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SECTION 02750

INTEGRALLY COLORED CEMENT CONCRETE PAVING

Davis Colors add color to the design of sidewalks, driveways, patios, streets, parking lots and other concrete pavements. They can be combined with patterns and textures to create a wide range of finishes.

Integral colors are economical to use because they are mixed into the concrete and require little additional labor to finish. Because integral colors extend throughout the slab, the color shows through even if the slab chips or is exposed. Davis Colors are made with pure, concentrated pigments especially treated for mixing into concrete. They are lightfast, alkali-resistant, weather resistant, and formulated to give long-lasting appeal to concrete.

In general, integrally colored concrete pavement is produced the same way as high-quality uncolored pavement. This document suggests specification provisions which pertain to colored concrete paving. INCORPORATE INFORMATION FROM THIS GUIDE SPECIFICATION INTO A COM-PLETE MASTER SPECIFICATION FOR CONCRETE PAVING. Then edit to meet project requirements. Prepare specification in accordance with ACI recommendations and other applicable industry guidelines. Show locations and details of each type of colored concrete pavement Drawings.

This document is available in word processing format from Davis Colors via the Internet or diskette. For product literature or tech-nical assistance about pigments, con-tact Davis Colors at:

East: 800-638-4444 (301-210-3400 Maryland)
West: 800-356-4848 (213-269-7311 California)

 

PART 1 GENERAL

 

1.01 SUMMARY

    A. Section Includes: Integrally colored concrete [sidewalks,] [driveways,] [patios,] [roads,] [parking lots,] [_________,] and other exterior concrete pavements.

Davis Colors can also be specified in other specification sections. Include the paragraph below if you wish to coordinate concrete pavement colors with colors specified in other sections. Note, however, that an exact color match of paving and work specified in other sections may not be practical because of the differences in the various manufacturing and construction processes; make final color selections on the basis of product samples or mock-ups.

Guide specifications for other types of colored concrete work are also available from Davis Colors.

    B. Related Sections:

    1. Section [02780 - Concrete Unit pavers]: Coordination of sample submittal [and color selection].
    2. Section [03300 - Cast-in-Place Concrete]: Coordination of sample submittal [and color selection].
    3. Section [03400 - Precast Concrete: Coordination of sample submittal [and color selection].
    4. Section [04200 - Masonry Units]: Coordination of sample submittal [and color selection] for [concrete masonry units] [and] [colored mortar].
    5. Section [07320 - Concrete Roofing tiles]: Coordination of sample submittal [and color selection].
    6. Section [07900 - Joint Sealers]: Colored sealants for joints.

 

1.02 REFERENCES

Edit references to include standards used in Project specifications. For a copy of ASTM C979, contact Davis Colors.

Other useful publications about colored concrete include: ACI 303R - Cast-In-Place Architectural Concrete Work. PCA PA124.H - Finishing Concrete Slabs with Color and Texture. PCA SP021A - Color and Texture in Architectural Concrete.

    A. American Concrete Institute:

    1. ACI 301 - Structural Concrete for Buildings.
    2. ACI 305R - Hot Weather Concreting.
    3. ACI 306R - Cold Weather Concreting.
    4. ACI 316R - Recommendations for Construction of Concrete Pavements and Bases.

    B. American Society for Testing and Materials:

    1. ASTM C309 - Liquid Membrane-Forming Compounds for Curing Concrete.
    2. ASTM C979 - Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete.

 

1.03 SUBMITTALS

    A. Submit product data and manufacturer's instructions for:

    1. Pigments.
    2. Curing compounds.
    3. [Patterning tools.]
    4. [Surface Retarder.]
    5. [________________________.]

    B. Samples:

      1. Submit pigment manufacturer's [color chart] [sample chip set] for color selection; indicate pigment number and required dosage rate. Submittals are for general color selection and may vary somewhat from concrete finished in field according to Specifications.

If color selection has not been made at time specification is issued, include above. If color selection is specified, include below.

