Steel/concrete or timber/concrete composite slabs are used both in new construction and as a complete replacement for slabs in existing buildings.
The use of lightweight structural concrete based on Laterlite Expanded Clay (Latermix Beton 1400: density 1400 kg/m3) for concrete slabs reduces their weight by up to 40% whilst maintaining mechanical strength that is comparable in every way to that of ordinary concrete, as well as offering many design and practical advantages:
Laterlite lightweight structural concretes suitable for composite slabs are available:
For further information on the strengthening of existing slabs, please refer to the specific section.