3-day Professional Decorative Fiber Reinforced Concrete (D-FRC) Training - NEW for 2012

BEYOND THE “GLASS” CEILING—Announcing the Professional Decorative Fiber Reinforced Concrete (D-FRC) Training, offering the most innovative, “sky-is-the-limit” technology in Fiber Reinforced Concrete. CHENG Concrete introduces this authoritative training with a groundbreaking suite of D-FRC Products that yield ultra-thin, high strength decorative pre-cast concrete with precision results.

Compare Traditional GFRC methods to D-FRC Advanced Technology to gain the most insightful view of where decorative concrete is headed and how to design with a broader scope, work with unparalleled products, and to build a better business:

Read D-FRC Cover Story in Concrete Decor

SHOP D-FRC+
GFRC SUPPLIES

All D-FRC / GFRC
Products + Equipment

Traditional GFRC Methods	D-FRC Advanced Technology
a. Long Learning Curve: equals time, capital and labor investment	a. Quick Confidence Gain: in products, process, and consistent, professional project results
b. Time-Consuming + Exacting: batch of GFRC, hours spent weighing out material preparing for a pour	b. Efficient + Simple = Savings: all necessary ingredients are in a bag, bottle, water, and mix—much less time consumed in the preparation, planning and execution
c. Limited Range of Environmental Conditions: need over 85 degrees before polymers start working; heat levels are at a narrower range	c. “Cast-Anywhere” Conditions: environments ranging from 40-90 degrees without the need of ice water, heaters, or expensive shop enhancements
d. Strength-to-Thickness ratio: sample countertop project yields a ¾” thickness	d. High Strength to Ultra Thin Ratio: same strength for large format countertop project that yields as thin as ½” thickness
e. Design Limitations: primarily based on vertical, exterior cladding system limited to abrasion-free applications (less desirable wear performance for horizontal applications)	e. Design Flexibility: Ability to control shape, color, dimension and achieve finer, detailed texture transfer for unlimited interior, exterior, vertical and/or horizontal applications; expanded ultra-thin 3/8” thick design applications including large format, floor tiles, stair treads/nosings, column surrounds, hearths, furniture, sculpture and more

Learn how to use NeoMix D-FRC Products to build lighter, stronger, seamless concrete countertops and indoor and outdoor concrete projects in one-third the time. The D-FRC method also has green benefits as it saves on materials and supplies, requiring one-third less material and does not require any steel reinforcement as compared to standard wet cast methods.

The 3-day Professional Decorative Fiber Reinforced Concrete Training offers advanced in-depth instruction on how to build concrete projects that will provide the benefits of being lighter at 6 lbs./s.f. (on average). Time savings is a key benefit for the FRC method—projects can be de-molded 12 hours after casting. Learn how an entire project can be turned around from template to installation within 72 hours or less. Learn more in the D-FRC FAQs menu below.

What will I learn in the Professional D-FRC Training?

D-FRC Advanced Forming Techniques

(NEW) Fabric Forming Techniques for sinks, furniture, architectural details + wall panels
(NEW) Fireplace surrounds
Complex countertop molds
Large-scale molds for seamless installations
Drop-down edges + integral sinks

D-FRC Mix Designs

(NEW) NeoMix D-FRC ReBlend: over 50% local recycled content
(NEW) Color-matching slurry mixes
Spray-applied face coats
Horizontal consolidating and casting
Vertical application structural lay-up
Custom color development

D-FRC Application Methods

Hands-on mixing
Spray application methods
Pouring + placing

Custom Finish Methods

(NEW) Advanced Finishing Techniques + Troubleshooting
(NEW) The CHENG Geocrete Finish
(NEW) Acid-Etching
(NEW) Sandblasting
Polishing
Texturing
Staining

(NEW) Business Intelligence

(NEW) Google Sketchup Modeling: learn the basics of this innovative and easy-to-use software to sketch your forms with 3d modeling—ideal for communicating with designers, shop managers and contractors
(NEW) Sales + Marketing for the new economy: learn to sell your goods and services to a wide range of customers—residential projects, commercial projects, custom furniture or exterior cladding each require their own market strategy
(NEW) Planning the "BIG One:” workflow planning is critical to successfully and profitably capitalizing on large production opportunities
(NEW) Panel + Tile Installation Guidelines: learn best practices for installing large format wall panels over drywall, cement board, wood and metal studs utilizing either mechanical or adhesive anchoring methods

Review D-FRC FAQs menu below for more details.

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Who should take the Professional D-FRC Training?

Decorative concrete contractors, skilled carpenters, tile setters, solid surface fabricators, concrete masons, and any building or landscaping professional, architect or designer interested in working with and understanding Decorative or Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete applications.

Previous concrete countertop experience, basic carpentry or mold-making skills is helpful for successful participation in the Professional D-FRC Training. If you’d like to gain experience in working with concrete as a decorative material, consider taking Concrete Countertop Essentials Workshop, prior to the D-FRC Training.

INVESTMENT : 3-DAY PRO D-FRC TRAINING

$1,450 investment includes

3 full days of training at a CHENG Concrete Training Academy
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Session limited to 15 participants to ensure hands-on learning + class participation
Complete training manuals
Materials used during training such as forms, molds, mixes, + other supplies
CHENG Certificate of Completion
15% Savings on Concrete Project Materials and Supplies—walk away ready to start your project
Post-training technical support
Audio, video and still photography permitted FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY
Free Shipping on CHENG Products for 1 week after training (within contiguous U.S.)
Daily Breakfast + Refreshments: light continental breakfast, coffee, tea, soda, juices
Daily catered lunch

D-FRC FAQs

Q1: What is D-FRC?
Decorative Fiber Reinforced Concrete, or D-FRC, consists of high strength fibers embedded in a cementitious matrix. In general, fibers are the principal load-carrying members, while the surrounding matrix keeps them in the desired locations and orientation, acting as a load transfer medium between them.

