Infosys campus at

Cover Feature
with the explosive growth and faster
Mysore has used pink
phase in construction and new innovations
coloured decorative
in the designs of buildings, the use of
concrete extensively
innovative designs in decorative concretes, are
for their walkway to give
gaining recognition and hold very good future in
a very elegant look
the coming decades in India.
to the campus replacing
granite flooring.

Decorative Concretes
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An Overview
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Decorative concrete is the use of concrete as not simply a utilitarian medium for
construction but as an aesthetic enhancement to a structure, while still serving its function as an
integral part of the building itself such as floors, walls, driveways and patios.
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The transformation of
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concrete into decorative

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Abstract but it is the larger realization that concrete

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Concrete is one of the most versatile offers almost limitless potential for concrete is achieved
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building materials available, that can be architectural expression that has propelled
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through the use of a

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designed and placed to the most exacting the industry to the range of diversity seen
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structural demands or the most discerning today. variety of materials

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aesthetic requirements. It also ranks as one With the explosive growth and faster
that may be applied
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of the more sustainable building materials. phase in construction and new innovations
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during the pouring

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Contemporary concrete usage has in the designs of buildings, the use of

evolved beyond its origins as a basic innovative designs in decorative concretes,
process or after the
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hing
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construction material. It can be manipulated are gaining recognition and hold very good
concrete is cured,
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into structurally creative origin and artistic future in the coming decades in India.
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these materials and

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expressions, defying common perceptions This article mainly brings out the
top

of what a mixture of sand, cement, stone, journey of decorative concretes, how the
and water should look like. Contrary to decorative concrete methods have evolved systems include
the half-held belief that concrete is a dull over a period of time and various methods stamped concrete, acid
material that is used unimaginatively, it of decorating the ordinary looking dull grey
can be used in an exciting and inspiring concrete to an elegant fabulous material.
staining, decorative
way while benefiting from being a highly overlays, polished
durable building material. Introduction concrete, concrete
Brad Bowman’s early success with Decorative concrete is the use of concrete
stamped concrete may have been the as not simply a utilitarian medium countertops, vertical
catalyst for decorative-concrete innovation, for construction but as an aesthetic overlays.
PG14 Built Expressions Vol: 2 Issue: 3 March 2013 Vol: 2 Issue: 3 March 2013 Built Expressions PG15
 Cover Feature Cover Feature

