Terrazzo Worker
Norie Sato is an artist who designs terrazzo floors. She lives in
Seattle. "Terrazzo is a great medium for artists. It allows artists to do
work which is permanent, durable and functional. These are important considerations
in the public art world," she says.
"Both written and verbal skills
are necessary," she says. "In fact, the art profession involves a great deal
of writing of various kinds."
Michele Oka Doner is a terrazzo artist
in New York. "One of the most important aspects of creating a floor is the
ability to communicate with the foundry, the contractors, the workers and
the client. Also, one needs to sell the idea, because a special floor always
involves a little more money than ordinary flooring."
A concrete mason
must be familiar with key words specific to the trade. Some of these terms
are:
- screed
- bull float
- groover
- trowel
Match each of the four key words with its correct meaning. At least
one of these words is a verb (an action word) and the others are nouns (things).
See if what you thought these words mean check out with the correct answers
at the end of this section.
- A special edging tool that is pressed between the forms and the concrete.
It is then guided along the edge and the surface. This produces slightly rounded
edges to help prevent chipping and cracking.
- To level freshly placed concrete by guiding a straight edge back and forth
across the top of the forms.
- A small rectangular metal tool used to smooth away most imperfections.
It brings the fine cement paste to the surface for a smooth finish.
- A long-handled 8" x 48" tool used to cover coarser materials in the concrete.
It brings a rich mixture of fine cement paste to the surface.
Write in your own words how you believe concrete masons accomplish
these three types of finishes:
- Smooth finish
- Coarse, non-skid
- Pebble surface