Cerâmica 55 (2009) 84-87 84
Properties of pre-cast terrazzo tiles and recommended specifications
(Propriedades de telhas de terrazzo pré-moldadas e
especificações recomendadas)
G. Karam, M. Tabbara
Associate Professors of Civil Engineering, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box 166864, Beirut, Lebanon
gkaram@[Link], mtabbara@[Link]
Abstract
A targeted experimental program was carried out to establish basic reference physical and mechanical properties of commercially
available pre-cast marble chip terrazzo tiles and to investigate the effects of varying manufacturing process parameters on those
properties. The transverse strength, density, water absorption, and abrasion resistance were measured as a function of casting pressure
and residence time in the casting mold for a standard mix design. A simple surface abrasion index test was developed and applied
comparing pre-cast terrazzo tiles with reference natural tiling stones. Recommendations for improving existing specifications and
developing quality control measures are presented.
Keywords: terrazzo, materials technology, quality control, strength and testing of materials.
Resumo
Foi feito um programa experimental direcionado para estabelecer propriedades físicas e mecânicas como referências básicas de
telhas de terrazzo de peças de mármore pré-moldadas disponíveis comercialmente e para investigar os efeitos de vários parâmetros
de processo de fabricação nessas propriedades. A resistência transversal, a densidade, a absorção de água e a resistência ao
desgaste foram medidas em função da pressão de moldagem e do tempo de residência do molde de um projeto de mistura padrão.
Um teste simples de índice de desgaste de superfície foi desenvolvido e aplicado na comparação de telhas de terrazzo pré-moldadas
com pedras de telhas naturais de referência. As recomendações para a melhoria das especificações existentes e o desenvolvimento
de medidas para controle de qualidade são apresentadas.
Palavras-chave: terrazzo, tecnologia de materiais, controle de qualidade, resistência e teste de materiais.
INTRODUCTION
Terrazzo is a word derived from the Italian to designate
any mosaic flooring made by embedding small pieces of
marble or colored stone in mortar followed by polishing 250 mm
the surface. The National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association
(NTMA) [1] definition reads: “Terrazzo consists of marble,
granite, onyx or glass chips in Portland cement or resinous
matrix. The terrazzo is poured, cured, ground and polished. Figure 1: Pre-cast terrazzo tile cross-section.
Typically used as a finish for floors, stairs or walls. Terrazzo [Figura 1: Secção de uma telha de terrazzo pré-moldada.]
can be poured in place or pre-cast”. Standard LS38:1966
of the Lebanese Standards Institution [2] specifies pre-cast sizes varying typically from 10 cm x 10 cm up to 40 cm
terrazzo tiles as “composed of two bonded layers, the upper x 40 cm, mechanically vibrated in the mold, hydraulically
one having a smooth surface and constituted of cement, pressed, water or air cured, then grit polished before being
usually white cement, mixed with predetermined amounts shipped to site. Final polish is performed in situ after setting
of marble chips or other hard stone, and of powdered stone and leveling the pre-cast tiles on a sand bed.
or marble. The lower layer shall be constituted of ordinary Rigid stainless steel molds used in the manufacture of the
Portland cement, sand, and aggregate mostly between 0.1mm tiles are filled manually or automatically with the marble chips
and 2.0mm in size” (Fig. 1). then sufficient amounts of white cement grout are poured to
Pre-cast terrazzo tiles are widely used as floorings in fully enclose the marble chips followed by a backing layer of
the Mediterranean countries, the Middle East, and parts Portland cement mortar in measured quantities. The molds
of America and Asia, in residential, commercial, and are then vibrated and the mix is hydraulically pressed to the
institutional buildings. Tiles are manufactured in square required pressure for a few seconds before being released.