Here, you will find various terms that are commonly used in the architectural field. I hope you find it useful!
Air-entrained concrete
Noun
Produced using air-entraining admixtures when the concrete is batched. The amount of entrained air is usually between four and seven percent of the volume of the concrete but may be varied as required by special conditions.
en: concreto/hormigón con aire
Architectural concrete
Noun
Has a very specific meaning in the specifications. Specifications will have requirements about appearance and finish for architectural concrete that differ from structural concrete. Structural concrete is often covered, hidden, or below the ground, while architectural concrete is exposed or visible and needs to look nice.
en: Concreto arquitectónico
Asphaltic concrete
Noun
Asphaltic concrete is a fancy word for “Asphalt”. Try to say “asphalt” instead because it’s more commonly understood.
Cellular concrete has lots of tiny air bubbles in it. It is commonly used on flat roofs to achieve a slope because it is light and has insulating properties.
en: Concreto asfaltico
Colored concrete
Noun
Simply means it has an integral color (added to the mix), or has a color or stain added to the surface.
en: cemento pintado
Cured concrete
Noun
Means that the concrete has reached its design strength (the strength that the structural engineer intended). This depends on type of concrete mix and other variables.
en: Concreto curado/fraguado
Exposed concrete
Noun
It means that the concrete is visible. Structural concrete is usually not exposed (visible): it is covered by exterior and interior finish materials. Designers will often pay attention to whether concrete is exposed and will set standards for the appearance and finish.
en: Concreto aparente
Green concrete
Noun
Refers to fresh concrete that is uncured or isn't strong yet. It also mean concrete that is made from recycled stone or has other eco-friendly materials or properties.
en: Concreto verde
Insulating concrete
Noun
Similar to cellular concrete, except it uses perlite or lightweight foam aggregate.
en: Concreto aislante
Porous concrete
Noun
‘Porous’ describes a material that has ‘pores. Pores are tiny spaces or voids in a material. A porous material allows water to pass through. Cotton, bread, loamy soil, and paper are all porous materials. Porous concrete is also called ‘pervious’ concrete’ or ‘permeable concrete’. It’s a popular way to reduce storm water runoff and helps save the planet.
en: Concreto poroso
Precast concrete
Noun
The Latin prefix ‘pre’ means ‘before.’ Precast concrete was cast (made) BEFORE arriving at the construction site. Precast is often used where there are many similar shapes and sizes (repetition). It also allows for more quality control and a better finish.
en: Concreto prefabricado
Prestressed concrete
Noun
A form of concrete used in construction. It is substantially "prestressed" (compressed) during production, in a manner that strengthens it against tensile forces which will exist when in service.
en: Concreto/hormigón pretensado
Reinforced concrete
Noun
Kind of concrete in which metal bars or wire is embedded to increase its tensile strength.
