Exposed aggregate concrete, light or heavy blast finish (100mm, 125mm, 150mm, 200mm slab)
Cast Concrete
ATLAS CODE
MIN-CEM-CC-005
Category mineral
Material Family Cementitious
Regulatory Status Non-combustible
Density
2500 kg/m3
Carbon (A1-A5)
250-400 kg CO₂e/m³ kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Non-combustible
Lifespan
50-100 years yrs
Description
Exposed aggregate concrete is a decorative finish where the surface mortar is washed/brushed after initial set to reveal embedded aggregate. The result is a textured, slip-resistant surface commonly used for pavements and architectural slabs.
Typical Uses
- Driveways
- Patios
- Pool surrounds
- Walkways and footpaths
- Public plazas
- Architectural wall panels
- Landscape features
Recycled Content 0-30%
Renewable Content 0%
Recyclability 100%
Embodied Carbon 250-400 kg CO₂e/m³ kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 1.5-2.5 GJ/m³ MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
High durability and longevityExcellent slip resistance due to textureLow maintenance requirements compared to other paving optionsAesthetically versatile with a wide choice of aggregate colours and typesGood thermal mass propertiesHigh strength and load-bearing capacity
Cautions
Higher initial installation cost compared to standard brushed concreteRequires skilled labour for proper installation and consistent finishCan be difficult to patch repair seamlesslySurface can be rough underfoot for bare feet, especially with heavy blast finishesRequires periodic sealing to maintain appearance and prevent staining
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-CEM-CC-005
Density (Dry) 2500 kg/m3
Specific Gravity 2.3-2.4
Porosity 10-15% %
Water Absorption 3-6% %
Hardness 5-7 Mohs
Surface Roughness Light blast: 0.5-1mm profile, Heavy blast: 2-4mm profile μm
UV Resistance Excellent
Chemical Resistance Good
pH Tolerance 5-11
Compressive Strength 20-50 MPa
Tensile Strength 2.2-4.1 MPa
Flexural Strength 3.5-5.5 MPa MPa
Shear Strength 4-6 MPa MPa
Elastic Modulus 30-37 GPa
Yield Strength Not applicable MPa
Impact Resistance Good J/m
Bearing Capacity 10-20 MPa kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.15-0.20
Creep Resistance 500-1000 microstrain
Abrasion Resistance Class 2-3
Thermal Conductivity 1.5-2.0 W/mK W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.05-0.13 m²K/W m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 880-1000 J/kg·K J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 10-12 × 10⁻⁶/°C μm/m·K
Melting Point >1000°C °C
Ignition Temperature Not applicable °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 45-55 STC
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.02-0.05
Optical
Light Transmittance 0% %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 20-40% %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 20-35
Exposed aggregate concrete became popular in the mid-20th century as part of the modernist movement, offering a way to add texture and natural material expression to concrete structures. Techniques have evolved from early wash-off methods to more controlled abrasive blasting and chemical retarders to achieve consistent results.
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-CEM-CC-005
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class Non-combustible
Ignition Temperature Not applicable °C
Fire Resistance Rating 90-240 minutes hours
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m² kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion None
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 250-400 kg CO₂e/m³ kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 1.5-2.5 GJ/m³ MJ/kg
Water Footprint 180-220 L/m³ L/kg
EPD Available Yes
LEED Points 2-4 points
Circular Economy Score 6/10 /100
VOC Emissions < 0.5 g/L g/L
Skill Level Skilled tradesperson
Crew Size 3-5 workers
Installation Time 8-12 hours/100m² hr/m²
Curing Time 7-14 days hours
Setting Time 4-8 hours initial set min
Temperature Range 10-35°C °C
Humidity Range 40-85% RH %
Required Tools
Concrete truck/mixerScreedBull floatTrowelsSandblasting equipment or high-pressure washerCuring compound sprayerSealer applicator
Certifications Required
White Card (Australia)Certificate III in Concreting (or equivalent trade qualification)
Weather Limitations
Avoid rain during pouring and initial curingAvoid extreme hot/cold temperatures to prevent cracking or slow curingHigh wind can accelerate surface drying
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-CEM-CC-005
Material Cost $100-180/m²
Installation Cost $40-70/m²
Annual Maintenance $2-5/m²
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) $200-300/m²
Market Availability Readily available
Lead Time 1-3 days weeks
Design Life 50-100 years years
Warranty Period 7-10 years years
Maintenance Interval 3-5 years months
Service Temp Range -40 to +70°C °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance 300+ cycles
Dimensional Stability 500-750 microstrain
Certifications Held
AS/NZS ISO 9001 - Quality management systems (for suppliers)EPD AustralasiaGreen Building Council of Australia (GECA) - for concrete mixes with high recycled contentSafe Work Australia guidelines for handling cement and silica dust
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.1 - Methods for fire tests on building materials, components and structures - Combustibility testAS 1530.4 - Fire-resistance test of elements of construction
Standards Compliance
NCC 2019 (National Construction Code)BCA Volume 2 (Class 1 and 10 buildings)ASTM C150 - Standard Specification for Portland CementASTM C33 - Standard Specification for Concrete AggregatesASTM C94 - Standard Specification for Ready-Mixed ConcreteISO 14040 - Life Cycle Assessment PrinciplesISO 14025 - Environmental labels and declarations , Type III environmental declarationsEN 206-1 - Concrete - Specification, performance, production and conformityEN 12620 - Aggregates for concrete
DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.