      2. Submit sample chip[s] of specified color[s] indicating pigment number[s] and required dosage rate[s]. Submittals are for general verification of color and may vary somewhat from concrete finished in field according to Specifications.

      3. Submit samples of [select aggregate,] [rock salt,] [abrasive aggregate,] [sparkling aggregate,] [colored sealants,] [and] [________________].

 

1.04 QUALITY ASSURANCE

    A. Perform work in accordance with ACI 301 and ACI 316R.

    B. Conform to ACI 305R during hot weather.

    C. Conform to ACI 306R during cold weather.

    D. Obtain materials from same source and maintain high degree of consistency in workmanship throughout Project.

In general, colored concrete paving can be successfully installed by concrete masons with satisfactory experience in architectural concrete flatwork. However some special concrete finishing techniques may require installers to have additional qualifications such as training or licensing by manufacturer of patterning tools. Edit or expand the following.

    E. Installer Qualifications: Concrete shall be finished by firm with [five] [________] years experience with work of similar scope and quality.

Specify a mock-up or field sample to demonstrate that proposed materials and workmanship produce acceptable concrete appearance.

    F. Colored Concrete [Mock-Up] [Field Samples]:

    1. Provide [mock-up] [field sample] under provisions of Section [01400.] [________.]
    2. [At location on Project selected by [Architect] [Landscape Architect] [Engineer], place and finish [4 x 4 feet (1.2 x 1.2 m)] [________] area demonstrating materials, workmanship, and curing method to be used throughout Project.
    3. Retain samples of cements and aggregates used in mock-up for comparison with materials used in remaining Work.
    4. Accepted [mock-up] [field sample] provides visual standard for work of Section.
    5. [[Mock-up] [Field sample] may remain as part of Work.] [Remove when no longer required for comparison with finished work.]

 

1.05 DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

    A. Pigments: Comply with manufacturer's instructions. Deliver pigments in original, unopened packaging. Store in dry conditions.

1.06 PROJECT CONDITIONS

    A. Colored Concrete Environmental Requirements:

    1. Schedule placement to minimize exposure to wind and hot sun before curing materials are applied.
    2. Avoid placing concrete if rain, snow, or frost is forecast within 24 hours. Protect fresh concrete from moisture and freezing.

 

PART 2 PRODUCTS

In general, integrally colored concrete can be specified with the same cement, aggregate, reinforcing, forms, and other materials used in high-quality uncolored concrete.

 

2.01 CONCRETE MATERIALS

    A. Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete:

    1. Manufacturer:
      1. Davis Colors manufactured by Davis Colors; phone 213-269-7311.
      2. Substitutions: Comply with [Instructions to Bidders] [Section 01600] [________________] for substitution request procedures.
    2. Materials: Pigments shall contain pure, concentrated mineral pigments especially processed for mixing into concrete and complying with ASTM C979.

Mix-Ready disintegrating bags simplify use of pigments. Toss unopened Mix-Ready bags directly into concrete mixer. Bags travel deep into mix and disintegrate under mixing action, so there's less colored dust released into air and no empty sacks to litter job site. Premeasured bags make it easy to add the right amount of pigment without weighing. Additional packaging systems are also available for convenience of ready mix plant operators.

    3. Packaging: If pigments are to be added to mix at Site, furnish pigments in premeasured Mix-Ready disintegrating bags to minimize job site waste.

Select one of three following methods to specify colors. Typical dosage rates range from 1 to 5 percent and must not exceed 10 percent.

    4. Color[s]:

    1. [Provide color[s] to be selected by [Architect] [________] from manufacturer's [standard] [premium] color line. [Allow for up to [two] [________] colors on Project.]
    2. [Concrete mix shall contain [________] percent dosage rate of Davis Colors pigment No. [________]. Dosage rate shall be based on weight of portland cement, fly ash, silica fume, lime and other cementitious materials but not aggregate or sand.]
    3. [Pigment as necessary to match [existing building] [sample in Architect's office.]

Color of cement, sand, and aggregates affect final appearance of colored concrete.

