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Stamped concrete is concrete that is patterned and/or textured or embossed to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, wood, and various other patterns and textures. Stamped concrete is commonly used for patios, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and interior flooring.

Decorative concrete

Acid staining is not a dyeing or pigment-base coloring systems, but a chemical reaction. A mixture of water, mineral salts and a slight amount of muriatic acid is applied to the concrete surface.

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Qatar- Ashghal launches contest for excellence in concrete construction

(MENAFN - Gulf Times) Ashghal has launched the first competition for Excellence in Concrete Construction in co-operation with the American Concrete Institute (ACI). Entrepreneurs have been told to submit their projects according to the terms of the ACI listed at http://www.concrete.org
Applications will be accepted until March 7, through contacting Ashghal's quality and safety department via the e-mail:
Six categories are included to participate in the Ashghal Award for Excellence in Concrete Construction. They include low-rise buildings, mid-rise buildings, high-rise buildings, in addition to infrastructure projects, repair and restoration works and decorative concrete buildings.
Ashghal Award for Excellence in Concrete Construction, launched by the authority for the first time, represents a platform for the leading concrete projects of innovation and technology. The award evaluates projects and selects a winner through a jury of a number of industry experts in Qatar.
The quality and safety department of Ashghal has invited the entrepreneurs to participate in this competition in order to have a chance to win one of the six awards presented by Ashghal to the winners of the various project categories in concrete construction sector participants shall consider the following requirements:
The project submitted for participation should be completed within 36 months prior to the date of submission.
* The innovative use of concrete must be highlighted as a key element in construction.
* A minimum of four to a maximum of eight photos shall be submitted with each submission. In addition to the photos, the submission may also include a 90-second time-lapse video.
* The competitors should provide a written text consisting of at least 500 words on how the concrete was featured in the project, indicating its uniqueness.
The quality and safety department will receive the project applications that meet the specified requirements until March 7.
The award aims to encourage excellence in concrete construction. The winning projects will also have the opportunity to participate in the international concrete construction competition sponsored by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) through the Institute's office in Qatar.

Sidewalk Poetry Contest looks for writers ready to make an impression (in concrete)

By Marc Levy
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Molly Lynn Watt’s “Jazz Riff” was among five winning poems from the Sidewalk Poetry Contest held in 2016. (Photo: Cambridge Arts)

Fifteen squares of sidewalk citywide have already been stamped with the short works of Cambridge poets, and more indelible words will be selected between Tuesday and March 20 in the city’s fourth annual Sidewalk Poetry Contest.

Winners and runners-up will be invited to read June 2 at the annual Cambridge Arts River Festival, then all but immortalized in the fall after review by a selection committee of past Cambridge poets populist, a student from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School and representatives from Cambridge Public Works, Cambridge Public Library and Cambridge Arts – the departments coordinating the program.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to know that the poem is going to be there for a long time and that people will see it,” said Carolyn Russell Stonewall, whose work was chosen in the first contest, in a video produced by 22-CityView.
Cambridge Department of Public Works employees impress a poem by Rose Breslin Blake into a sidewalk by the Hurley Street Park in East Cambridge in 2015.

The Cambridge program, inspired by a resident’s suggestion, takes St. Paul, Minn., as a model. St. Paul began its sidewalk poem program in 2008, itself inspired by artist Marcus Young (as artist-in-residence for the Department of Public Works!), and over the years added some 500 poems to city sidewalks. An example closer to home: the poetry stamped into bricks on the platform of the Davis Square T stop.

The inaugural year of the contest drew more than 300 submissions from residents ranging in age from 4 to 95 years, and Kelly Dunn, of the Department of Public Works, told 22-CityView that the program continued to be popular. “We receive emails and calls all throughout the year wanting to know when is the program going to start again, when can people submit poems?” she said.

Peter Payack, a former poet populist, said the appeal of the program was obvious.

“The idea is to put poetry where people can access it – you don’t have to go into a poetry reading that might be intimidating, you don’t have to go to the library and get a book,” Payack said. “You can just walk down the street and casually, at your feet, is a poem.”

For information and to submit a poem, visit cambridgema.gov/sidewalkpoetry.