casting; others submerged their castings in number of companies ventured into designs are one of the hot new trends for Coloured Concretes
Brad Bowman caused significant interest in solutions similar to chemical stains. the field of manufacturing concrete concrete patios, concrete floors, entryways, For many admirers of decorative concrete,
decorative concrete with his invention. He developed Early in the 20th century it became products. With such market conditions, countertops, pool decks and more. From the best attribute is that each installation
and patented the tools and process for stamping accepted fact that metallic oxide shades manufacturers began producing materials expansive new homes with elaborate is totally unique. Concrete can assume
do not fade in the ultraviolet glow from in higher quantities and the designs too concrete driveways to budgeted one-room nearly any shape, design, pattern or
patterns in concrete flatwork. sunlight. Craftsmen from the concrete became more intricate. remodels showcasing a stunning, stained texture. But the one characteristic that
industry started making use of pigments to Today the decorative concrete market concrete floor, the attraction is continuing most distinguishes decorative concrete is
apply colour onto concrete. is growing faster than any other segment to grow when it comes to using concrete colour, whether used subtly to blend with
of the concrete industry in developed for decorating. Concrete is no longer plain, nature or boldly to make a dramatic design
Invention and patenting of countries, with hundreds of manufacturers grey and boring, it is now thought of as a statement.
stamped concrete by Brad and thousands of contractors. But none beautiful decorative element. Frankly, unless you are a purist and
enhancement to a structure, while still History of Decorative Concretes Bowman. of this could have happened if not for the • Decorative Concrete systems are prefer concrete in its plain-gray state,
serving its function as an integral part of There are many branches of the decorative Brad Bowman caused significant interest development of strong, durable concrete. excellent for, there is no reason not to enhance it with
the building itself such as floors, walls, concrete industry that have built up over in decorative concrete with his invention. It takes highly skilled concrete finishers • Roadways colour. The number of different products
driveways and patios. The transformation the last 50 or 60 years across the world but He developed and patented the tools and and an understanding of concrete basics • Park ways for colouring concrete has never been
of concrete into decorative concrete is some of the earliest evidence of the birth process for stamping patterns in concrete to install work that makes owners want • Walk ways greater and many manufacturers offer
achieved through the use of a variety of of the industry dates back to the early 19th flatwork. The genius of his work is that concrete. • Swimming Pool Decks an extensive palette of shades to choose
materials that may be applied during the century. Between 1890 and 1920 many others could use his process to install their • Drive ways & Patios from for coloured concrete. And although
pouring process or after the concrete is companies, especially precast companies own creative ideas. Indian Scenario
cured, these materials and systems include who produced members for building As a contractor, Bowman installed In India, use of decorative concrete
stamped concrete, acid staining, decorative facades, used colours and stains to make exposed aggregate concrete walls and slabs applications started somewhere in 2001
overlays, polished concrete, concrete their work more interesting unique. Some in USA. By 1950 he began experimenting after the establishment of commercial
countertops, vertical overlays. mixed pigment into fresh concrete for a with ways to pattern his work. He first Ready-mixed concrete plants in 1995.
There is a need to develop a network of well trained
tried a single wooden blade, and then two .The decorative concrete industry is slowly Decorative concrete applicators to execute decorative
blades set apart the width of a brick, and gaining acceptance in metros like Bangalore concrete applications in India.
finally platform stamps that imprinted and Mumbai. But, there is very long way to
several pattern units at a time. His first establish itself as an Industry like USA ,
stamps were of wood, then sheet metal and Europe and Australia.
finally cast aluminium platforms. In 1970, Many major Ready-mixed concrete
the Bomanite Corp., using his patents, companies like RMC Readymix (India),
franchised contractors across the United Lafarge India , Ultratech Concrete , ACC
States to install decorative concrete using Concretes and many other RMC Producers
this process. Bowman’s fascination was have started producing decorative coloured
with the creative process—a passion that concretes which are used for making
stayed with him until his death at age 90. stamped concrete and stencilled concretes.
Bowman’s cast aluminium tools were Concrete polishing is a very good sign for
heavy, had a limited life and printed only the growth of t decorative concrete industry
patterns, not textures into the concrete. Jon in India. There is a need to develop a
Nasvik became the first to develop urethane network of Decorative concrete applicators
stamps that were light and long-lived. In that are well trained to execute decorative
the late 1970s he built a plastic stamp that concrete applications in India.
imprinted both pattern and texture on fresh Infosys campus at Mysore has used pink
concrete. The first pattern for commercial coloured decorative concrete extensively
use was a broken used brick pattern but for their walkway to give a very elegant look
over time there was a huge expansion in the to the campus replacing granite flooring.

elitecreteaustralia.com.au
designs available for imprinting. Pink coloured concrete supplied by RMC
The methods of applications and Readymix (India) at Mysore for Infosys has
designs have drastically changed following been the source of attraction since many
the stage whether the users were exposed years.
to only a handful of designs and standard
prweb.com

building tools used in other industries. As Decorative Concrete Systems

the industry kept growing, an increasing Decorative Concrete Systems - Concrete

PG16 Built Expressions Vol: 2 Issue: 3 March 2013 Vol: 2 Issue: 3 March 2013 Built Expressions PG17
 Cover Feature Cover Feature

spaces. They are the perfect decorative

flooring surface for outdoor kitchens and
living rooms, complete with cosy seating
areas, fireplaces and water features. What’s
more, this outdoor floor offers unlimited
design options. When enhanced by stains
and integral colours, concrete patios can
be colour coordinated to match a home’s
exterior or landscape. They can also be
stamped or engraved in patterns that
mimic other popular paving materials, such
as brick, flagstone, slate and tile.
As an investment, concrete patios
typically cost less than patios made of
brick or natural stone because they are
paversstamped.com