    B. Cement: Color shall be [gray] [white].

    C. Sand: Color shall [be locally available natural sand.] [match sample in [Architect's] [________] office.] [be color required to match approved concrete sample.]

    D. Select Aggregate: [________________________________.]

Silicon carbide gives concrete a sparkling appearance; aluminum oxide does not. Both abrasives can be used to improve slip-resistance.

    E. [Abrasive] [Sparkling] Aggregate: [Black silicon carbide grains.] [[Gray] [Brown] [White] aluminum oxide grains.]

    F. Admixtures: Do not use calcium chloride admixtures.

 

2.02 ACCESSORIES

Use only curing compounds specifically recommended for use with colored concrete. W-1000 Clear Cure & Seal allows the natural appearance of concrete to show. Color Seal II covers concrete with a thin colored coating, creating a more uniform appearance. Do not use Color Seal II on exposed aggregate finishes.

    A. Curing Compound for Colored Concrete: Curing compound shall comply with ASTM C309 and be approved by pigment manufacturer for use with colored concrete. Provide [W-1000 Clear Cure & Seal] [Color Seal II tinted to match colored concrete and] manufactured by Davis Colors.

    B. Pattern-Stamping Tools and Materials:

Cookie cutter-type tools can imprint a brick, cobblestone, tile or other patterns. Mat-type tools can provide an embossed surface emulating wood, natural stone, or other materials. Tools are available from a number of manufacturers.

      1. Tools: [Mat-type] [Cookie cutter-type] stamping tools; [____________] pattern; manufactured by [_____________].

Film is often used with cookie cutter-type tools. The film stretches during stamping, rounding edges of the pattern, and keeping concrete from sticking to tools.

      2. Release Film: [1] [2] mil polyethylene sheet.

A release agent is required if a mat-type pattern tool is used. Davis Colors are compatible with most leading release agents. Release agents can match the color of the integrally colored concrete paving, or can be a contrasting or complimenting color to create a mottled, varigated finish.

      3. Release Agent: Provide release agent recommended by pattern tool manufacturer and compatible with integral pigments. Release agent shall be selected from manufacturer's standard colors.

Surface retarder can be used with exposed-aggregate finishes.

    C. Surface Retarder: [________________________________.]

    D. Rock Salt: [Medium] [Coarse] rock salt.

    E. Sealants: Joint sealers shall be [type specified in Section 07900.] [________________.] Provide in color matching colored concrete.

 

2.03 MIXING

When specifying concrete mix, 4" slump is recommended. If greater slump is required, use water-reducing or super-plasticizing admixture instead of adding water. Low water-cement ratio promotes richer, darker concrete colors. Note special mixes which may be required to produce various finishes. For example, pattern stamping requires small sized coarse aggregate like pea gravel.

    A. Pigments: Mix in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Mix until pigments are uniformly dispersed throughout mixture and disintegrating bags, if used, have disintegrated.

    B. Schedule delivery of concrete to provide consistent mix times from batching until discharge.

 

PART 3 EXECUTION

In general, integrally colored concrete is installed the same way as high-quality uncolored concrete paving. Include requirements for subgrade preparation, forms, reinforcing, joints, placing, striking off, and darbying or bullfloating, etc. Specify: - Subgrade shall be uniformly damp and free from standing water. - Protect adjacent finished surfaces from splatters. - Do not add water to concrete at job site, fog or spray surface with water, or put into pumps or onto tools or brooms. - Do not apply Davis Colors or pigments meant for integral coloring to surface.

The following are just a few of many possible finishes with integrally colored concrete. Finishing Concrete Slabs with Color and Texture, Portland Cement Association publication No. is a useful guide and includes photographs of these and other finishes.

 

3.01 FINISHING OF COLORED CONCRETE

Brooming provides an attractive, slip-resist surface. Applying broomed finish to floated concrete saves the extra step of troweling and can produce a more uniformly colored surface.

    A. Broomed: Pull broom across freshly [floated] [troweled] concrete to produce [fine] [medium] [coarse] texture in [straight] [wavy] lines perpendicular to main line of traffic. Do not dampen brooms.

