Raleigh, NC – The Concrete Countertop Institute (CCI) announces the only training class that focuses on high-production, high-quality, environmentally friendly methods including glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) and rapid hardening cements, “GFRC for Concrete Countertops 201”.
GFRC is a form of concrete that uses fine sand, cement, polymer, water, other admixtures and alkali-resistant glass fibers for structural reinforcement. It allows countertop makers to produce larger, lighter and more complex shapes easily.
Rapid hardening cements, such as calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements, achieve compressive strengths of in excess of 5000 psi in just 24 hours, compared with 28 days for regular Portland cements. This allows countertop makers to create much stronger concrete much faster.
CSA cements are also more environmentally friendly than Portland cement, producing 62% less carbon dioxide during their manufacture. CSA cement can be used as a simple 100% replacement for the Portland cement in a concrete formula, making it a simple and easy way to produce greener concrete.
Both of these technologies, GFRC and CSA cements, are combined in CCI’s two-day class “GFRC for Concrete Countertops 201”. The class includes in-depth discussion of GFRC mix designs, methods such as spray-up and premix, equipment such as chopper guns and high shear mixers and details about where to purchase materials and equipment directly from the manufacturers. Jeffrey Girard, P.E., President of The Concrete Countertop Institute and the pioneer of engineered concrete countertops, personally teaches the class.
“I teach optimally efficient methods that emphasize quality. They don’t sacrifice long term performance for quick turnaround,”
Articles by Girard about GFRC and CSA cements are available on the CCI-sponsored website www.ConcreteCountertops.net. For class dates and details about “GFRC for Concrete Countertops 201”, visit www.ConcreteCountertopInstitute.com.
About The Concrete Countertop Institute:
The Concrete Countertop Institute’s mission is to raise the standard for concrete countertops. The Institute provides contractors with intensive training via its CCI Training Programs and information and networking opportunities via the Concrete Connections website and the Concrete Countertop Industry Conference. For more information, contact Lane Mangum at 888-386-7711 or visit www.concretecountertopinstitute.com.
contact: Lane Mangum
company: The Concrete Countertop Institute
phone: 888-386-
email:
