Granolithic

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Close-up of granolithic sidewalk.

Granolithic screed, also known as granolithic paving[1] and granolithic concrete,[2] is a type of construction material composed of cement and fine aggregate such as granite or other hard-wearing rock.[3] It is generally used as flooring, or as paving (such as for sidewalks). It has a similar appearance to concrete, and is used to provide a durable surface where texture and appearance are usually not important (such as outdoor pathways or factory floors).[3] It is commonly laid as a screed. Screeds are a type of flooring laid on top of the structural element (like reinforced concrete) to provide a level surface on which the "wearing flooring" (the flooring which people see and walk on) is laid.[4] A screed can also be laid bare, as it provides a long-lasting surface.[4]

The aggregate mixed with the cement can be of various size, shape, and material, depending on the texture of the surface needed and how long-lasting it must be.[5] The aggregate is usually sifted so that the particles are roughly the same size, which helps reduces air pockets in the material (which can weaken it).[1] Generally, the mix of aggregate to cement is 2.5 to 1 by volume.[1]

Granolithic screed or paving can be problematic. Because it is made with a high cement content and requires a great deal of water to mix, it may crack while drying.[3] It can also come loose from the material below (especially if the lower material is not properly prepared).[3] Pouring the material in layers is generally avoided.[6] Cracking and curling can be reduced by dividing the area to be covered into smaller sections and then pouring the material.[5] Debonding of the granolithic material can also be significantly avoided by using bonding agents like epoxy resins or polymer latex.[7]

A high degree of skill in pouring and finishing the material is needed to prevent problems.[5] Sealers and hardeners can be added to the granolithic material to improve its resistance to wear.[1]

Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Emmitt and Gorse, p. 566.
  2. ↑ Harris, p. 470.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Ingham, p. 132.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Ingham, p. 130.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Ransom, p. 74.
  6. ↑ Snow, p. 4—6.
  7. ↑ Snow, p. 4—6, 4—7.

Bibliography

  • Emmitt, Stephen and Gorse, Christopher A. Barry's Introduction to Construction of Buildings. Chichester, U.K.: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010.
  • Harris, Cyril M. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005.
  • Ingham, Jeremy P. Geomaterials Under the Microscope: A Colour Guide. London: Manson, 2011.
  • Ransom, W.H. Building Failures: Diagnosis and Avoidance. Florence, Ky.:Taylor & Francis, 1987.
  • Snow, Dennis. Plant Engineer's Reference Book. 2d ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2002.
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