    B. Swirl: Float concrete. Work float flat on surface using pressure in swirling manner to produce series of uniform arcs and twists. [Use aluminum or magnesium float to produce medium texture.] [Use wood float to provide coarse texture.]

The smooth, dense surface produced by troweling may not provide adequate slip resistance outdoors or in wet areas. Over-troweling or starting troweling late may produce discolored burns or dark spots.

    C. Trowel: Use steel trowel to produce smooth dense surface. Do not over-trowel or start troweling late.

    D. Rock Salt: [Float,] [trowel,] [and] [broom] concrete. Then sprinkle salt on concrete and press into surface leaving only tops of salt grains exposed. After 24 hours, wash salt away with water and brush. Allow surface and impressions to dry before applying curing compound.

    E. [Abrasive] [Sparkling] Finish: Uniformly spread grains over surface at [1/4] [1/2] lb./sq.ft. ([1] [2] kg/sq.m) and lightly trowel to embed in surface.

When exposing aggregate, the concrete color changes. As the cement paste is washed off the fine aggregate, the color of the sand and aggregate in the mix becomes more visible.

    F. Seeded Exposed-Aggregate:

    1. Seeding and Embedment: Cover surface with one layer of select aggregate. Press aggregate in surface by tapping or rolling. Work with magnesium float or darby until aggregate is embedded and surrounded and slightly covered by mortar.
    2. [Apply surface retarder in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.]
    3. Exposing Aggregate: Begin exposing aggregate when paving will bear weight of cement mason on knee boards without indentation. Brush with stiff bristle broom and fine water spray to remove excess mortar until exposure of aggregate is uniform and at proper depth.

    G. Monolithic Exposed-Aggregate:

    1. When darbying or bullfloating concrete, take care not to depress coarse aggregate too deeply.
    2. [Apply surface retarder in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.]
    3. Exposing Aggregate: Begin exposing aggregate when paving will bear weight of cement mason on knee boards without indentation. Brush with stiff bristle broom and fine water spray to remove excess mortar until exposure of aggregate is uniform and at proper depth.

Light sandblasting can often produce more uniform appearance by removing some of the minor variations which can occur at concrete surface. Heavy sandblasting exposes aggregate in concrete.

    H. Sandblast: Allow concrete to cure to sufficient strength that it will not be damaged by blasting but not less than seven days. Use [light] [heavy] sandblasting to remove cement mortar from surface and expose aggregate.

    I. Patterned Stamped: Apply pattern in accordance with tool manufacturer's instructions. Touch-up pattern and finish edges with hand tools as necessary.

    1. Cookie Cutter-Type Tools: [Use release film.] [Apply a light broom finish after removal of film.]
    2. Mat-Type Tools: Apply release agent.

 

3.04 CURING

Curing with water, membranes, or non-approved compounds can discolor concrete.

    A. Colored Concrete: Apply curing compound for colored concrete in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

 

3.05 TOLERANCES

As with any natural material, some variation in appearance is a normal design feature of concrete, whether colored or not. Note that concrete lightens as it cures; allow up to 28 days for process to occur.

    A. Minor variations in appearance of colored concrete, which are similar to natural variations in color and appearance of unpigmented concrete, are acceptable.

3.06 SCHEDULE

If locations of colored concrete are not shown on Drawings, include schedule here. Examples are given below.

LOCATION PIGMENT DOSAGE FINISH
Driveway 160 1% Swirled
Driveway Border 160 4% Running bond brick pattern
Sidewalks 160 1% Broomed
Pool Deck 61078 5% Exposed select aggregate

 

END OF SECTION

Color Seal II, Davis Colors, Mix-Ready, and W-1000 Clear Cure & Seal are trademarks of Davis Colors. Copyright 1996; qualified design and construction professionals may copy for preparation of construction specifications. Issued September 3, 1996.

We welcome questions or comments.
Or call:   West: 800-356-4848   East: 800-638-4444