The book "20th Century Materials",  published by McGraw Hill, resulting from
the first "Preserving Modernism" conference, has a section on terrazzo,
including its preservation problems.
Michael
-----Original Message-----
From: Marilyn Harper <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
<[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, December 03, 1998 2:26 PM


>     Message from Ken Follett--
>
>     "Can anyone explain what a 'terrazo' floor is comprised of?"
>
>     "Simple explanation: Stone, aggregate, usually selected for color &
size.
>     Cementitious matrix usually tinted an interesting color. Pour it like
>     concrete then when set/dry grind it down with diamond wheels. The
grinding
>     exposes the cross section & color of the aggregate. Progressively
finer
>     diamond grinding results in a polish, the polishing process possibly
>     augmented by various other stuff."
>
>     This is why I like this listserv so much.  I have seen terrazo floors
in so
>     many buildings of the 30s and 40s but have never known what it was.
This
>     is the kind of thing no one ever tells you.  National Airport has LOTS
of
>     terazzo in many colors in the old terminal and in the office wings
attached
>     to the old hangars.
>
>     Was the process discovered in the 20th c?  Is that why it was so
popular
>     then?  Is it still being used?
>
>     Will look forward to hearing about the restoration problems.
>
>
>     Marilyn Harper
>     National Register of Historic Places
>     (which is in no way responsible for the content of this message)