less labour-intensive to install. The lower

price tag combined with the wide array
of patterns and colours available make
concrete an economical choice for most
budgets. Plus, concrete is easily formed into
any shape to accommodate backyard space
restrictions.
Upgrading your backyard with a
decorative concrete patio is also an
investment that will provide many years of
The advancements in concrete tools, concrete stains and enjoyment while improving the look of your
dyes, textures, and patterns have made concrete the most landscape. Concrete is easy to maintain and

prweb.com
can stand up to the harshest of weather
versatile, durable and cost-effective material on the market.
Out Door Applications conditions. Unlike paving stones, you won’t
Concrete Patios have joints between units where grass
Despite stiff competition from wood decks, and weeds can sprout. And unlike wood,
the concrete patio is gaining in popularity as concrete won’t warp, rot or require periodic
an essential element in today’s backyards in staining.
you will pay more for coloured concrete, Concrete is no longer plain, grey and boring, countries like USA and Europe. According that can rejuvenate or resurface existing pool decks are now given nearly as much
the amazing transformation will be well it is now thought of as a beautiful decorative to a survey conducted by the National Concrete Driveways plain-gray driveways. attention as the interior design of the
worth the investment. In the hands of element. Association of Home Builders, the share of It wasn’t long ago when deciding on a To make sure that your concrete home.
a creative contractor, these colouring Today’s home owners builders, and new homes with patios jumped from 35% in driveway material was easy: asphalt or driveway looks good for many years to Decorative concrete has opened
mediums permit an endless array of designers recognize the value in using 1995 to 46% in 2005, heralding concrete as concrete. Today, the “concrete” choice has come, there are important steps your the doors to creating pool decks that
decorative effects, from rustic earth-toned concrete in their designs and plans. the most popular patio material in USA. In expanded to include an astounding array contractor /applicator should follow during complement the exterior of the home,
sidewalks and patios that harmonize with Decorative concrete transforms traditional seven of nine geographical regions identified of decorative concrete options. Sometimes installation. How well your driveway looks meld with the outdoor environment, and
the surrounding landscape to vibrant grey concrete into warm brown floors, in the study, poured concrete is the most referred to as a cement driveway or as and performs long-term is largely related to replicate exotic and traditionally expensive
multicoloured floors that double as works expensive slate-looking patios, and weather- commonly used outdoor surface material in painted concrete, decorative concrete is one the quality of workmanship and materials materials.
of art. resistant outdoor kitchen countertops, to luxury-home construction coming in ahead of the most reasonable ways to make the that go into it. Finally, if you’re concerned The benefits of concrete are many. It
name a few. of concrete pavers and natural stone. With entrance to your home look more elegant. about the environment, concrete is one can provide an extremely durable surface,
Decorative Concrete Applications Decorative concrete/decorative cement more decorative options than ever before, Although plain gray concrete flooring is of the “greenest” materials you can use to as compared to a tiled deck or even stone.
Concrete designs are one of the hot new lets you decide which hue of red will give concrete patios are attracting home owners still installed most often, more people are build a driveway. With the new techniques for stamping and
trends for concrete patios, concrete you that Spanish tile look on your pool who want an outdoor surface that offers catching on to the dazzling effects possible applying decorative concrete, any look can
floors, entryways, countertops, pool decks deck at half the cost and what personal the ultimate in design versatility. Concrete with decorative concrete and seeing the Concrete Pool Decks be created at a fraction of the cost. Concrete
and more. From expansive new homes mementos you’d like to embed in your new patios also have the edge when it comes to instant curb appeal a decorative driveway One of the biggest trends in outdoor design today has emerged - extremely flexible in
with elaborate concrete driveways to concrete countertop kitchen island. The durability and low maintenance. can give to any home, no matter what today is an attractive decorative concrete its application.
budgeted one-room remodels showcasing advancements in concrete tools, concrete In addition to serving as a gathering the style If you already have a concrete pool deck, a coloured, textured and inviting
a stunning, stained concrete floor, the stains and dyes, textures and patterns have zone for lounging and entertaining, driveway, you can still give it a decorative area surrounding the pool that does more Concrete Walkways
attraction is continuing to grow when it made concrete the most versatile, durable concrete patios allow homeowners to makeover. The concrete industry has than provide a safe, slip-resistant deck for Concrete walkways or sidewalks are more
comes to using concrete for decorating. and cost-effective material in the market. seamlessly blend interior and exterior living introduced many products and methods sunbathing and barbecuing. In ground than just a way to get wherever it is you’re

