At present, designers have precise tools for this activity.

In the past, the application of Art and Science to Plane Partitions represented a major effort, especially in coverings that included different sizes and/or combination of materials. That aspect of the design, inherent to modular rigid coverings, is not present in most coverings designs. Once the tiles have been selected, it is advisable to divide the surfaces in modules, also taking into account that these tiles are part of a three-dimensional space. In other modular rigid materials we must also know the moisture expansion ratios (natural stone) and the linear thermal expansion (stone agglomerated with resins). Water absorption and the size of the slab are essential for the selection of materials and the installation technique. The chart below summarises the characteristics observed in ceramic slabs. For ceramic slabs, a questionnaire has been activated in order to determine the minimum requirements to be met for a specific intended use. The documentary block devoted to slabs provides extensive information on the criteria for the selection of the different types of materials.

Some business associations have also published guidance documents for the selection of their products according to the intended use. Although some national standards already introduce restrictions to slabs according to their intended use, the French proposal for the classification of materials for paving starts a process through which the characateristics of slabs, at minimum levels for their magnitudes, are linked to their specific intended uses.

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