IN THE GARDEN: Decorative Concrete

Strides have been made in the way of pavers and stone for retaining walls and walkways. Larger, flat surfaces such as patios or driveways are often overlooked. They shouldn’t be!
Once when I was out and about I visited a friend and was welcomed by a creative, concrete carpet. No longer strictly utilitarian, the driveway captured one’s interest immediately by transforming the average into art.
For some people variety is the spice of life; for others, uniformity creates order. This driveway incorporated both—three different patterns, changing with the bends of the road.
Leaving the highway, the dirt road connected with the concrete drive imprinted by cobblestone forms (available from most home and garden retailers). Passing through a few trees, the second section of concrete was cut and stained to look like large terracotta tile. Into the next bend the cobbled form was continued and highlighted by two large parallelograms, offset and embedded with pebbles to create texture and color. The final approach returns to the large faux tile pattern surrounding a decorative star,
I was impressed with the surprise and beauty of the work and visited at length with the owner about the process and difficulty for a homeowner to decorate concrete. Much of this work was done as the concrete was poured—the forms for the cobble effect impressed on the semi-set concrete.
Staining the tiled area was completed over two months using two coats of stain (apply the second coat when the first is dry) and three coats of masonry sealer. Four years have passed with cars driving on the work and it is time to refresh the stain and seal.
Many of you may prefer a simple concrete makeover. A neighbor took a simple brick patio, created some curves, poured some concrete, and in so doing improved on an existing feature. Adding usable space and a safer walking surface, the contrast between the angular, old red brick and wide curves of grey cement have changed the face and feel of the patio.
Whatever the size, experience reminds me to plan for a project. Books give step by step instructions for the DIY-ers. Benefit from the knowledge and help of one who has successfully completed similar projects. Two heads are better than one and many hands make a job light!

Superior Concrete Products Honored for ReCon Retaining Wall Block Production

EULESS, Texas, Feb. 23, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Superior Concrete Products, a producer and licensee of ReCon Retaining Wall Systems, was honored at ReCon’s Annual Producer’s Appreciation Event in Denver the evening of Thursday, Feb. 22.   A manufacturer, designer and installer of modular precast concrete fences, sound barriers, retaining walls, tiny houses and buildings, Superior Concrete Products has been manufacturing heavy-duty ReCon Wall Blocks since 2010.
“For more than seven years, Superior Concrete Products has been the supplier of ReCon Retaining Wall Systems for Central Texas.  We are based in the heart of the DFW business corridor and our company has been designing, engineering and installing decorative precast fences, sound barriers and retaining walls for more than three decades.  Some of our customers had projects requiring the use of heavy duty retaining wall systems that would safely contain massive amounts of dirt and rock, while fitting in seamlessly into the environment,” said Todd Sternfeld, CEO of Superior Concrete Products.
“ReCon blocks fit seamlessly into the Superior Concrete Products decorative precast concrete merchandise mix, and our considerable manufacturing capabilities made joining the ReCon team a natural expansion of our business.  During the past few years, we’ve used ReCon blocks on numerous projects including holding back a hillside for the parking lot of a popular grocery store, containing a flood-prone creek in a drainage channel next to a residential neighborhood, and constructing a raised helipad for a busy hospital emergency room,” Sternfeld added.  “Our ReCon business continues growing steadily, and we appreciate being named as a recipient of an award for such a high level of production.”
Raul Rodriguez, vice president of manufacturing for Superior Concrete Products, was on hand to accept the production achievement award for manufacturing and installing more than 100,000 square feet of ReCon Retaining Wall Blocks.    
Large ReCon Wall Blocks are durable and are specially engineered to perform under adverse conditions, and are considered an industry leader in gravity retaining wall systems.  Engineered for use in unreinforced gravity retaining walls reaching heights in excess of 20 feet, ReCon retaining wall blocks enhance the natural surroundings wherever they are installed.  Considered a property value enhancement, ReCon Blocks are available in five unique textures including: granite, limestone, traditional old-world blocks with chamfered borders, rustic rock, and weathered edge stacked stone.
“Each year we recognize producers who have achieved a high level of production,” said Stan Hamilton, president of ReCon Retaining Wall Systems.  “Superior Concrete Products sold and installed more than 101,000 square feet of ReCon blocks. To put this achievement in perspective, Superior has manufactured, shipped and installed more than 18,900 ReCon Blocks.  Or, to put it another way, that is more than 750 semi-truck loads of ReCon product shipped.  Any way you look at it, that is a lot of product, and deserves recognition.”
“The entire Superior team worked together to manufacture, deliver and install our ReCon products,” Sternfeld said.  “At Superior Concrete Products, we don’t shy away from reaching for high goals.  In 2018, one of our production goals should be to manufacture and install another 100,000 square feet or more of ReCon Retaining Wall Bocks.”
To learn more about Superior Concrete Products and any of the company’s line of fence, barrier, tiny house, precast buildings, retaining walls or other merchandise, phone 817-277-9255 or visit www.ConcreteFence.com or www.ConcreteTinyHouses.com.

