This technique is called exposed aggregate concrete and gives the concrete surface a gravel-like appearance. • provide a utilitarian surface that can be used for almost any landscape use. • imprint patterns of other materials and elements on its surface to produce custom designs and textures (Figure 12-42). Concrete is poured in place to a depth of about 4 inches for most residential landscape pavements and is characterized by its gray color and relatively smooth surface. Concrete
Figure 12-42
Concrete can be imprinted with patterns before it hardens. • create patterns of lines generated by expansion and control joints. Concrete Concrete is the most commonly used adhesive material that is relatively inexpensive and adaptable to numerous landscape uses. That is, these materials have no predetermined shape and are poured as a “plastic” material into a temporary form of any shape or size. First, color pigments can be added to the concrete while it is being mixed, thus changing the color to various shades of gray, black, buff, or red. And gravel aggregates can be added to the concrete while it is being mixed and then revealed by washing or treating the surface when it is curing. Additionally, the surface of concrete can treated with chemicals to
give it a “wet” appearance, or it can be buffed to highlight its color and texture. This can be altered in a number of ways. Expansion joint
Figure 12-40
Expansion joints should extend from the edges and corners of a pavement area. Concrete is an apt pavement material to:
• fit irregularly shaped, curved, or complex paved areas (Figure 12-41). Control joints are vertical cuts that extend to about 1/4" below the surface and are located in order to “control” the location of cracks if they occur. However, expansion and control joints that appear as surface lines extending across the pavement typically divide concrete’s surface (Figure 12-39). Expansion joints are needed to allow the concrete to expand and contract without cracking. 4ES NO
Figure 12-41
Concrete is an appropriate pavement for curvilinear or irregularly shaped areas.
