1. Introduction
Terrazzo floor is a building material with a long history and great charm. It can be traced back to the ancient Roman period, when it was called “Terazzo” and was mainly used in religious places and royal buildings. It was later introduced to Europe and gradually evolved into the terrazzo we are familiar with. It was introduced to my country in the late Qing Dynasty, and Beijing Line 1 used a lot of terrazzo. In the 1980s and 1990s, it was widely used in public areas, home decoration spaces, etc. in cities, towns and rural areas, becoming one of the mainstream decorative materials. However, due to the complex construction, high cost, long cycle and difficulty in replacement of traditional terrazzo, it was impacted by other new materials and declined. However, after improvement and updating, terrazzo has been re-applied by designers in commercial and public spaces with its unique advantages, and has returned to the public’s vision with a fashionable image.
2. Classification of terrazzo
Terrazo is divided into inorganic terrazzo and organic terrazzo according to its material properties. Organic terrazzo uses epoxy resin as a binder, but it is easy to age and has a service life of about 5 years; inorganic terrazzo is made of inorganic concrete. Through the combination of aggregates and pattern design, it can be seamless and without splicing, with a strong overall feel, and has the advantages of Class A fireproofing, anti-slip, and high wear resistance. Cast-in-place inorganic seamless terrazzo can be mixed and cast on site, with a large area of seamlessness and no cracking. Aggregates, colors, and patterns can all be customized.
3. Construction steps for on-site cast inorganic terrazzo
1. Base treatment
Base treatment is one of the key steps in terrazzo construction. First, the dust, oil, and debris on the surface of the base need to be thoroughly cleaned to ensure that the base is flat, clean, dry, and free of any pollutants. If there are loose parts, they need to be removed first and repaired with cement mortar. For floors with waterproofing requirements, such as bathrooms and kitchens, waterproofing treatment must be done first and no leakage must be found after the closed water test before terrazzo construction can be carried out. Then, leveling treatment is carried out. Usually, 1:3 cement mortar is used for leveling. The thickness is determined according to actual needs, generally about 20-30mm. During the leveling process, the mortar should be filled densely and the surface should be flat, so as to provide a good foundation for the subsequent terrazzo construction.
(II) Marking grid lines
According to the design requirements, ink lines in the vertical and horizontal directions or patterns are popped up on the ground to determine the position of the grid strips. The grid strips are generally made of copper strips, stainless steel strips or plastic strips, and the width and thickness are determined according to the design. If the design has pattern requirements, clear lines should be popped up according to the pattern. The setting of grid strips can not only enhance the aesthetics of the terrazzo floor, but also control the shrinkage and expansion of the floor to a certain extent, and reduce the occurrence of cracks.
(III) Laying PE film and anti-crack steel mesh
A layer of PE film is laid on the base layer to play the role of isolation and moisture-proof, preventing moisture in the terrazzo from penetrating into the base layer, causing the base layer to be damaged by moisture. Then lay the anti-cracking steel mesh on the PE film to enhance the anti-cracking performance of the terrazzo. The specifications and spacing of the steel mesh should be determined according to the design requirements. Generally, φ4-φ6 steel bars are used with a spacing of about 100-200mm. When laying, the flatness and firmness of the steel mesh should be ensured to ensure that it is closely combined with the base.
(IV) Casting anti-cracking mortar
Pour anti-cracking mortar on the steel mesh, with a thickness of generally 30-50mm. The anti-cracking mortar should have good anti-cracking and bonding properties. Premixed mortar or cement mortar prepared on site can be used. When preparing, an appropriate amount of anti-cracking fiber and other admixtures should be added to improve the anti-cracking ability of the mortar. When pouring, the material should be evenly distributed, and an iron trowel should be used to push from the middle to the corners, compact and smooth, to ensure that the mortar is densely filled and closely combined with the steel mesh.
(V) Roughening of the base surface
After the crack-resistant mortar is initially set, the base surface is roughened, such as by roughening and scratching, to increase the bonding force between the terrazzo and the crack-resistant mortar. The depth and density of the roughening treatment should be moderate, ensuring that the terrazzo can be closely combined with the base layer without destroying the structural integrity of the base layer.
