MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Terrazzo, tile or in-situ (12mm, 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm tiles; 60mm-75mm in-situ)

Cementitious Binder
composite › Aggregate-Based › Cementitious Binder
compositeaggregate-basedterrazzonon-combustiblesustainablehigh-durabilitylow-maintenanceaustralian-madegreen-star-compatibleBAL-FZ-suitable
ATLAS CODE
COM-AGG-CEM-001
Terrazzo, tile or in-situ (12mm, 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm tiles; 60mm-75mm in-situ)
Category composite
Material Family Aggregate-Based
Regulatory Status Varies (cementitious can be non-combustible if tested to AS 1530.1)
Density
2600-2870 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
46.23
Fire Class
Varies (cementitious can be non-combustible if tested to AS 1530.1)
Lifespan
50-100+
Description

Terrazzo is a composite material consisting of chips of marble, granite, quartz, glass, or other suitable aggregates, poured with a cementitious or epoxy binder. Available as precast tiles (12-30mm thick) or poured in-situ (60-75mm), terrazzo provides exceptional durability, low maintenance, and infinite design possibilities. The material achieves non-combustible classification, making it suitable for all bushfire attack levels (BAL-FZ) in Australian conditions. With proper installation and maintenance, terrazzo floors routinely exceed 100-year service life, making them highly cost-effective despite higher initial investment.

Primary Sectors
[Commercial][Healthcare][Hospitality][Institutional][Transport & Infrastructure][Residential]
Typical Uses
  • Commercial flooring (retail, hospitality, healthcare)
  • Institutional buildings (schools, universities, museums)
  • Transport infrastructure (airports, train stations)
  • Residential high-end flooring
  • External paving (covered areas)
  • Benchtops and vertical cladding
  • Stair treads and landings
  • Public spaces requiring high durability
Recycled Content 20-77
Renewable Content 0-15
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon 46.23
Embodied Energy 8-15 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Exceptional durability (50-100+ years lifespan)Non-combustible (suitable for BAL-FZ bushfire zones)Low maintenance costs (AUD $2-5/m²/year)100% recyclable at end of lifeInfinite design possibilitiesSuperior abrasion resistance (ASTM C241 Ha>20)Zero VOC emissions (cement-based)Thermal mass for passive climate controlSeamless hygienic surface (in-situ)Slip resistance customizable (P3-P5 ratings)
Cautions
High initial cost (AUD $150-400/m²)Specialized installation requiredHard underfoot (low resilience)Cold surface in winterPotential for cracking without proper jointsExtended installation time (curing/grinding)Limited DIY potentialWeight considerations (2600-2900 kg/m³)Acoustic reflectivity (NRC 0.03-0.15)Repair difficulty for seamless installations
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES COM-AGG-CEM-001
Density (Dry) 2600-2870 kg/m³
Specific Gravity 2.6-2.87
Porosity 2.1-3.2 %
Water Absorption 0.1-5.0 % (by mass)
Hardness 3-7
Surface Roughness 0.8-100
UV Resistance Excellent
Chemical Resistance Good-Excellent
pH Tolerance 4-14
Compressive Strength 20-95 MPa
Tensile Strength 4.8-70 MPa
Flexural Strength 13.8-31 MPa
Shear Strength 1.5-20
Elastic Modulus 3.5-25
Yield Strength 15-35
Impact Resistance 8-35 J/m
Bearing Capacity 5000-12000 kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.18-0.40
Creep Resistance Excellent
Abrasion Resistance >20
Thermal Conductivity 1.0-2.8 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.01-0.03
Specific Heat Capacity 800-950 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 6.0-8.7
Melting Point N/A
Ignition Temperature >750 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 35-60
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.03-0.15
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 10-85
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 15-65

Terrazzo originated in 15th century Venice when workers used leftover marble chips set in clay to surface terraces. The craft spread globally with Italian immigration. Australia saw significant terrazzo installation from the 1920s, with many floors from this era still in service. Modern thin-set epoxy systems developed in the 1970s revolutionized installation, reducing thickness from 75mm to 10-15mm. Australian manufacturers like Fibonacci Stone (established 2002) now lead sustainable innovation, incorporating recycled glass and achieving world-leading environmental performance. The material remains premium specification for major infrastructure projects including airports, hospitals, and cultural institutions across Australia.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION COM-AGG-CEM-001
Flame Spread Index 0-25
Smoke Developed Index 0-50
Combustibility Class Varies (cementitious can be non-combustible if tested to AS 1530.1)
Ignition Temperature >750 °C
Fire Resistance Rating 0-120 hours
Heat Release Rate <50
Toxicity of Combustion Low
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 46.23
Embodied Energy 8-15 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 175-187
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 100%
Renewable Content 15%
LEED Points 8-9
Circular Economy Score 8.5
VOC Emissions 0-50
Skill Level Professional
Crew Size 2-10
Installation Time 3.5-8.5
Curing Time 24-672 hours
Setting Time 4-48
Temperature Range 15.5-26.6 °C
Humidity Range 40-75
Required Tools
Shot blasting machineDiamond grinding equipment (30-3000 grit)Planetary grinder for large areasIndustrial vacuum systemPower trowelsScreed barsZinc/brass divider stripsWet polishing equipment
Certifications Required
Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling (CPC31320)White CardNTMA membership (recommended)2+ years terrazzo experience
Weather Limitations
No installation during rainAvoid high humidity (>75-80% RH)Protection from direct sun during curingTemperature range: 15.5-26.6°C
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 3 OF 4
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY COM-AGG-CEM-001
Material Cost 120-400
Installation Cost 30-100
Annual Maintenance 2-5
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 250-600
Market Availability Good
Lead Time 0-28
Design Life 50-100+
Warranty Period 7-10 years
Maintenance Interval 1-365
Service Temp Range -10 to 60 °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance 300+
Dimensional Stability 10-30
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.1 (combustibility test for non-combustible determination)
Standards Compliance
NCC (BCA) non-combustible definition references AS 1530.1 testingNCC slip resistance requirements for certain areas use AS 4586 classificationsASTM C190 (tensile strength test used in NTMA guide spec)ASTM C348 (flexural strength test used in NTMA guide spec)ASTM C157 (thermal expansion test used in NTMA guide spec)

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: COM-AGG-CEM-001 Schema: v3.0
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