Master Specification - Portland Cement Terrazzo

1.   General

1.1       Work normally Included

.1  Inspection of surfaces and prevailing conditions

.2  Divider strips and base bead top strips

.3  Primer, as per manufacturer’s recommendations

.4  Polyacrylate terrazzo mixes and mixing

.5  Installation – Floors, bases and stairs

.6  Surfacing and Grouting

.7  Cleaning and sealing

1.2   Related Work Normally Included In Other Sections

.1  Supply of mat sinkage frames or foot grilles

.2  Waterproofing

.3  Anchors, slots, ties, sleeves, collars, pipes, bolts, inserts, sub-specialty items and underfloor 
     electrical raceway systems built into polyacrylate terrazzo.

.4  Convenient, adequate temporary electric service 110-220 single p

.5  Temporary heat (maintained by others above 12°C and not more than 30°C for a period of seven days before, during and following installations)  If propane heat is used, heating units must be of a vented type or areas must be properly vented

.6  Locked heated space for storage materials

.7  Hoisting facilities when required.

.8  Convenient water supply.

Spec. Note: Specify testing requirements if required.

1.3   Quality Assurance

.1 Installer: employ skilled mechanics/applicators, trained and experienced in terrazzo work.  Company must be registered as members in good standing with the Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada , (TTMAC) with a minimum of three years [proven] experience.  If requested by Consultant, submit a listing of at least three previously completed projects of similar size and scope.

      Spec Note: A list of current members is available from the TTMAC office or at www.ttmac.com.

      .2 Supplier to be a member in good standing with the Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of  Canada , providing materials meeting the
     minimum standards of the TTMAC. 

1.4  References: Refer to Page 51.

.1  TTMAC: Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada .

.2  Thin gauge polyacrylate plastic matrix terrazzo-CAN/CGSB-51.34-M86

Spec. Note: Describe quantity and size of samples and other special requirements.

1.5   Submittals

.1   Submit three (3) samples 152 mm x 152 mm of each colour and type of terrazzo for approval by the consultant.  Submit samples (305 mm in length) of all specified divider strips and control joints.  An allowance of $100.00 for each colour and type of terrazzo to be carried to cover the cost of samples supplied by others.

    Spec Note:  Terrazzo plates are to be used as a guide only.

     .2   Submit four (4) copies of the latest edition of the TTMAC Maintenance Guide for inclusion in the data book.  Give specific warning of any maintenance practice or materials that may damage or disfigure the finished work, or alter the coefficient of friction (slip resistance) of the finished surface.

1.6    Delivery, Storage and Handling

.1   Deliver, store and handle products in a manner to avoid damage to containers and/or bags.  Maintain                   a  minimum temperature of 12°C for storage.

1.7   Site Conditions

.1  Examine the areas in which the work of this section is to be installed

.2 Do not proceed with installation of terrazzo topping until improper conditions have been corrected.

.3 Protect work during installation and protect finished surfaces while other work is being executed in the area.

.4 Check for appropriate heating facilities and required working conditions.

Spec Note:  Subfloor not to vary more than 6 mm from true plane in 3049 mm.

Spec. Note: Specifier to verify that concrete specifications provide for a smooth, steel troweled finish for slabs to      receive polyacrylate matrix topping.

.5  Ensure that concrete slab is smooth, sound and clean free of any compounds or curing agents and at proper levels to receive terrazzo topping.  Polyacrylate terrazzo, as specified, is not intended to level the substrate and will only follow the contour of the concrete slab.  If, for any reason, the subcontractor questions suitability of substrate for bonding, any work required to eliminate non-conformity of subsurface specifications is the responsibility of others. Any materials used to correct non-conformity must be compatible with polyacrylate system selected and be approved by the terrazzo contractor and manufacturer

Spec Note:  The polyacrylate material manufacturer representative to inspect the site conditions and provide spot inspections during installation

.6  Do not install topping until concrete slab is properly cured.

Spec. Note: Allow at least 28 days for curing.

.7 Verify the base slab temperature is not less than 12°C before applying topping.

.8  Do not permit smoking during installation.  Post “NO SMOKING” signs.

Spec. Note: Describe requirements.

1.8   Allowance

Spec. Note: Identify special requirements, if any.

.1  Unit Prices

.2  Warranty: One year from date of completion of terrazzo installation.

2.   Products

2.1   Materials

.1  Polyacrylate plastic matrix

  .2  Liquid polyacrylate copolymer, dry coreactant composite and pigment

 2.2  Aggregate chips:  Specify size and type, marble, granite, onyx, glass or plastic chips.

 .1  Aggregate: A Blend of sizes up to but not exceeding standard No. 2 chip size. See Page 8.

      Spec. Note: Specify colour and origin of chips. Recommended size of chips 30% No.1 and 70% No. 2 for 10 mm  
  matrix thickness.

2.3  Divider Strips

.1  Special shallow type, white alloy zinc, brass, stainless steel or plastic.

2.4 Base Bead Top Strips: metal or plastic strips used as a leveling stop on top of terrazzo base.

2.5 Cove Dividers: Metal or plastic strips used to control shrinkage at wall base or as colour separation.

2.6 Primer: See manufacturer’s specifications, if required.

2.7 Sealer and maintenance products: As per manufacturer’s recommendations and must be U/L listed as slip resistant.  Refer to latest edition of TTMAC Maintenance Guide.

3.   Execution

3.1  Preparation

.1  Clean concrete slab. Remove laitance by shotblasting, sandblasting, grinding or scarifying.  Clean and vacuum surface. Rinse
concrete surface if required with water and allow to dry thoroughly.

.2  Mask adjacent surfaces

.3  Refer to 1.7: Site conditions .

      SPEC NOTE: Aggregate chip coverage must show a density in excess of 85% exposure on the finished terrazzo surface.

3.2  Installation

.1  Install divider strips, base bead top strips and cove dividers where required.

.2  Terrazzo Bases: Install base bead top strip at specified height, straight and level.  Apply underbed to backing, trowel underbed to within 8 mm of finish surface.  Install divider strips, cove base dividers in line with floor divider strips.  For direct bond to substrate, omit underbed.  Prime substrate following manufacturer’s recommendations

Terrazzo Floor: For thin-set installations, prime concrete surface as recommended by manufacturer.  Over cured underbed, apply a slurry bond coat of cement latex.   Mix aggregate, cement and liquid polyacrylate copolymer as per manufacturer’s recommendations.  Spread mixture level to top of strips.  Sprinkle mixture uniformly with dry aggregate using same formula as in original mix.  Roll with heavy rollers to compact topping until excess cement and water has been extracted.  Hand trowel topping surface flush with top of divider strip to close all voids and pin holes.  Allow to cure for 48 hours.  Grind surface by machine with No. 24 grit abrasive stones or use a dry grinding method.  Follow initial grind with No. 80 grit stones, remove excess slurry, rinse with clean water or  use a dry grinding method.  Apply grout to fill any voids and pin holes.  Allow grout surface to cure for a minimum of 24 hours.  Grind using No. 80 grit stones or finer, to a maximum  of  120  grit abrasive  stones. Rinse  and allow  surface to dry thoroughly.  Apply sealer following manufacturer’s recommendations.

.3  Complete work as per the polyacrylate matrix manufacturer’s written instructions.

3.3  Cleaning and Sealing: Refer to latest edition of TTMAC Maintenance Guide.  Sealers should be ULC listed as  slip resistant.

3.4  Protection:  Standard protection includes 1 layer of Kraft paper.  If additional protection is required, it must be by others.  General Contractor/Owner to provide adequate protection to completed terrazzo work.  Protect work of other trades.  Prohibit traffic during installation and for 48 hours after completion.  Protect floor from impact and vibration for a minimum of 48 hours after installation.  Protect base from impact, vibration, heavy hammering on adjacent and opposite walls for at least 48 hours.  On completion of terrazzo floor, it is the responsibility of the owner/agent or general contractor to protect the floor from damage.

3.5  Conductive Polyacrylate Terrazzo:  Prevents accumulation of electrostatic charge in environments subject to flammable solvents, compounds, or areas of electrical sensitivity, i.e. electronic component manufacturing.  Conductive floors contain an additive that imparts permanent conductive properties.  These systems meet all requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  Divider strips must be non-conductive or heavy top plastic.  An electrical ground connection from the polyacrylate plastic matrix terrazzo to the building grounding system to be installed as per manufacturer’s recommendations.

END OF SECTION