With the inherent formability of concrete, we have a truly new material, with a range of high-value applications limited only by one’s imagination. To name just a few:  

• building facade elements;
• floor tiles
• wall tiles and panels;
• elevator paneling and partitions;
• table top counters;
• park benches;
• planters; ashtrays; etc.

For applications that call for tensile or flexural strength or fracture toughness, the products may be reinforced either with randomly distributed short fibers (e.g. nylon or polypropylene) or with continuous fiber mesh.  

The surface treatment requires special attention. There are several ways of achieving the desired surface finish and texture:  

• Casting the products in special molds, which will create the desired surface texture;
• Grinding and polishing the product surfaces;
• Treating the form with special retarding agents and, after demolding, washing off the unhydrated cement paste to expose the aggregate particles;

(Click to enlarge)
Various surface  textures