(VI) Determine the structural partitions and install decorative dividing strips
According to the design requirements, determine the structural partitions of the terrazzo, and install decorative dividing strips, such as copper strips, stainless steel strips, etc., at the corresponding positions. The installation of the dividing strips should be firm and flat, and closely combined with the base layer. The setting of the dividing strips should be consistent with the ink lines to ensure the accuracy and aesthetics of the pattern. During the installation process, pay attention to the verticality and flatness of the dividing strips to avoid uneven terrazzo floors due to uneven dividing strips.
(VII) Interface agent sealing
Apply a layer of interface agent on the base surface to enhance the bonding force between terrazzo and the base surface to prevent hollowing, falling off and other phenomena. The interface agent should be applied evenly without omission. When applying, ensure that the interface agent is in full contact with the base surface to form a good bonding layer. There are many types of interface agents, and the appropriate interface agent should be selected according to the characteristics of the base surface material and terrazzo material.
(VIII) Spreading of inorganic terrazzo surface layer
According to the design requirements, mix the inorganic terrazzo materials (such as cement, stone, pigment, etc.) in a certain proportion to make terrazzo mixture. The proportion of terrazzo mixture should be strictly controlled to ensure the strength and appearance quality of terrazzo. Spread the mixture evenly on the base surface, the thickness is generally about 10-20mm, and use an iron trowel to push from the middle to the corners, compact and smooth. During the paving process, pay attention to avoid stone accumulation or uneven distribution to ensure that the terrazzo surface is flat and uniform.
(IX) Floor grinding and micropore repair
After the terrazzo surface layer reaches a certain strength, the floor is ground. Grinding is generally divided into three stages: coarse grinding, fine grinding and fine grinding. First, use a coarse grinding wheel for coarse grinding, then use a fine grinding wheel for fine grinding, and finally use a fine grinding wheel for fine grinding until the surface is flat, smooth, and free of sand holes and holes. Water should be added continuously during the grinding process to prevent the grinding disc from burning and affecting the grinding effect. After grinding, the floor is repaired for micropores. A special micropore repair agent can be used to fill the micropores densely to improve the density and waterproof performance of the floor.
(X) Hardening, densification and grinding and polishing
The ground after grinding is hardened and densified. Materials such as concrete sealing and curing agents can be used to improve the strength and hardness of the ground through penetration, while increasing the density and wear resistance of the ground. The ground after hardening and densification is then ground and polished. A polishing machine and polishing pad are used to polish from coarse to fine multiple times until the ground is as bright as a mirror.
(XI) Surface fine treatment and anti-fouling treatment
After grinding and polishing, the ground surface is finely treated, such as cleaning the dust and stains on the surface, and then anti-fouling treatment is performed. A special anti-fouling agent can be used to make the ground have good anti-fouling performance and facilitate daily cleaning and maintenance.
(XII) Post-construction maintenance
After the terrazzo construction is completed, proper maintenance is required. The general maintenance time is 24-48 hours. During this period, people should be prevented from entering and heavy objects should be avoided to ensure the strength and quality of the terrazzo. During the maintenance process, a covering moisturizing method can be used, such as covering with plastic film or wet straw curtains, to keep the ground moist and promote the strength development of the terrazzo.
4. Terrazzo floor case analysis
(I) Mirror Water Flower Moon Project
The Mirror Water Flower Moon Project is located in Nanjing, and its terrazzo floor design is unique. The project uses a large amount of terrazzo, and selects a variety of colors of stones to match. Through careful design and construction, it presents a unique pattern and color effect. From the entrance hall to the corridor, and then to various functional areas, the terrazzo floor shows a rich sense of spatial hierarchy with different patterns and colors. For example, in the entrance hall, a large area of terrazzo floor adopts regular geometric patterns and bright colors to create an open and atmospheric space atmosphere; while in the corridor area, a simple line pattern is adopted, with soft tones as the main color, giving people a quiet and comfortable visual experience. The terrazzo floor complements the surrounding architectural design and landscape, adding a sense of art and quality to the entire space. When selecting materials, the designer fully considered the color stability, wear resistance and easy cleaning of terrazzo to ensure that the floor can maintain a good condition during long-term use. At the same time, during the construction process, the quality of each link is strictly controlled, from the base treatment to the surface polishing, to ensure that the flatness and glossiness of the terrazzo floor achieve the best effect.
