F

Faux Rock – An artificial rock formation sculpted or molded from concrete and then textured and colored to replicate the look and feel of natural rock. Popular applications include waterscapes, zoo exhibits, landscaping, and theme parks. (Also see Glass-Fiber Reinforced Concrete.)

Feather Edge – To smoothly, seamlessly blend the edge of a topping or repair material into the existing concrete.

Fibers – Tiny filaments made of polypropylene, polyolefin, nylon, polyethylene, polyester, or acrylic used alone or in conjunction with rebar or welded wire mesh to reinforce concrete.

Finishing – Leveling, smoothing, compacting, and otherwise treating the surface of newly placed concrete or concrete overlays to produce the desired appearance and service properties.

Film-Forming Sealer – A type of sealer that blocks the penetration of water and contaminants by forming a barrier on the concrete surface. May also impart a gloss or sheen, which enhances colored or exposed aggregate concrete. See also membrane.

Film Thickness – The depth of the film when wet (wet film thickness) and the final depth when dry (dry film thickness).

Flashing (or flash broadcasting) -A technique for applying accent colors of dry-shake hardenerto concrete surfaces before stamping. Results in subtle, natural-looking color variations.

Flexural Strength – The ability of hardened concrete or an overlay to resist failure in bending.

Float Finish – Surface texture (usually rough) obtained by finishing with a bull float or hand float.

Floor Polisher – A walk-behind machine used in the production ofpolished concrete. Most machines are equipped with a planetary drive systema large primary polishing head (from 17 to 36 inches in diameter) fitted with three or four smaller satellite heads that hold the diamond abrasives. When the machine is operating, the satellite heads rotate in the opposite direction of the primary head to eliminate linear grinding marks in the floor. (Also see Diamond Grinding, Dry Polishing, Wet Polishing).

Fly Ash – A byproduct resulting from the combustion of ground or powdered coal; sometimes used as a cement replacement in concrete.

Form Liner – Material used to line the interior face of formwork in order to impart a smooth or patterned architectural finish.

Fresno – A largetrowel(about 2 to 4 feet in length) used for finalfinishing after bull floating. Long handles (like those used for bull floats) either clip on or screw into the blade.

  Tags: accent colors, aggregate concrete, color variations, concrete surface, concrete surfaces, diamond abrasives, dry film thickness, faux rock, feather edge, filaments, flexural strength, floor polisher, glass fiber, grindin, rebar, repair material, rock formation, surface texture, wet film thickness, wire mesh
Category: Concrete Glossary