Michael Chusid Concrete Decor

Author: Michael Chusid

A Concrete Fish Story for the Record Books

Bridges, Roads & Highways Vol. 6 No. 2 - April/May 2006 by Michael Chusid Comments are Disabled

When planning your next fishing trip, check out the big catch in the Canadian city of Calgary, where 144 trout over 15 feet long will soon be seen "swimming" alongside the daily traffic at a busy interchange.

Ductal: An Ultra-high Strength Concrete Looking for Problems

Building with Concrete Vol. 6 No. 2 - April/May 2006 by Michael Chusid Comments are Disabled

This high-performance concrete from Lafarge offers incredible flexural strength and endless possibilities for creativity.

Decorative Applications for Pervious Concrete

Concrete Placing Vol. 5 No. 6 - December 2005/January 2006 by Michael Chusid Comments are Disabled

Pervious concrete, increasingly in demand for its environmental benefits, takes on color.

Colored Pervious Concrete Used in Award-Winning Park

Concrete Placing Vol. 5 No. 6 - December 2005/January 2006 by Michael Chusid Comments are Disabled

With the addition of color and increased attention to texture and detail, pervious concrete is now being specified for public parks, fine residences, and other hardscapes where appearance is as important to the environment as drainage.

Self-Cleaning Concrete using Photocatalysts

Building with Concrete Business & Technology Vol. 5 No. 4 - August/September 2005 by Michael Chusid Comments are Disabled

This photocatalyst reacts to light and breaks down dirt, mold and pollution. It keeps concrete clean and cleans up the air at the same time!.

A Primer on Pozzolans

Vol. 5 No. 1 - February/March 2005 Concrete Placing by Michael Chusid Comments are Disabled

Portland cement consists primarily of calcium silicates. When mixed with water, a chemical reaction known as hydration creates calcium silicate hydrate (CSH). Needle-like crystals of CSH interlock to hold concrete together, almost like a glue.

Metakaolin: The Pozzolan for Decorative Concrete

Vol. 5 No. 1 - February/March 2005 Concrete Placing by Michael Chusid Comments are Disabled

Decorative concrete contractors are discovering the many benefits of metakaolin, an admixture that makes concrete brighter, denser and more workable.

Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete

Vol. 4 No. 3 - June/July 2004 Staining & Coloring Concrete by Michael Chusid Comments are Disabled

Not any pigment can be used in concrete. The chemistry of portland cement plus exposure to sunlight and weather can cause most integral concrete colors to fade.

Understanding pigments is the foundation for successful decorative concrete.