SITUATION

Cape Cod Regional Technical High School (CCT) in Harwich, Massachusetts has a reputation as one of the most renowned and respected secondary schools in the area. Local citizens overwhelmingly voted in favor of a new, 214,000 square foot CCT facility. The building, situated on 67 acres, would feature 22 general classrooms, five small group spaces, six science labs, two art areas, and 17 vocational classrooms.

In envisioning the spaces, the design team established lofty goals to enhance the students’ experience. They sought to integrate features and materials befitting the future-focused curriculum that’s the driving force of the school. The walls of the open, two-story lobby and stairwells proved to be ideal areas to make bold design statements that convey CCT’s renowned reputation and were in line with the future-oriented vision of the project.

SOLUTION

Project specifiers selected Crossville’s gauged porcelain tile panels for the expansive surfaces in the lobby and stairwells. With extremely generous outer dimensions of over 3’ x 9’, these tile panels allowed for the use of minimal grout lines, as thin as 1/16” for a contemporary, seamless look.

To achieve the envisioned aesthetic, ARDEX and Crossville Tile were involved early-on to provide technical recommendations and support to the installers during the planning and bidding process. ARDEX was able to provide a comprehensive SystemOne™ Warranty to back this beautiful project for years to come.

Installation

The light weight of the Crossville porcelain tile panels made the installation a smooth process for the installers. To further assist the crew in this complex installation, they chose ARDEX X 77™ MICROTEC® Fiber Reinforced Tile and Stone Mortar. The true 60-minute open time and MICROTEC® Technology of this product made it the ideal choice. To add more flexibility and bond strength, ARDEX E 90™ Mortar Enhancer was added. For the perfect finish, ARDEX FG-C™ MICROTEC® Unsanded Grout was selected for all the wall tiles. The grout creates strong, full joints with an excellent color consistency and is ready for traffic in just 4 hours.

In addition to the beautiful focal point created in the lobby and hallways, renovations also took place in the large commercial kitchens used to train chefs in the making and in the bathrooms. For those, ARDEX X 5™ Flexible and Versatile Tile and Stone Mortar, ARDEX WA™ Epoxy Grout and Adhesive and the Rapid Waterproofing and Crack Isolation Compount, ARDEX 8+9 were used. The reliability and speed of installation make these products ideal for projects like this.

On working with ARDEX, Gabriel Carvalho, Project Manager at Capital Carpet and Flooring Specialists, says “I have been working with ARDEX for 22 years as an installer and project manager and appreciate the reliability the products deliver as well as the support we get from the ARDEX in-field experts. Our team had been installing with other mortars and grouts, but once they used ARDEX products on this project, they loved the performance, ease of use and time savings. We now use ARDEX products on most all of our tile and stone installations.”

As a new hub of learning with its specialized classrooms and labs, Cape Cod Regional Technical High School will continue to be an integral part of their local community.

Products Used

  • ARDEX X 77™ MICROTEC® Fiber Reinforced Tile and Stone Mortar
  • ARDEX E 90™ Mortar Enhancer
  • ARDEX X 5TM Flexible and Versatile Tile and Stone Mortar
  • ARDEX FG-CTM MICROTEC® Unsanded Grout
  • ARDEX WATM High Performance, 100% Solids Epoxy Grout and Adhesive
  • ARDEX 8+9TM Rapid Waterproofing and Crack Isolation Compound

SITUATION:

HOK/Skanska-Walsh was looking for a single source manufacturer to provide solutions that address concrete flatness, levelness and moisture mitigation and the porcelain tile installation. ARDEX Americas prepared a recommendation that covered all facets of installation including ACMS, anti-fracture membrane as well as high performance tile mortar and grout, in compliance with our comprehensive ARDEX SystemOne Warranty.

CHALLENGES:

  • Large amounts of material, and more than usual depth
  • Union labor market requiring OSHA certification training for Pump mechanics, sales professionals, truck drivers
  • Dense, urban job site settings and an ambitious, ever-changing schedule

SOLUTION:

The first phase of the project made use of ARDEX Concrete Management Systems, a patented, specified finishing method for new concrete construction that includes an integrated system of moisture control and self-leveling underlayment products. To address the moisture issues the One-Coat Moisture Control System ARDEX MC RAPID was installed.

In addition, the high-capacity pump POWERFLO was used to cut down on the time and labor. It had to work around cold weather and space constraints causing the project to last 18 months with dozens of mobilizations. Over 900 tons of ARDEX V 1200 were pumped covering 150,000 sq. ft. at an average depth of 1 ¼”.

