Technology of Material, Terrazzo

1. TECHNOLOGY OF MATERIAL:
TERRAZZO
BY ANONG S.
FOR STUDY PURPOSE AT CIDI ONLY.

2. Historical
Terrazzo was created in Europe several hundred years ago by the Venetians who
experimented with reusing marble chips by setting them in concrete. Consisting originally of
marble chips, clay, and goat milk (as the sealer), production of terrazzo became much
easier after the 1920s and the introduction of electric industrial grinders and other power
equipment.
TERRAZZO
Terrazzo installation and finishing crew in the
early 1900s in Venice. This rare photo shows the
terrazzo mechanics with trowel in hand and the
finishers with the galera. A galera is a
traditional grinding tool in use before electricity
and the use of modern grinders.

3. What is Terrazzo?
Terrazzo is a composite material, poured in place or precast, which is used
for floor and wall treatments. It consists of marble, quartz, granite, glass, or
other suitable chips, sprinkled or unsprinkled, and poured with a binder that
is cementations, chemical, or a combination of both. The marble chippings
can be selected from a wide range of colors and sizes and set in practically
any color of cement matrix to create an unlimited range of shades and
effects. Terrazzo is cured and then ground and polished to a smooth surface
or otherwise finished to produce a uniformly textured surface.
Characteristics of Terrazzo
•Terrazzo has been described as a decorative form of
concrete. Random sized marble chips are mixed in a binder, toweled,
ground and polished.
•Good terrazzo has a smooth surface that is a mixture of 70% or more
coarse marble aggregate and 30% or less Portland cement matrix.
•Terrazzo combines the durability of marble with the strength and
economy of concrete.
•Ease of maintenance - is one of the principal reasons why terrazzo is
found in so many buildings where traffic is heavy.
First District Court of
Appeal, Tallahassee, FL
Levine Science Research
Center, NC

4. TYPE OF TERRAZZO
EPOXY TERRAZZO
Description: A nominal 1/4″ or 3/8″ thick resin matrix veneer
placed upon a level concrete slab; Also can be specified with glass,
synthetic, or granite aggregates in lieu of marble to provide
brilliant colors or chemical resistance; The best “thin-set” system.
Advantages: Unlimited matrix colors, color control, resiliency, chemical resistance and tensile-
compressive strengths not found in cement based systems. Excellent for multi-colored patterns and
designs. Light weight and flexibility make it ideal for multi-story use. It has the lowest maintenance
cost due to non-absorbancy. In sanitary areas can be installed with minimal dividers providing
seamless characteristics. When used in conjunction with a flexible membrane as a specified extra, it
can absorb some horizontal concrete crack or control joint movement. It also has the quickest pour
to grind installation time. Can also be used over properly installed and prepared plywood. Glass and
other decorative aggregates increased costs.
RUSTIC BONDED TERRAZZO
Description: Terrazzo with a non-ground, textured surface, for exterior
use. This system is available with Bonded and Monolithic Terrazzo.
Advantages: Infinitely variable textures, colors and patterns may be
created in a weather-resistant, skid-resistant deck surface.

5. SAND CUSHION TERRAZZO
Description: A cement matrix topping underbed with wire
reinforcing, isolation sheet, and sand layer system for interior
floor use. This is the best cement system.
Advantages: Due to the underbed’s depth, wire mesh
reinforcing, isolation sheeting and sand layer it will absorb
minor substrate defects and prevent mirroring to the surface.
Sand-Cushion Terrazzo
BONDED TERRAZZO
Description: A cement matrix and underbed system for interior and
exterior areas where conditions require 1.25″ to 1.75″ inches of
recessed depth to be filled in addition to the .5″ terrazzo topping.
Advantages: With sand-cement underbed it has less dependence on
the concrete slab for flatness when compared to monolithic.
Bonded Terrazzo

6. MONOLITHIC TERRAZZO
Description: This 1/2″ thick cement matrix veneer placed upon a provided
concrete slab is dependent on the concrete quality for flatness and crack
prevention. On grade or below grade only.
Advantages: Fast installation and the most economical price make it ideal where
time and budget are critical but where the beauty, low maintenance and the
performance of terrazzo is desired.
POLYACRYLATE TERRAZZO
Description: A nominal 3/8″ think polymer modified cement matrix veneer
placed upon a provided level concrete slab. Polymer provides strength to
allow for thinner applications of cementitious systems.
Advantages: Fast installation and moderate price range make it ideal to
replace vinyl or carpet without depth transition difficulties; also good to use
in areas subject to moisture vapor transmission where Epoxy terrazzo or
other non-breathing floors will not adhere.

7. How can Terrazzo be used?
In terms of volume, the biggest use by far is for floor
tiles. The most common size of tile is 300 x 300 x 28mm
which in the UK alone covers over 20 million sq.m. of
floors. Other sizes are available. Complementary
features such as skirtings, staircases, upstands,
partitions and other architectural characteristics can
also be made from pre-cast terrazzo units or cast in
situ.
Miami International Airport, FL
Where is terrazzo used?
Terrazzo is mainly used internally. It can be
found in supermarkets, shopping centers,
railway stations, airports, reception areas,
bakeries, showrooms and hospitals.
A high quality, durable product which is hygienic
and easy to maintain, terrazzo can be used in
most heavy duty internal areas.
About the 54 Color Terrazzo Emblem This 16 foot emblem was
created on site at Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union’s
main office in San Antonio. It incorporates 54 epoxy resin
colors as well as glass, and marble aggregate.

8. Why use terrazzo?
Terrazzo has many attributes which make it an ideal choice for
specifies:
• Extremely hard wearing
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Attractive in appearance
• Flexible – can be designed to be in keeping with other
architectural features and color schemes
• Hygienic – suitable for some areas of food preparation and in
hospitals
• Manufactured to stringent quality and safety standards : ISO 9002
/ BS 4131
• Health and Safety - higher slip resistance options available in
addition to standard polished finishes
• Cost effective – will outlive most other types of hard flooring
Roberson Hall, Emmanuel College,
Franklin Spring, GA