Q2: What are the benefits of D-FRC countertops?
The D-FRC method reduces material consumption by using 1/3 less material with no steel needed. D-FRC countertops are lighter and stronger allowing for larger, seamless castings. Integral sinks can be cast without a back form. Time savings is key—projects can be de-molded 12 hours after casting. An entire project can be turned around from template to installation in less than 72 hours.

D-FRC v. WET CAST METHOD

Q3: How much does a D-FRC countertop weigh compared to a standard "wet cast" countertop?
A D-FRC countertop with a 2" edge face will weigh 7 lbs./s.f. By comparison, a standard 2" thick "wet cast" countertop will weigh approximately 23 lbs./sf.

Q4: What is the minimum thickness of a D-FRC 8' length countertop?
1/2" thick.

Q5: How long can I cast a countertop out of D-FRC without a seam?
The longest runs have been up to 20 feet.

Q6: What is the difference in mix design between D-FRC and a traditional wet cast method?
Traditional wet cast concrete has lots of large aggregate blended with sand and cement to create the structure of the concrete. D-FRC is a blend of advanced technology fibers, cement and fine sand. By replacing the aggregates in traditional wet cast concrete with the advanced fiber blend in D-FRC we are able to make the concrete much thinner and lighter while maintaining the same structural performance of the concrete.

Q7: What is a typical D-FRC project turnaround time?
A standard 8'-0"L x 3'-0"W x 1-1/2"T project can be turned around in less than 72 hours from template to install if needed.

Q8: What surface finish techniques can be achieved with D-FRC?
Marbled, polished, acid stain, sand blasted and exposed aggregate surface finish textures can be achieved.

Q9: How is D-FRC countertop installation different from wet cast countertops?
You don't need muscle men on the install crew.

Q10: Are D-FRC countertops easier to maintain than standard wet cast countertops?
When sealed with the CHENG Concrete Countertop Sealer, the maintenance will be the same as for a "wet cast" countertop.

Q11: Are there "green" benefits of D-FRC?
Yes, saving on materials and supplies are what contribute to the green benefit of the D-FRC method with 3/4 less material used than standard wet cast countertops. Also, no steel reinforcing is required.

MATERIALS, TOOLS + PRODUCTS

Q12: What materials do I need to make a D-FRC countertop?
NeoMix D-FRC is an easy to use suite of advanced technology products, making it possible to create flawless D-FRC projects with consistent professional results. NeoMix D-FRC Suite of products consist of CastingBlend, SprayBlend, BackingBlend, SlurryBlend and Activator.

Q13: What CHENG Concrete Countertop Products can I use?
NeoMix Color, Acrylic Slurry, Sealer, Wax, Sink Knockouts, Base Pigments, and any of the related forming supplies like Pro-Form and trivet strips.

Q14: What tools and equipment will I need? Where can I find them?
In addition to standard wet cast tools and equipment, you will need a stand mixer, hopper gun and air compressor.

Q15: What mix designs will I use?
With NeoMix D-FRC Products there are no mix designs to wrestle with. Simply dilute the NeoMix D-FRC Activator in water and mix with 1 bag of NeoMix CastingBlend, SprayBlend or Backing Blend.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Q16: What is the cost investment to start doing D-FRC in my shop?
If you are already making concrete countertops, the additional investment will be somewhere between $1000 and $2500 for a stand mixer, hopper gun and air compressor.

Q17: What is the suggested retail price of a finished D-FRC countertop?
Pricing per s.f. could range $85 - $110 depending on varying local or regional markets.

Q18: What are my material costs for an average D-FRC countertop?
Depending on the market location, material costs tend to fluctuate between $6.50 and $9.50 per s.f. for a typical countertop.

Q19: What D-FRC applications/possibilities exist beyond countertops?
Fireplaces, BBQs, window and door trims, window sills, showers, tubs, columns, signage, wall cladding, floor tiles, hoods, tables, planters, benches, sculptures and displays.

Q20: Who are recommended participants for the 2-day Professional D-FRC Training?
Concrete countertop contractors, skilled craftsmen, carpenters, tilesetters, stone fabricators, sculptors, artisans, concrete masons, and any building or landscape professional interested in working with and understanding D-FRC applications.

Q21: What are prerequisites for the 2-day Professional D-FRC Training?
Previous concrete experience, basic carpentry or mold-making skills is required for successful participation in the training.

SEE CURRENT SCHEDULE

Training	Date	Location	Status
FEBRUARY 2012
3-Day Professional Decorative Fiber Reinforced Concrete (D-FRC) Training	February 8-10 Wednesday-Friday	Berkeley, CA	Sold Out!
1-Day Concrete Countertops Essentials Workshop	February 11 Saturday	Lincoln, RI	Seats Available
MARCH 2012
1-Day Concrete Countertops Essentials Workshop	March 16 Friday	Berkeley, CA	4 Seats Available
5-day Advanced Countertop Design Training	March 19-23 Monday - Friday	Berkeley, CA	3 Seats Available

REGISTER TODAY: Call: 510.849.3272 x 217
Email: Training Sales Manager

Contact our Training Sales Manager to register or for more details. Group, or business, and student discounts are available. Once your registration is complete, we'll email you a pre-workshop package, including workshop travel and hotel recommendations.