For the tiling side of the project, ARDEX 8+9 antifracture membrane was installed in accordance with ANSI 118.12 providing a semi-elastic membrane designed to reduce cracking in the tile installation system. Next, the Tile & Stone Mortar ARDEX X 77 was selected for its superior non-slump properties while providing the contractors the extended working time to help facilitate proper transfer of mortar to the backs of the 24” x 48” LFT porcelain tile.

This redevelopment is the largest public-private-partnership (P3) in U.S. aviation history and one of the most complex projects ever undertaken by Skanska. By combining products and systems with high-performance properties ARDEX satisfied the demanding requirements of this project.

For further information on the project’s scope and timeline, visit Skanska’s website here.

SITUATION:

Every year, the National Mall hosts more than 33 million visitors. With constant wear-and-tear the grass field starts to diminish in both appeal and performance. A more sustainable, greener National Mall field was needed that would attract millions more visitors. Stone work along the perimeter of the turf would require granite curbs to be set during the cold March weather of Washington D.C.

CHALLENGES:

  • 2,000 sq. ft. outdoor installation
  • Very cold installation periods

SOLUTION:

The ARDEX Sales Professional was invited by Lorton Stone, LLC to come up with an alternative installation method for setting the large granite curbs along the outside of the new turf of the National Mall. ARDEX Tile and Stone Installation Systems products were selected over Laticrete, after the ARDEX Sales Pro visited the job site more than 10 times while demonstrating a single source solution complete system.

ARDEX A 38™ MIX Rapid-Set Pre Mixed Screed along with ARDEX E 100™ Screed Improvement and Bonding Slurry Additive were used to build the concrete footers to the desired height for setting the large granite curbs on top of the perimeter wall. Tile or natural stone can be installed after only 4 hours when using ARDEX A 38 MIX, and the addition of ARDEX E 100 provided improved elasticity and compressive strength, both key components for the job!

ARDEX X 78™ MICROTEC® Semi-Pourable Tile and Stone Mortar was selected for live setting the 2,000 square feet of granite curbs. The unmatched 60 minute open time combined with excellent flexibility and strength of ARDEX 78 gave installers ample adjustment time for setting the heavy stones into place. The Lorton installers then used polymer-modified ARDEX FH™ Sanded Floor and Wall Grout, for finishing the installation. ARDEX FH is weather resistant and unaffected by water providing additional protection and ease of installation in the unpredictable March weather.

Renovations to the National Mall turf perimeter and granite curb wall were successfully completed this past summer on time for the busy tourist season in the summer of 2016.

PARTICIPANTS:

Tile Contractor: Lorton Stone, LLC
General Contractor: Clark Construction
Architect: HOK

SITUATION:

Located in the heart of Federal Hill in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, The Ritz Carlton Residences epitomize luxury and quality. The intricate design of the balconies offering a waterline view required 3” keystone caps that, unfortunately, created dams. These dams caused water pooling. Combined with a lack of waterproofing on the concrete balconies, the pooling put the exterior surfaces of these prestigious residences at risk for moisture damage and stagnate water pooling.

CHALLENGES:

  • Building balconies were holding standing water because of keystone caps at the balcony’s edge
  • Ponding water became stagnate and eventually flowed back into the residences

SOLUTION:

ARDEX ARDICOAT™ PLUS was applied to waterproof the balconies. ARDEX ARDICOAT is an easy-to-apply waterproof coating for all types of concrete and masonry. It can be troweled or sprayed on horizontal or vertical surfaces on all grade levels. A gutter was created by removing a small section of the balcony keystone. In addition, gaps were filled at the balcony edges and ARDEX ERM™ Exterior Ramp Mortar was used to repair the fascia. ARDEX ERM has a corrosion inhibitor built-in to protect reinforcing steel which is needed for long-term protection for outdoor balconies. This combination of ARDEX Engineered Concrete Repair Systems products was the perfect, long-term solution for The Ritz-Carlton Residences.

PARTICIPANTS:

PTG ENTERPRISES, INC. – BALTIMORE, MD

SITUATION:

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the eighth busiest airport in the world for passenger traffic and its geographic footprint is the second largest in the U.S. Its five terminals with 161 gates are U-shaped to minimize the distance between a passenger’s car and the airplane. However, connecting passengers would walk long distances between gates because there were no shortcuts between the ends.

A $1.9 billion “Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program” (TRIP) encompasses renovations at DFW from 2011 to 2017. To facilitate foot traffic for connecting passengers, new flooring was proposed where there was previously a driving area. The concrete was inset anywhere from 1/4” to 3” (0.64 to 7.6 cm). This area needed to be leveled and topped, prior to installing finished flooring.

