Granolithic

Close-up of granolithic sidewalk.

Granolithic screed, also known as granolithic paving^[1] and granolithic concrete,^[2] is a type of construction material composed of cement and fine aggregate such as granite or other hard-wearing rock.^[3] It is generally used as flooring, or as paving (such as for sidewalks). It has a similar appearance to concrete, and is used to provide a durable surface where texture and appearance are usually not important (such as outdoor pathways or factory floors).^[3] It is commonly laid as a screed. Screeds are a type of flooring laid on top of the structural element (like reinforced concrete) to provide a level surface on which the "wearing flooring" (the flooring which people see and walk on) is laid.^[4] A screed can also be laid bare, as it provides a long-lasting surface.^[4]

The aggregate mixed with the cement can be of various size, shape, and material, depending on the texture of the surface needed and how long-lasting it must be.^[5] The aggregate is usually sifted so that the particles are roughly the same size, which helps reduces air pockets in the material (which can weaken it).^[1] Generally, the mix of aggregate to cement is 2.5 to 1 by volume.^[1]

Granolithic screed or paving can be problematic. Because it is made with a high cement content and requires a great deal of water to mix, it may crack while drying.^[3] It can also come loose from the material below (especially if the lower material is not properly prepared).^[3] Pouring the material in layers is generally avoided.^[6] Cracking and curling can be reduced by dividing the area to be covered into smaller sections and then pouring the material.^[5] Debonding of the granolithic material can also be significantly avoided by using bonding agents like epoxy resins or polymer latex.

A high degree of skill in pouring and finishing the material is needed to prevent problems.^[5] Sealers and hardeners can be added to the granolithic material to improve its resistance to wear.^[1]

Footnotes

1. Emmitt and Gorse, p. 566.
2. Harris, p. 470.
3. Ingham, p. 132.
4. Ingham, p. 130.
5. Ransom, p. 74.
6. Snow, p. 4—6.

Bibliography

• Emmitt, Stephen and Gorse, Christopher A. Barry's Introduction to Construction of Buildings. Chichester, U.K.: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010.
• Harris, Cyril M. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005.
• Ingham, Jeremy P. Geomaterials Under the Microscope: A Colour Guide. London: Manson, 2011.
• Ransom, W.H. Building Failures: Diagnosis and Avoidance. Florence, Ky.:Taylor & Francis, 1987.
• Snow, Dennis. Plant Engineer's Reference Book. 2d ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2002.
• O'Brien, Chris "Joseet, Rueben" 2014.