PG18 Built Expressions Vol: 2 Issue: 3 March 2013 Vol: 2 Issue: 3 March 2013 Built Expressions PG19
Cover Feature Cover Feature

going—they can provide much-needed outlets and restaurants among others in • They are a good alternative to carpet if patterned stamped concrete or imprinted Colours and patterns
curb appeal to your homes and buildings, the most amazing ways. But leading the you have allergies. concrete, is concrete that is designed to for stamped cement are
and they are fast becoming a point of charge in the concrete craze are concrete resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile
often chosen to blend

lonestarstainedconcrete.com
artistic expression by way of a multitude countertops. Now a day’s concrete counters Staining Concrete and even wood. Stamped concrete can be
of decorative concrete options available. are becoming popular, in countries like Staining concrete is one of the most popular used to beautify pool decks, driveways, with other stone, tile
While plain gray concrete is still the USA and other developed countries and applications for transforming concrete entries, courtyards, and patios. or patterned concrete
most often surface installed, as seen similar trends are likely to happen in India slabs. Often referred to as coloured Due to the wide array of options when it

commandsafety.com
on most concrete sidewalks, there are also due to more and more decorative concrete, homeowners, designers and comes to concrete pattern, concrete colours, elements.
numerous decorative concrete alternatives precast manufacturers establishing their builders are drawn to stained concrete and the cost of stamped, or imprinted
sure to dress it up, taking your sidewalk manufacturing facilities here in the coming because of the unique outcome that can be concrete in relation to the materials it is Staining concrete is
from boring to amazing. The best part is years. achieved combining colours and application a substitute for, the choice of stamped
that most of the options will work just as techniques on cement flooring and other concrete is becoming more popular and one of the most popular
well on an existing walkway, because the Concrete Floors substrates. The results are limited only frequent. applications for
concrete industry has rapidly developed It has become the new material of choice by the creativity of those involved in the Colours and patterns for stamped transforming concrete

azlandscapecreations.com
many decorative products that can for designers and home owners across the stained concrete process. cement are often chosen to blend with
be applied to existing plain concrete United States and in European countries. Because of concrete’s porous qualities other stone, tile or patterned concrete slabs.
walkways. Concrete floors in stained, coloured, and neutral tone, it is the perfect blank elements at the residence. Complex designs
Concrete has become the new material painted, and personalized glory are popping canvas for topically applied colour. Using incorporating steps, courtyards, and surface imperfections in existing concrete?
of choice for designers across the U.S. up in retail stores, trendy restaurants, acid-based chemical stains, decorative fountains can be achieved when patterns Or turn a plain slab from drab to fabulous
Decorative concrete in all of its stained, offices and homes everywhere. Staining concrete contractors have been able to are pressed into the concrete. Stamped looking? With today’s decorative overlays,
coloured, moulded and personalized concrete floors offers numerous options for achieve rich, earth-toned colour schemes concrete can also be blended with other it’s easy to give almost any concrete surface,
glory is popping up in retail stores, interior rooms including nearly limitless resembling natural stone, marble, wood, decorative concrete elements such as indoors or out door, a complete face-lift
trendy restaurants, offices and homes designs, colours, and even health benefits. or even leather, giving a completely custom exposed aggregate finishes and acid-etch and at a much lower cost than removal and
everywhere. Now you can find out why! One of the most common places you’ll look to cement floors, concrete driveways, staining, along with a particular pattern, replacement. The real challenge is choosing
see decorative concrete these days is under patios, walkways, pool decks, concrete walls such as running bond brick, hexagonal tile, from among the many resurfacing products
Decorative Concrete Pavers your feet. Whether it’s acid-stained, painted, and more. worn rock or stone. available and the diverse array of decorative
The use of concrete pavers, often referred overlays, micro toppings, radiant floors, finishes possible. There are multiple options
to as paving stones, is growing rapidly or a unique personal floor, concrete floors Stamped Concrete Concrete Overlays available for achieving any look imaginable
on both commercial and residential offer a range unlike any other material. Stamped concrete, commonly referred to as Do you want to permanently cover up with a concrete overlay.
construction projects. Interlocking pavers Concrete flooring, sometimes referred to
form a patterned surface which can be as cement flooring, no longer has to be gray
tagingreview.com

