and minimize cleaning effort required. If conventional mixes requiring vibration are to be used, the following guidelines should be used: 9 Use a well sanded mix with no greater than ¾” aggregate. Do not over water the mix which tends to cause segregation and low strengths. 9 It is not recommended to pour concrete in the rain. The rain on the casting surface gets trapped by the brick and templates and mixes with the concrete paste creating a high water cement ratio at the surface and resulting in very low strength at the surface. This can be a problem when pressure washing, resulting in eroded concrete at the joints between the brick. 9 If possible use a smaller discharge hose (3 ½” is preferred), keep the hose close to the ground, and do not discharge directly onto the brick since the impact can cause aggregate to separate from the mix and cause brick to become dislodged. Form a puddle of concrete at the leading edge of concrete placement and discharge into the puddle to “cushion” the brick. 9 Minimize the number of people on the brick and in the mud to the minimum necessary. 9 Use a “pan head” or short head type vibrator designed for relatively thin slabs inserted vertically into the concrete. Avoid using a high cycle “pencil head” type vibrator that is dragged horizontally through the mix, because the pattern of consolidation is inadequate, is harder to judge, and the likelihood of the vibrator head penetrating through the concrete and contacting the brick is much higher. Most conventional vibrators are designed to generate energy radially and will not perform correctly in other positions.
Setting Panels
9 Make sure that each panel’s brick coursing is in alignment with the adjacent one. Be prepared to make minor adjustments as necessary. 9 Remember that the brick closest to the observer is the most important. This usually means that you should be most concerned with the appearance of the brick closest to the ground.
Stripping and Cleaning .
9 Do not strip the plastic liner until just before you are ready to wash the brick if possible. The sooner washing is done after stripping; the easier it is to clean. Use a hot water washer 140 to 210 degrees, and with a pressure of at least
Installation guide 5 4
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