(II) Grinding Box Project
The Foshan exhibition hall “Grinding Box” of Houxiang Company is mainly made of black and white terrazzo. The combination of black and white tones is classic and simple, forming a strong visual contrast, creating a fashionable and avant-garde space atmosphere. In the exhibition hall, the terrazzo floor is delicate and smooth, reflecting the light, contrasting with the displayed furniture and products, and enhancing the style of the entire space. The designer selected high-quality terrazzo materials in this project to ensure the texture and glossiness of the floor. During the construction process, advanced construction technology was used to ensure the flatness and color uniformity of the terrazzo floor. Through careful design and construction, the Mohe project has become one of the classic cases of terrazzo application, showing the unique charm of terrazzo in modern commercial space.
(III) LYF Shared Apartment Project
Hangzhou LYF Vanke Zhongchenghui Shared Apartment uses mosaic terrazzo floor, which sets off a hippie, happy and collective carnival feeling in the whole space. The mosaic patterns of terrazzo are rich and varied, with bright colors, adding vitality and personality to the apartment. In the public areas of the apartment, such as the lobby and corridors, the terrazzo floor is distinguished by different patterns and colors, creating a rich and varied spatial atmosphere. For example, in the lobby area, a large area of colorful mosaic patterns are used to attract people’s attention and become the visual focus of the entire space; while in the corridor area, relatively simple patterns are used, mainly bright colors, to create a cheerful and lively atmosphere. Terrazzo flooring not only gives a strong visual impact, but its good wear resistance and easy cleaning also make it an ideal choice for apartment floors. When selecting materials, the designer fully considered the use needs of the apartment, selected suitable terrazzo materials and patterns, and ensured the quality and beauty of the floor through careful construction.
5. Comparison of terrazzo flooring with other floor materials
Terrazzo flooring has unique advantages compared with other floor materials such as tiles and wooden floors. Compared with tiles, terrazzo flooring has a better overall sense, and the seamless splicing design enables it to show a more coherent visual effect in a large area of space. At the same time, the colors and patterns of terrazzo are more diverse and can be customized according to design requirements, while the patterns of tiles are relatively fixed and the selection range is limited. Compared with wooden floors, terrazzo floors have better wear resistance and waterproof properties, are not easily affected by humid environments, and have a longer service life. In addition, the maintenance cost of terrazzo floor is relatively low, and daily cleaning only needs to be wiped with clean water, while wooden floor needs regular care and maintenance to maintain its appearance and performance.
6. Conclusion
As a classic floor material, cast-in-place terrazzo still has an important position in modern architectural decoration with its unique charm and advantages. Through reasonable construction steps and careful case design, terrazzo floor can add artistic sense and quality to various spaces. Whether it is commercial space, public space or residential space, terrazzo floor can meet different design needs and use requirements. In the future architectural decoration, I believe that terrazzo will continue to play its unique role and create a better space environment for people.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the main components of a terrazzo floor?
Modern terrazzo floors consist of a binder (usually epoxy resin or cement) mixed with decorative aggregates such as marble chips, quartz, granite, or recycled glass. This mixture is poured, cured, ground, and polished to create a seamless, high-durability surface.
2. How long does the terrazzo floor construction process take?
The timeline depends on the scale and type of terrazzo. Typically, for a standard residential or commercial area, the process including surface preparation, pouring, curing, and the multiple stages of grinding and polishing takes approximately 7 to 10 days.
3. Is terrazzo suitable for outdoor applications?
Yes, but cement-based terrazzo is generally preferred for outdoor use over epoxy versions. Cementitious terrazzo can withstand UV exposure and temperature fluctuations without fading or peeling, making it ideal for plazas, walkways, and patios.
4. How do I maintain a newly constructed terrazzo floor?
Maintenance is remarkably simple. Regular sweeping and damp mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner are sufficient. Because terrazzo is a seamless surface, there is no grout to scrub. Periodic resealing every few years will help maintain its vibrant luster.
5. Can terrazzo floors be installed over existing surfaces?
Yes, terrazzo can often be installed over existing concrete slabs, provided they are structurally sound and properly prepared. Thin-set epoxy terrazzo is particularly well-suited for renovations where floor height is a concern.