded that the best form release was a reactive vegetable-based agent on a well-seasoned form.

Find more info on using SCC for precasting concrete and on setting up a precasting operation.

Pourfolio Custom Concrete in San Diego, CA

SCC has also been used for concrete countertops—mostly successfully. When cast face down, the SCC can produce a glassy surface that may not need any polishing. As with any concrete, experiment first to find the best mixes and techniques for your application. Experts advise that enough concrete for the entire countertop should be mixed in a single batch and placed in a single pour. As with all SCC, it is best to pour from a single location and let the weight of the concrete push itself into the forms or molds.

Some thoughts from Jeff Girard on casting countertops using SCC.

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