What is a Vertical concrete mix?

The article will answer the question “What is a vertical concrete mix?”. The article will also highlight the importance and benefits of concrete vertical mix.

What is a Vertical concrete mix?

As the name suggests, a concrete vertical mix is the mixture of cement, lightweight aggregates, polymers, and admixtures. Fibre-reinforced parts are also available for certain models. 

A paddle or mortar mixer is used to mix the mixture, which is then applied using a trowel or shotcrete gun, depending on the size of the area that has to be resurfaced. The thickness of the overlay may vary from 1/4 inch to 2 inches or more, depending on the depth of the impression.

Based on tried-and-true formulae, several contractors have created their wall mixes for vertical construction. Because of this, a growing number of firms now provide prepackaged mixtures that may be blended on-site with water and ready to use.

There is no curing needed for vertical mixtures because of their high polymer concentration. Outdoor usage is possible in most regions thanks to goods that are resistant to water and freeze-thaw cycles. Gray and white are the most common colours for the mixtures. 

Colourants that may be added to a product’s formulation can also be purchased from various producers.

What features to look for in a vertical concrete mix?

It would be best to look for the combination of vertical mix ingredients while buying the vertical concrete mix. Stamping and carving are made possible by these specially developed overlays, which may be put in thicknesses ranging from 14 inches up to 5 inches or more.

Workability is the most important consideration when choosing a vertical stamp combination. I’m looking for a combination that can be carved, stamped, and coloured with ease but is also flexible. 

Because of his experience with vertical concrete mixtures, you should be on the lookout for a few unique things while dealing with them. A lot of time with the content would be ideal. Don’t worry about shrinkage cracks or the quick setting that restricts a unique hand-carved item when stamping. 

You should also favour ready-to-use mixtures that just need water to be added and mixed well. The gradation of the sand in the mix is also significant for aesthetic reasons. When dealing with the material, You don’t want to see huge sand grains. 

When carving by hand, larger sand simply detracts from the completed product.The material’s ability to stick to the wall is another important consideration. A thixotropic material must be present for it to work. 

To avoid drooping or falling off, the product should be able to be thrown on the wall. I want it to feel like butter while you’re working with it so that it’s simple to carve.

How to apply vertical stamp mixes?

The vertical concrete mix should be applied to ensure long-term viability and profitability; the stamp mix must be applied correctly. There is a silver lining in the fact that today’s vertical concrete mixtures are quite forgiving. 

The most critical factor when applying vertical concrete mix is a sturdy, clean, and well-prepared subbase. For vertical installations, metal lath or wire reinforcement is often used to help the vertical concrete mix. 

Applying the material is simple and entails troweling it onto the subbase to the appropriate thickness. Afterwards, the material is textured or stamped to resemble stone, rock, or wood, depending on the intended appearance. 

After the substance has hardened, the colouring begins. You’ll need to apply many dyes and stains to get the look you want using this method. For the most realistic results, the colours are applied in repeated light applications.

How to calculate concrete?

• Decide on the concrete’s thickness.
• Take a tape measure to the area you want to cover, both in terms of length and breadth.
• When calculating square footage, divide the length by the width, Inches to feet (Convert the thickness)
• Add the square footage to the thickness in feet in order to get cubic feet.

What are the features of vertical concrete mix?

• No VOCs and Water Based Flame Retardant: Non-Toxic Rated: Accredited by ASTM with the highest possible fire rating Class A/1 E-84

• Intuitive and Versatile: With Buddy Rhodes, you can mix, apply, and texture rapidly on a variety of surfaces. Ceramics with Pigments and Glazes

• Large, lightweight, and thin structures may be built for a fraction of the cost of traditional methods.

• Weight: 30 percent lighter than comparable concrete mixes with improved coverage per bag.

What are the preparation steps for applying concrete vertical mix?

• Preparation for the Mixing Process starts by making sure you have everything ready to go before you begin.
• Put on vinyl or nitrile gloves, goggles, and a dust mask to protect yourself.
• Weighing components requires the use of a precise scale.
• Use materials with a temperature range of 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 32 degrees Celsius).
• The reaction will be slowed down by colder temperatures and sped up by warmer ones.
• First 48 hours of application should be protected from rain and temperatures below 50°F/10°C to guarantee proper adhesion of the material.
• Vertical Mix temperature is also a factor in the final result.
• The reaction speeds up as the temperature of the mixture hits 70°F/21°C.
• Keep the mixture at around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) using a laser thermometer.
• Use ice in place of water up to 50% of the weight in warm settings.
• If stored in a dry, moisture-free environment, Vertical Mix has a shelf life of one year.
• The substance must be utilised as quickly as possible once it has been opened.

How to properly apply the vertical concrete mix?

To ensure long-term viability and profitability, the vertical concrete mix must be applied correctly. There is a silver lining in the fact that today’s vertical concrete mixtures are quite easy to use. 

When applying vertical concrete mix, the most critical factor is a sturdy, clean, and well-prepared subbase. For vertical installations, metal lath or wire reinforcement is often used to help the vertical concrete mix adhere to. 

The process of applying the material is simple and entails troweling it onto the subbase to the appropriate thickness. Afterwards, the material is textured or stamped to resemble stone, rock, or wood, depending on the intended appearance. 