ARDEX Sales Professional Matt Eller and Technical Field Supervisor Javier Villarreal worked with ARDEX LevelMaster Elite Installer® Texas Concrete Restoration to develop a solution to meet tight time constraints and hold up to the demands of heavy airport traffic.

CHALLENGES:

  • High-profile, secure installation area
  • Large area needing deep fill

SOLUTION:

Proper Prep™ included shot blasting and application of ARDEX P 51 Primer™. ARDEX K 15®, combined with aggregate for deeper fills, was mixed and placed with the ARDEX ROVER® Rolling Barrel Cart. Following an overnight cure, ARDEX P 51 was applied prior to a final, neat layer of ARDEX K 15. This provided a smooth and flat surface for the flooring application. Texas Concrete Restoration was able to install this project in the specified time constraint using high volume delivery systems including the ROVER® Rolling Barrel Cart.

PARTICIPANTS:

Installer: Texas Concrete Restoration, Inc. – Midlothian, TX – ARDEX LevelMaster Elite Installer®
General Contractor: Phillips/May Corporation – Dallas, TX

SITUATION:

The Kennedy Center, located on 17 acres overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., is America’s living memorial to President Kennedy as well as the nation’s busiest arts facility. This opera house is the largest in North America. The attic above the stage was in severe disrepair. A 30 degree floor slope had to be corrected without damaging existing hollow core precast planking. All 8,000 square feet of the floor was ground by hand to accommodate these requirements. Construction took place after normal business hours so the JFK Opera House could remain operational.

CHALLENGES:

  • 8,000 square-foot installation area
  • Two month installation time frame
  • Complex installation in working theatre
  • Cramped workspace and low-lighting job-site conditions
  • Multiple trades working on site
  • Dust-free installation required

SOLUTION:

ARDEX Sales Professional Michael Frey worked with Concrete Repairs Company to repair the attic floor. Sixteen ton electric chain hoists were used to move rigging equipment so new repairs, scenery and props were not damaged. In accordance with ICRI requirements, floors were cut 1/2” down but not through the hollow core precast planking. Planking joints were taped water tight and ARDEX P 51™ Primer was applied. ARDEX CP™ Concrete Patch was specified for cut repair areas. ARDEX CD ™ Concrete Dressing was installed on the two ramps, one cat-walk over the stage areas and over the main floor surfaces. The installation was a success and Concrete Repairs Company was very satisfied with the performance of the ARDEX Engineered Concrete Repair Systems products.

PARTICIPANTS:

Installer: Concrete Repairs Co.
General Contractor: Rand Construction Company
Architect: Richter, Cornbrooks, Gribble Architects
Engineers: Robert Silman&Assoc.

SITUATION:

Tesla Motors Showroom was scheduled to open in Washington Square Mall in Portland, Oregon. The 2,000 square-foot space had been converted multiple times by previous tenants. As a result, the floors were in severe disrepair. After the old vinyl flooring was removed there were height variations of zero to three inches throughout the floor. These slopes and gouges had to be addressed before the new tile flooring could be installed. Per Tesla Motors specifications, the finished floor had to be flat and smooth.

CHALLENGES:

  • 2,000 square- foot installation area
  • Four-day installation time frame
  • Showroom space being converted after several previous tenants
  • Extreme height variations up to three inches
  • Zero floor height variations tolerated

SOLUTION:

On day one, the Pure Floors, Inc. crew shaved and grinded the subfloor to achieve a medium-high surface elevation throughout the floor. The floor was then primed with ARDEX P 51™ Primer. The next day, ARDEX V 1200™ Self-Leveling Flooring Underlayment was poured to achieve a smooth, flat, stable floor. Paragon Tile & Stone was astounded by the ease and the flatness result of ARDEX V 1200. ‘This is the flattest floor I’ve ever been able to set tile over and I’ve been doing this a very long time!’ The floor was now properly prepared to receive the tile; ARDEX X 5™ Thin Set Mortar was used by Paragon Tile & Stone, Inc. to install the large format 12” x 24” porcelain tiles on the walls and floors. ARDEX X 5 is ideal for setting large format tile on floors and walls because of its very good shear strength and sag resistance.

The combination of ARDEX Tile & Stone Installation Systems and ARDEX substrate preparation products provided Tesla Motors with a five year ARDEX SystemOne™ Warranty. ARDEX Sales Professionals William White and Jon Esteve were available throughout the project to address installation concerns and provide recommendations for both Pure Floors and Paragon Tile & Stone, Inc. ARDEX high-performance products got the job finished on-time and on budget allowing Tesla Motors to showcase their highperformance automobiles in a premium brand environment.

