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LITHOCRETE ®
Lithocrete consists of a unique assembly of trademarked patents formatted into individual , architectural concrete systems . Each system may contain one or more patents , trademarks , and / or trade secrets and are delivered as complete packages with specification . Each system includes written , step-by-step requirements and instructions that enable the user to produce the same results perfectly from project to project .
Why Use Lithocrete ? Non-licensed companies that claim they can install “ Lithocrete ,” simply cannot , and leave out important steps that affect the overall product and its quality in a short period of time . Take our seeded , heat-fractured glass Lithocrete for example - Two important ingredients are used to stop Alkali Silica Reaction ( ASR ), which can cause serious expansion and cracking concrete , resulting in major structural problems . ASR occurs when the silica in glass reacts with alkali in cement paste . When moisture is added , the glass forms a silica gel , dislodging the glass aggregate within a few short years . With Lithocrete ’ s unique , patented process , ASR is completely stopped . This has been proven not only in theory , but also with years of successful installations that are free of any ASR defects . ( Studies from scientist Christian Meyer of the University of Columbia conclude that just 10 % glass aggregate in concrete will create twice the allowable expansion per ASTM C 1260 comparable to when the Lithocrete process is followed .)
With Lithocrete Specifications : When Lithocrete is specified for a project , it assures that all of the required ingredients are used and all procedures are followed . This results in low maintenance and a product that provides the owners with significant quality and value .
Without Lithocrete Specifications : Shortcuts are taken , and even though the overall price can be lowered and the contractor can make a higher profit margin , the missing ingredients will quickly result in a poor quality installation with many defects . This typically results in needed replacement or much higher maintenance costs .
Why follow Lithocrete procedures ? Concrete companies are famous for experimenting and trying new techniques “ to see what works better .” Lithocrete installers never experiment on job sites . Instead , we spend years developing our system and making sure each works properly in our lab , are efficient , and will survive the true test of time . We leave art to the artists and depend on our craftsmen to effectively and accurately employ the science of concrete . Having systems such as Lithocrete backed by our patents and procedures actually saves money by detailing specific product protocols .
Four main reasons why owners and architects specify Lithocrete : 1 . They are completely satisfied with their choice of Lithocrete on previous projects . 2 . They have been dissatisfied with other “ OR EQUAL ” products . 3 . Granite Lithocrete and L . Q . S . save installation costs by using a natural stone with a natural granite appearance . 4 . Lithocrete and L . Q . S . require very low maintenance and can save building owners a substantial amount of money in a short period of time .
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