Flat slate is an asbestos-cement slab made using a special technology. This material has a fairly wide range of applications. Most often it is used in industrial, residential and commercial construction. The technical characteristics of flat slate are quite high. Among its positive qualities are strength, durability, fire safety, ease of installation. The material is produced in different sizes, which largely depends on its type and method of application.
Flat slate production
Since the main component in the manufacture of flat slate is asbestos, it is worth talking about it first. This raw material has been used in various sectors of construction for more than a hundred years, with its help a wide variety of structures are made. Asbestos is of natural origin. It is distinguished by extremely strong fibers, exceeding in strength even steel wire. Products from it combine excellent quality and lowcost.
In the manufacture of flat slate, the following components are used:
- chrysotile-asbestos;
- portland cement;
- water.
The share of asbestos in this composition is 18%. When forming a sheet, its fibers are evenly distributed over the entire area. They adhere well to the cement mortar and form a reinforcing mesh. Thanks to this basis, flat slate, the sheet size of which is determined initially during molding, has increased tensile strength, high impact strength, fire resistance and other positive qualities.
Scope of application
Flat slate has a wider range of uses than its corrugated counterpart. It is often used in agriculture, industrial and residential construction. With the help of this material formwork for the foundation and "dry screeds" are made. During construction, walls are erected using the sandwich panel method and balcony railings. Also, flat slate, the sheet sizes of which are different, is suitable for arranging roofing, exterior and interior decoration of buildings.
Quite often, slabs are used to build fences. In agriculture, sheds, gazebos, aviaries, pens and other outbuildings are built from them. In the field of industry, flat slate has also been used. With its help, fences are erected, technical shafts are lined, floors are laid. Often various small structures are mounted from this material, for example, trade stalls or pavilions.
Varieties of flat slate
Depending on the manufacturing technology of flat slate, it is divided into two types: pressed and unpressed. These materials differ from each other in their technical characteristics. For example, flat pressed slate sheet dimensions and weight are larger than unpressed. Its strength is slightly higher, as well as the cost. The cycle of freezing and thawing of this type of material is twice as long, and the error in linear dimensions is less. Tolerance for pressed slate is 4 mm, while for non-pressed slate it is 8 mm.
The differences between different types of material are also in their areas of application. Flat unpressed slate, the sheet dimensions of which are slightly smaller, is used for cladding buildings, installing internal partitions, and arranging insulated wall panels. Pressed material is used for the construction of utility structures, installation of floor slabs, roofing, fences.
Each type of slate is indicated by a different marking, for example: LP-P-3, 6x1, 5x8 GOST. The letters in it are deciphered as follows:
- LP - flat sheet;
- NP or P - unpressed or pressed.
The numbers indicated in the marking indicate:
- length, sheet width in meters;
- slate thickness in millimeters.
Specifications
Technical characteristics of flat slate to the greatest extent depend on technological equipment,used in production, as well as the main constituent of the raw material - asbestos. In particular, the following factors affect the quality of the material:
- density of asbestos-cement stone;
- diameter and average fiber length;
- chemical and mineralogical composition;
- grinding fineness.
The amount of asbestos in the composition and the uniformity of the distribution of its fibers in the cement also affect the flat slate. Sheet size, specifications and other properties of the material depend on its type. See the comparison table for details:
| Features | Pressed | Unpressed |
| Density, g/cm3 | 1, 8 | 1, 6 |
| Strength, mPa | 23 | 18 |
| Residual strength, % | 90 | 40 |
| Bending strength, kgf/cm3 | 230 | 180 |
| Frost resistance cycle | 50 | 25 |
| Impact strength, kJ/m2 | 2, 5 | 2 |
Positive properties of flat slate
Flat slate, whose sheet sizes are different, and the technical characteristics are quite high, is widely used in the mostvarious sectors of construction. This is due to a set of positive qualities that distinguish this material from others similar to it:
- reliability and firmness;
- resistance to corrosion and decay;
- UV and magnetic protection;
- weather resistance;
- frost resistance;
- fire safety;
- low thermal distortion coefficient;
- noise isolation;
- durability;
- economy;
- easy handling and installation;
- low price.
Asbestos-cement products have high strength. They can easily support the weight of a person. This quality is characterized by both wavy material and flat slate. Sheet dimensions, wave and other modifications do not affect strength.
Negative qualities of the material
Flat slate, in addition to numerous advantages, has some disadvantages.
- The presence of asbestos in the composition of the material affects its environmental friendliness. To protect yourself when working with flat slate, you should use respiratory protection.
- Due to poor water resistance during operation, the material may become covered with moss. To avoid this, when cutting and laying, it should be treated with special tools.
- Slate flat sheet size is impressive, and therefore weighs a lot. For example,a plate with dimensions of 1.75x1.12 m and a thickness of 8 mm has a weight of about 30 kg. This provokes difficulties in transporting and laying the material.
Dimensions of asbestos-cement sheets
Slate flat sheet size may have different. All plates are rectangular. Deviations from the geometric dimensions are possible, but not more than 5 mm. Weight depends on dimensions and type of material. Possible options are shown in the table:
| Length, mm | Width, mm | Thickness, mm | Weight, kg |
| 3600 | 1500 | 8-10 | 70-115 |
| 3000 | 1500 | 8-10 | 59-96 |
| 2500 | 1200 | 6-10 | 39-64 |
| 2000 | 1500 | 6-10 | 48-80 |
| 1750 | 1130 | 6-10 | |
| 1500 | 1000 | 6-10 |
Also often there is flat slate, the sheet dimensions of which are: 1750x1130, 1500x1000, 600x400 mm.
Flat slate is a wonderful material widely used in construction. When choosing it, you should pay attention to the marking,to purchase a product whose qualities are ideal for you.