After the substance has hardened, the colouring begins. You’ll need to apply many dyes and stains to get the look you want using this method. For the most realistic results, the colours are applied in repeated light applications.

What vertical concrete mix is composed of?

Cement, lightweight aggregates, polymers, and admixtures make up the majority of vertical concrete mixes. Fiber-reinforced parts are also available for certain models. A paddle or mortar mixer is used to mix the mixture, which is then applied using a trowel or shotcrete gun, depending on the size of the area that has to be resurfaced. The thickness of the overlay may vary from 1/4 inch to 2 inches or more, depending on the depth of the impression.

There is no curing needed for vertical mixtures because of their high polymer concentration. Outdoor usage is possible in most regions thanks to goods that are resistant to water and freeze-thaw cycles. Gray and white are the most common colours for the mixtures. 

Colorants that may be added to a product’s formulation can also be purchased from various producers.

What features should I look for in a good vertical concrete mix?

The workability is the most important consideration when choosing a vertical concrete mix. You should look for a mixture that can be carved, stamped, and coloured with ease, but also has to be flexible. 

Because of his experience with vertical concrete mixtures, you should look for a few unique things while dealing with them. A lot of time with the content would be ideal. 

In order to avoid shrinkage cracks while stamping, or to restrict a bespoke hand carved item, you do not want to worry about quick setting. Mixes that just need you to add water and mix well are also preferable. 

The gradation of the sand in the mix is also significant for aesthetic reasons. When dealing with the material, you don’t want to observe huge amounts of sand. When carving by hand, larger sand simply detracts from the completed product.

The strength of the material’s bond to the wall is another important consideration in the design of the vertical concrete mix. A thixotropic material must be present in order for it to work. To avoid drooping or falling off, the product should be able to be thrown on the wall. You want it to feel like butter while you’re working with it, so that it’s simple to carve.

What are the mixing steps for making a vertical concrete mix?

• Add 1 to 1 1/2 gallons of polymer mix. A mixture of polymers, according to the appropriate consistency, add 3 parts clean water to 1 part KongKrete polymer modifier to a 40-pound bag
• Take a mixer and blitz the mixture until it’s smooth.
• Before beginning the application, wait 2 minutes and re-mix.

Conclusion

Using a cement-based overlay like Concrete Vertical Mix, you can easily carve, sculpt, or stamp your way to a variety of different textures. Zoo and aquarium exhibits, ornamental panels, and public sculpture all benefit from this low-density, zero-slump recipe. 

Color combinations are almost limitless when using Buddy Rhodes’ large collection of pigments. In addition, the concrete vertical mix may be put to the cured concrete in order to generate a range of colour effects.

Frequently asked questions (FAQS): What is a concrete vertical mix?

What is the mix for vertical concrete?

Cement, lightweight aggregates, polymers, and admixtures make up the majority of vertical mixes. Fiber-reinforced parts are also available for certain models.

 What are the application steps?

The basic application steps for concrete vertical mix are;

Sprayed, troweled or hand applied, Structure Mix may be used in a variety of ways, and to ensure consistent outcomes, this product should be used only after proper training has been completed.

Can concrete be applied vertically?

It is a decorative overlay method that may be applied to any vertical surface, whether it is new or preexisting. With Vertical Concrete you may start from scratch with a fresh appearance, style, and feel in vertical environments. 

Vertical Concrete is ideal for your one-of-a-kind project.

How do I spread concrete vertical mix on the wall?

Using the flat side of the trowel, spread the cement over the wall and use it to smooth it. Scrape away the extra cement using the trowel’s edge. Apply a thick enough layer of cement to provide a uniform coating on all surfaces. 

Before painting, let the skim coat cure for 24 hours.

How do you apply concrete to a vertical surface?

The base should be adequately dampened for vertical surfaces. Use a masonry or wallpaper brush to apply the thick slurry of Multi-Purpose Concrete Resurfacer. Use a 1/2″ (13 mm) drill bit and a paddle mixer to combine in a 5 gallon (19-liter) bucket.

Bibliography

Tommelein, I. D., & Li, A. (1999, July). Just-in-time concrete delivery: mapping alternatives for vertical supply chain integration. In Proceedings iglc (Vol. 7, p. 97).

Malaeb, Z., AlSakka, F., & Hamzeh, F. (2019). 3D concrete printing: machine design, mix proportioning, and mix comparison between different machine setups. In 3D concrete printing technology (pp. 115-136). Butterworth-Heinemann.

Tattersall, G. H., & Baker, P. H. (1989). An investigation on the effect of vibration on the workability of fresh concrete using a vertical pipe apparatus. Magazine of Concrete Research, 41(146), 3-9.

VERTICAL CONCRETE MIX FOR RESURFACING WALLS. Discover the best vertical mixes for skim coating a concrete wall. Updated August 11, 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete-wall-covering/mixed.html

Joshua Annis. Vertical Concrete Artistry Part 5: Carve Coat Mix Design and Application Technique. BLOG, VERTICAL & CARVED CONCRETE. Retrieved from: https://www.concretedecor.net/digital/blog/vertical-concrete-artistry-part-5-carve-coat-mix-design-and-application-technique/