Ashghal launches contest for excellence in concrete construction

Ashghal has launched the first competition for Excellence in Concrete Construction in co-operation with the American Concrete Institute (ACI). Entrepreneurs have been told to submit their projects according to the terms of the ACI listed at http://www.concrete.org
Applications will be accepted until March 7, through contacting Ashghal’s quality and safety department via the e-mail: asalih@ashghal.gov.qa
Six categories are included to participate in the Ashghal Award for Excellence in Concrete Construction. They include low-rise buildings, mid-rise buildings, high-rise buildings, in addition to infrastructure projects, repair and restoration works and decorative concrete buildings.
Ashghal Award for Excellence in Concrete Construction, launched by the authority for the first time, represents a platform for the leading concrete projects of innovation and technology. The award evaluates projects and selects a winner through a jury of a number of industry experts in Qatar.
The quality and safety department of Ashghal has invited the entrepreneurs to participate in this competition in order to have a chance to win one of the six awards presented by Ashghal to the winners of the various project categories in concrete construction sector participants shall consider the following requirements:
The project submitted for participation should be completed within 36 months prior to the date of submission.
* The innovative use of concrete must be highlighted as a key element in construction.
* A minimum of four to a maximum of eight photos shall be submitted with each submission. In addition to the photos, the submission may also include a 90-second time-lapse video.
* The competitors should provide a written text consisting of at least 500 words on how the concrete was featured in the project, indicating its uniqueness.
The quality and safety department will receive the project applications that meet the specified requirements until March 7.
The award aims to encourage excellence in concrete construction. The winning projects will also have the opportunity to participate in the international concrete construction competition sponsored by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) through the Institute’s office in Qatar.

Design Solutions for a Truly Inviting Hotel Entrance How to utilise different elements that can transform a dull hotel entrance into a memorable one By Lillian Connors, Senior Digital Marketing Strategist at Bizzmark

Colours

When it comes to decorating the interior, one of the key elements is the colour choice, but it also has a powerful impact on the exterior as well. By choosing the right exterior colour for your entrance, you can make a bold statement that defines the way you want to present your hotel. For instance, if you go with cool and calming colours like blue, teal or turquoise, you'll be creating a tropical, seaside feel; white and off-white shades will give it an air of elegance and luxury, and warm, bold colours and gem tones will give it an air of an exotic and unique abode. The trick is to stay consistent with the interior décor so the two designs don't clash, but form a cohesive whole.

 

 

Sheltered entrance

As a hotel owner, your top priority is to accommodate your guests as best as possible and one of the ways of doing so is to make them feel sheltered as soon as they arrive. Right at the entrance, your guests will need a place to put their luggage and wait for transportation, and whether it's a cold, rainy day or a hot and sunny afternoon, they'll need protection from the elements.
Canopies and coverings offer exactly this, but they also serve as an interesting design feature at the entrance. Choose the one that compliments the whole style of your hotel and is an extension of the building itself.

High-quality driveway

The hospitality industry is very competitive and hotels are always looking for ways to differ from others and gain advantage. Entrances have the power to create a strong statement but they'll hardly be effective if the driveway and flooring are not in top condition. Both inside and outside, flooring is the foundation of the establishment and deserves the best possible care. The flooring needs to be durable and low maintenance, as well as stain and moisture resistant. The best way to protect your concrete flooring at the entrance and keep it in good condition is to use durable concrete sealers that offer waterproof coating, stain resistance and preserve the concrete structural integrity.

Plants

You can never go wrong by incorporating greenery into your design. Plants and colourful flowers can quickly transform and enliven your hotel entrance. Without it, it may look quite sparse and dry, but if you choose to frame your entrance with beautiful plants that give off a pleasant scent, your guests will feel invited and welcomed.

Lighting

Using lighting is a versatile designing tool that can be utilized in myriads of ways to create any desired goal. To start with, it's very practical as guests would hardly be able to identify the hotel itself if it's not well lit with a shining sign, and for safety reasons as well. Design-wise, choosing the right type of lighting and its position, can make a tremendous impact on the hotel's curb appeal.
For example, spotlights add a modern touch to the entrance while also providing a strong light source. Artistic or antique light fixtures are an excellent choice for an independent hotel, while walk-on floor lights beautifully trim the pathways to the entrance.
Unlike other types of businesses, hotels rely heavily on appearance to make a lasting and memorable first impression, so an impressive entrance is a must. By drawing the eye of your guests to the tasteful design of your front door and offering premium service, you'll be able to attract the customers and keep them coming back.

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Stamped Concrete in various patterns, highlighted with acid stain) Decorative concrete is the use of concrete as not simply a utilitarian medium for construction but as an aesthetic enhancement to a structure, while still serving its function as an integral part of the building itself such as floors, walls, driveways and patios.

Stamped Concrete in various patterns, highlighted with acid stain) Decorative concrete is the use of concrete as not simply a utilitarian medium for construction but as an aesthetic enhancement to a structure, while still serving its function as an integral part of the building itself such as floors, walls, driveways and patios.

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is concrete that is patterned and/or textured or embossed to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, wood, and various other patterns and textures. Stamped concrete is commonly used for patios, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and interior flooring.