put into service immediately. Pavers are and boring.

mnstampedconcrete.com
manufactured in various textures and Now colouring concrete, or applying

concretedecor.net
colours. A big benefit of pavers is that they textures, patterns and saw cuts can bring
can be removed and re-installed, which new life to this traditional substrate.
reduces future service interruptions. Concrete can be so uniquely designed or so
The use of concrete pavers is expanding naturally coloured that it blends seamlessly
rapidly. There is plenty of growth to go: in with other elements in a room--oftentimes,
Europe there are 100 square feet of pavers you don’t even realize it’s a concrete floor
installed per person annually whereas, you’re standing on!
in the United States it is only one square “We have stamped concrete, slate, stain,
foot per person. Pavers can be installed overlays; It’s just amazing what technology
decorativeconcretetexas.com

on your driveway, on a walkway and on a has done. Many are welcoming, embracing,
patio. Pavers come in a variety of patterns, and anxiously pursuing concrete floors for
colours and styles to suit most any design their own home projects.
idea. The advantages of Decorative concrete
floorings are many:
Indoor Applications • It enhances the integrity of architect’s
Countertop Applications designs.
It’s well known fact that concrete has • They are easy to maintain.
become a material that individual home • It’s easy to change, especially if you sell
builders and designers are requesting and your home; the next owner can place
weaving into their homes, offices, retail carpet or wood on top of the concrete slab.

PG20 Built Expressions Vol: 2 Issue: 3 March 2013 Vol: 2 Issue: 3 March 2013 Built Expressions PG21
 Cover Feature

thousand-oaks.com
Concrete Dyes
For decorative contractors who use concrete
as a canvas for colour, the combination
of chemical stains and concrete dyes is
a perfect synergy. Although stains have
received much applause for their amazing
colour transformations, dyes deserve
equal kudos. These underrated colouring
agents can achieve vibrant tones simply not
possible with stains alone.
husqvarna.com

