Abstract: A manufacturing process produces an article in slab form and more precisely an article made from a hydrated matrix which contains cement, sand, water and reinforcing fibers. The process includes the steps of mixing the constituents until a substantially homogeneous mineral paste is obtained; extruding the mineral paste in the form of a sheet having a thickness approximately equal to that of the article; and cutting the sheet to the size of the article. The article is made in the form of a slab and may be an imitative slate piece to be used as a roofing cover element.

Abstract: An article comprising a hydrated matrix containing 100 parts by weight of cement and around 80-120 and preferably around 100 parts by weight of sand with a grain size of less than 1 mm, and alkali-resistant reinforcing glass fibres in a proportion of around 3-4 wt %, preferably 3.5 wt %, relative to the hydrated matrix. The article, which has a density no greater than 1.85, may be used as a covering panel for buildings, and particularly as an imitation slate covering panel.