Hypertufa

src: beta.finegardening.com

Hypertufa is an anthropic rock made from various aggregates bonded together using Portland cement.

Hypertufa is intended as a manufactured substitute for natural tufa, which is a slowly precipitated limestone rock; being very porous, it is favorable for plant growth.

Hypertufa is popular for making garden ornaments, pots and land forms. Hypertufa is relatively light compared with terracotta or traditional concrete and can withstand harsh winters, at least down to -30 °C (-22 °F).

Hypertufa was invented for use in alpine gardens. Alpine gardeners formerly used antique animal watering troughs, which became rare and expensive.

Video Hypertufa

Composition

Aggregates are generally Sphagnum (peat moss), sand, and perlite or vermiculite. Coconut coir is coming to take the place of sphagnum moss, as the latter is a very slowly renewing natural resource and the former is a ready byproduct of the coconut industry-- it has all of the advantages of the moss but without the environmental costs. Hypertufa made with the classic proportions for mortar (1 part cement: 3 parts aggregate) has a composition of

• 3 parts Type I Portland cement
• 4 parts Sphagnum or coir
• 5 parts perlite

or 3 parts cement to 9 parts aggregate ("parts" is by volume, not by weight, and is only a very rough measure).

To increase structural strength and longevity, polymer fibers, liquid acrylic, and fiberglass may be incorporated into the mixture, along with various grades of sand, pebbles, and crushed rock which add to the final object's overall strength and stone-like appearance though they increase its weight. Powdered concrete dyes (in small amounts) also tint the hypertufa to resemble natural rock.

Maps Hypertufa

Manufacture

After water is added to the mixture, it is packed into a previously constructed mold, then sealed or covered in plastic and allowed to cure for up to two months. The object may be temporarily removed from its wrapping after 24 hours for trimming and/or distressing, after which it is re-wrapped. After the hypertufa object is completely cured, it is removed from the plastic, rinsed thoroughly, and allowed to sit exposed to the elements for several more weeks to reduce its otherwise-toxic surface alkalinity. It can then be used to hold plants.

src: felt.co.nz

See also

• Papercrete

src: www.shapecrete.com

References

src: worldofsucculents.com

External links

• Video and text instructions
• Gardenweb forum discussing Hypertufa techniques
• Drought Smart Plants Hypertufa What to plant in your finished project.

Source of article : Wikipedia