PARTICIPANTS:

Contractor: Pure Floors, Inc. – Portland, OR
Installer: Paragon Tile & Stone, Inc. – Tigard, OR

SITUATION:

Trolley Square is a 239,000-square-foot former trolley car barn built in 1908.

The refurbishment requires: upstairs – 17,000 sq. ft. of ceramic tile to be transformed into a polymer-modified cement diamond design floor. Work could only be completed at night to allow the mall to be open during the day. Schedules were set up to stop work and cover the floor with paper to accommodate mall traffic. This created challenges in making the stopping points look seamless.

Downstairs – 30 years of wax was built-up on the century old pavers brick flooring.

CHALLENGES:

  • 39,000 square feet
  • Multiple substrates
  • Varying elevations, often as much as every 4 or 5 feet
  • Night work only – mall open for business during the day

SOLUTION:

UPSTAIRS
Day one: Shotblasting the ceramic tile
Day two: Pour ARDEX EP-2000, a solvent free two coat substrate preparation epoxy, broadcasted with sand
Day three: Pour ARDEX SD-T® and the same night cut a diamond pattern and border to take on the appearance of the fine tile
Day four: Seal and stain the ARDEX SD-T® in two colors. Very difficult to stain and seal in the same day!
DOWNSTAIRS
The following routine completed continuously over a 5 week period
Day one: Shotblast brick to remove wax
Day two: Clean pavers with a pneumatic needle scaler and repoint the grout
Day three: Painstakingly repair broken pavers with colored cement
Day four: Apply two coats of floor coating

PARTICIPANTS:

Installer: E.B. Berger ARDEX LevelMaster Elite Installer®

SITUATION:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ellington Field Hangar 276 was in use for more than 60 years and needed upgrades to the facility. A six-year-old epoxy floor coating had failed because of moisture issues. Because of adhesion and moisture issues, the epoxy manufacturer would not warrant a new installation.

CHALLENGES:

  • Maintain clean environment during installation
  • Work around ongoing aircraft hangar repairs

SOLUTION:

ARDEX Sales Professional Jaime Colmenero worked with Ron Caron of Business Flooring Specialists and proposed ARDEX Polished Concrete Systems (APCS) to address moisture issues and fulfill the need for an easily maintainable floor. The environmental and sustainable qualities of polished concrete were an added bonus. APCS floors have high reflectivity reducing the need for overhead lighting. As an ARDEX Choice ContractorTM, Business Flooring Specialists installation of ARDEX Polished Concrete Systems was backed by a 10-Year extended warranty. The ARDEX team worked to ensure all products were available when needed to speed up installation.

The high-gloss ARDEX PC FINISH conducted such a high reflectivity that repairmen working on the aircraft did not need individual flashlights to light their way as they worked. NASA technicians tested the air environment in the hangar during the grinding process and were pleased they met NASA air quality requirements. NASA officials were so satisfied with ARDEX Polished Concrete Systems that a proposal for additional installations in two other NASA hangars has been submitted. Because of the excellent work done by ARDEX Choice Contractor Business Flooring Specialists, they will install those polished concrete floors.

PARTICIPANTS:

Installer: Business Flooring Specialists – Houston, TX
ARDEX Choice ContractorTM – Polished Concrete

SITUATION:

Hanscom’s host unit is the 66th Air Base Group, which is part of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. The men and women of the 66th Air Base Group provide outstanding services to more than 3,000 active duty, Reserve and National Guard military personnel and DoD civilians who work and live at Hanscom Air Force Base. Additionally, they support more than 125,000 retired military personnel, annuitants and spouses living in the six-state New England area and New York. Building 1618 was scheduled to undergo many renovations in bathrooms, staircases and other common areas.

CHALLENGES:

  • Renovation of six gang bathrooms, stairs and common areas in working office building
  • Installation running behind schedule
  • 3,000 square-foot installation area

SOLUTION:

ARDEX Sales Professional Dean Cavicchi and Manager of Government & Military Accounts Manager Lew Rea recommended priming the floor and wall surfaces with ARDEX P 51™, applying ARDEX 8+9™ for crack isolation on floors, setting 12” x 24” porcelain tiles for floors and 4 1/4” x 4 1/4 ” wall tiles with ARDEX X 77™ and grouting with ARDEX FG-C™. The installation received a 10-year SystemOne™ warranty for using a full ARDEX Tile & Stone Installation Systems product combination. Cam’s Carpet installers were extremely impressed with ARDEX products and customer service excellence.

PARTICIPANTS:

Installer: Cam’s Carpet – Hudson, NH