Dyes can get the applicator into more

vibrant colours such as yellow, blue, and
purple to name a few,” The nice thing about
working with dyes is that you can mix them
at the jobsite to obtain your desired colour.
Dyes are often used in conjunction with
Stamped concrete, commonly referred to as patterned acid stains to produce a variegated look
ultimate no-wax flooring material. Thanks and in most cases, complement the already
stamped concrete or imprinted concrete, is concrete that to recent advances in polishing equipment stained floor.
is designed to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile and techniques, contractors are now Translucent dyes penetrate the concrete
and even wood. grinding concrete floor surfaces, whether drying in less than one minute in most
new or old, to a high-gloss finish that climates with minimal cleaning required
About Authors
never needs waxes or coatings. Factor in following the application. Therefore, the
the superior durability and performance applicator completes the job about 60%
Although cement-based overlays have severe cracks, is spalling due to damage of concrete, and it’s no wonder why more faster than a typical acid stain due to
been around for decades, many of today’s from de-icing salts and freeze-thaw cycles, retail, warehouse, and office facilities reduced dry time and less cleaning. If you
systems blend polymer resins with cement, or resting on unstable soil, resurfacing will are opting for polished concrete flooring protect the surface with a topical sealer
sand, and other additives to improve not solve your problems. This is when total as an alternative to marble, granite, tile, and/or wax you get a very vestal floor. Most
performance, wear resistance, and aesthetic replacement will be your best option. linoleum, or coated concrete now a days. water-based, solvent-based, or urethane-
qualities. Polymer-modified overlays can Because polishing is a multistep process, based sealers are compatible with dyes.
be applied in layers as thin as a credit Concrete Resurfacing you can choose the level of sheen from satin ‘Hence,’ dye is a powerful solution in
card or up to several inches thick without Conventional wisdom holds that old to high-gloss that meets your maintenance virtually any application when the installer
delaminating or failure. They adhere well concrete, with cracks, surface discoloration, and aesthetic requirements. This versatility is seeking rich mottling effects with minimal
to existing concrete and resist damage from or surface imperfections, must be removed makes polished concrete an ideal flooring installation time.
salt, chemicals, UV exposure, freeze-thaw and replaced if improving the look of the material for a variety of applications. L.R.Manjunatha
Dr. Sandhya R. Anvekar.
conditions, and abrasion. concrete is the goal. But there are many Be aware that the process of polishing Conclusion Research Scholar, Bharatiyar University
Professor & Head Research,
While most types of polymer-modified options available for transforming that drab concrete floors requires a great deal of Decorating of concrete is here to stay for Sr .Manager –Marketing, RMC Readymix(India)
(A Division of Prism Cement Limited) MSRIM, Bangalore.
overlays offer similar performance concrete patio, driveway, or floor into a expertise and the use of specialized heavy- long-time throughout the world and fast
Email : [email protected]
benefits, each system has its own unique new, decorative, coloured concrete surface. duty polishing machines equipped with catching up in India as it continues to be
characteristics. Overlay manufacturers use Plus, you’ll save money, conserve resources, diamond-impregnated disks that gradually more superior in terms of durability and
different types of polymer resins, often and eliminate disposal problems. grind down surfaces to the desired degree performance in comparison to traditional
blending them to produce proprietary Completely resurfacing concrete with of shine and smoothness. Considering flooring applications like marble, granite,
products with distinct physical attributes. a polymer-modified overlay is one way to the investment in equipment and the skill tile, linoleum, or coated concrete . generally 50 % of the cement consumed
Many of today’s decorative overlays use upgrade the look, and you can choose from required, it’s definitely not a project for the Many Decorative concrete contractors, goes into concrete making, creating a huge
acrylics or acrylic blends because these a wide variety of colour and pattern options. do-it-yourself. companies and applicators from USA and market for decorative concrete applications. References:
resins provide excellent bond strength and If your concrete is in good condition but just Advantages - superior durability and Europe have established their business There is a need from the architect’s • www.concretenetworks.com
UV resistance. needs a facelift, you can also stain, stencil or performance of concrete, and it’s no wonder in India by directly opening their office community, specifiers, builders and the • Photos courtesy from RMC Readymix(India) for
It’s important to be aware that not all engrave it to improve the appearance. why more retail, warehouse, and office or through franchisee to capture the big construction industry in India to adopt these pink coloured concrete and Fibre reinforced
existing concrete can be resurfaced. The facilities are opting for polished concrete potential available in India due to its huge new technologies and different decorative stamped concrete.
underlying base for an overlay must be Concrete Polishing flooring as an alternative to marble, granite, housing requirement, since India is the concrete options as an alternative to • Wekipedia on decorative concretes.
sound. If your concrete is heaving, has Polished concrete is fast becoming the tile, linoleum, or coated concrete. second largest producer of cement and traditional tiling applications. BE • www.concreteconstruction.net

PG22 Built Expressions Vol: 2 Issue: 3 March 2013 Vol: 2 Issue: 3 March 2013 Built Expressions PG23