Decorative beams are made from concrete cast in form work designed with features. This features are different from the normal down stand rectangular beams. They can be arched or feature beams. The concrete structural strength is retained and only the facade changes from the plain surface. The form work is designed with the desired shape before it is assembled. The features should be done on internal or external beams during the casting of concrete.
The decorative beams can be cast on any floor. The internal arched beams are for openings without doors or windows. They can also be used where the window or door will have an arched top. In the external ones, they are formed between columns or walls at the entrance lobby or veranda outside. In this type, the arch is measured to start at least a foot from the ends on the wall or column. The feature ones have the pattern made inside form work sides.
To make decorative feature beams, start by taking the side form work and trace the pattern to be formed. Two or three timber pieces of two inches thick are used to make the decorative recess on the concrete. This pieces are nailed onto the side form work. In a beam of one and a half feet three pieces are used, but while spaced equally. Half round timber is used, the flat part is nailed to the side and the round part forms the recess in the concrete.
After the sides form work is complete, it is assembled into place. Before any other work proceeds it is thoroughly oiled to avoid concrete sticking on it. The reinforcements are then placed inside and when ready concrete is cast normally. The concrete is left to dry while it is being cured for at least seven days. The form work is then struck off carefully to avoid breaking the formed features. The desired painting is done with the external finishes.
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