Flooring Materials – A floor finished with about 3 mm marble chips is called what? In building finishes, identify the correct term for a floor where approximately 3 mm marble chips are mixed with cementitious binder, laid, compacted, and polished to a smooth finish.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Terrazzo floor

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Architectural flooring names reflect composition and finishing method. Terrazzo is a composite of marble (or stone) chips in a cementitious or resin matrix, ground and polished to expose the aggregates. The chip size may be small (for example, around 3 mm), producing a fine, speckled aesthetic with durable performance.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Floor made using small marble chips and cement binder.
  • Laid, rolled or compacted, then machine-ground and polished.
  • Thickness and chip size correspond to fine terrazzo practice.


Concept / Approach:

Terrazzo distinguishes itself from generic “mosaic” by its composite slab laid in situ or precast tiles, then polished to reveal chips uniformly. A “marble slab floor” uses whole slabs, not chips. “Cement screed floor” is plain binder without decorative aggregates. Thus, the described finish aligns with terrazzo.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify material: marble chips ≈ 3 mm + cement matrix.Identify process: grinding and polishing after curing.Term: terrazzo floor is the accepted name.


Verification / Alternative check:

Industry specifications and BOQ items list “in-situ terrazzo” or “terrazzo tiles” with chip grading and binder ratio; polishing steps are standardized.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Mosaic can refer to patterned tile assemblages rather than in-situ chip-and-binder flooring; “chips floor” is informal; marble slab floor uses full slabs; cement screed lacks chips.


Common Pitfalls:

Confusing terrazzo with mosaic tiles; ignoring curing and grinding requirements that affect durability and finish quality.


Final Answer:

Terrazzo floor

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