scope:

This guide presents recommendations for cast-in-place architectural concrete based on information available to the committee. It is recognized that further research is needed to provide additional information on bugholes and other construction problems. Various procedures are recommended for determining initial requirements of the architect, contractor, concrete producer, and inspector. Critical areas are indicated for special attention, and means for prevention or correction of defects are discussed. Specific surface treatments and special forming techniques are presented. The report does not address all the problems associated with architectural concrete. Applicable codes, specifications, and recommendations are cited throughout the text and listed in the concluding chapter. General information is found in References 1 and 2.

Architectural concrete as discussed here is concrete which is exposed as an interior or exterior surface in the completed structure, which contributes to its visual character, and which is specifically designated as such in the contract drawings and specifications (see Fig. 1).