Decorative concrete involves using concrete in roles that are not strictly related to its functional elements. Concrete is known for its great strength, especially when combined with steel rebar. Concrete can be used for, among other things, walls, floors and countertops that are structurally sound and also provide a decorative finish that resembles polished stone, with less cost for materials. Color material is blended with the concrete mix to color the aggregate, cement and sand throughout. Many of the colorants are iron oxides and can create colors including blacks, yellows, and reds. Black is also achieved with carbon black. Greens can be achieved using chromium, and ultramarine can be used to create variants of blue. Some of the compounds used to create coloring are heavy metals (including chromium) and can be released during the grinding and polishing of the concrete. These heavy metals can cause severe respiratory problems and environmental damage. New advancements in integral concrete color do not use conventional iron oxide based pigments, virtually eliminating efflouresence and alkali discoloration by using "synthetic primary pigments" SYPP or "portion controlled colorant" PCC. These synthetic primary pigments are available in liquid emulsion form and are highly concentrated for ease of use and economic savings. SYPP are available in all primary colors. SYPP are also blended with extenders and preservatives to increase the color offering to include most earth tones. Portion controlled colorant is similar to SYPP but created an instant earthtone type color and hue rather than primary colors.
Glendale
Glendale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, located about nine miles (14 km) northwest from Downtown Phoenix. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 246,531. The NHL's Phoenix Coyotes and NLL's Arizona Sting began playing in Glendale when Jobing.com Arena (formerly the Glendale Arena) opened in December 2003. Also in Glendale is the new University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals and the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, which opened in August 2006. In 2008, Super Bowl XLII was played there when the Giants faced the Patriots. Both venues are part of the Westgate City Center development plan, meant to spur growth in the sparsely inhabited Yucca district. The Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball both moved to Glendale and share a facility, known as Camelback Ranch, for spring training 2009.
Phoenix
Phoenix is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the fifth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,601,587 people according to the 2009 estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau, and is the anchor of the Phoenix metropolitan area (also known as the Valley of the Sun), the 12th largest metro area by population in the United States with more than 4.3 million people. In addition, Phoenix is the county seat of Maricopa County, and is one of the largest cities in the United States by land area
Avondale
Avondale is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA. According to 2008 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 81,299. Avondale is the home of Phoenix International Raceway, a famous auto racing facility. Westview High School, La Joya Community High School, and Agua Fria High School are large high schools in Avondale.
Gilbert
Gilbert is a town in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, just southeast of Phoenix, within the Phoenix metropolitan area. Gilbert was recognized in 2010 as the "36st Best Place to Live in the nation", as well as among the nation's "top places to live and learn" by GreatSchools.org. Washington-based C.Q. Press rated Gilbert the "safest municipality in Arizona, and 24th safest in the nation," in their annual report released November 2009 using FBI statistics. Gilbert's Cosmo Dog Park has twice made Dog Fancy Magazine's list of top dog parks in the nation since opening in 2006, including being named Dog Park of the Year in 2007. The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is recognized by the National Audubon Society as being an "Important Bird Area".