Composite materials and applications thereof and methods of making composite materials

A composite material comprising:

• an inorganic ceramic matrix having a top surface in facing opposition to a bottom surface;
• at least one open weave fabric comprising a plurality of fibers disposed in the matrix between the top surface and the bottom surface;
• and
• a concrete layer wherein a surface of the concrete layer is in direct contact with the bottom surface of the inorganic ceramic matrix, wherein a majority of the open weave fabrics are positioned closer to the bottom surface than the top surface of the matrix.

A composite material comprising:

• an inorganic ceramic matrix having a top surface in facing opposition to a bottom surface and at least one side surface between the top surface and the bottom surface;
• a first open weave pattern material comprising a plurality of intersecting wires disposed in the matrix proximate the bottom surface of the matrix;
• a first region of the matrix located between the first open weave pattern material and the top surface of the matrix;
• and
• at least one open weave fabric comprising a plurality of fibers disposed in the first region and positioned closer to the bottom surface than the top surface of the matrix, wherein a majority of the open weave fabrics are positioned closer to the bottom surface than the top surface of the matrix.

A composite material comprising:

• an inorganic ceramic matrix having a top surface in facing opposition to a bottom surface and at least one side surface between the top surface and the bottom surface;
• a first open weave fabric comprising a plurality of fibers disposed in the matrix proximate the bottom surface of the matrix;
• a first region of the matrix located between the first open weave fabric and the top surface of the matrix;
• at least one additional open weave fabric comprising a plurality of fibers disposed in the first region and positioned closer to the bottom surface than the top surface of the matrix;
• a plurality of reinforcing bars arranged in a grid pattern disposed in the matrix between the first open weave fabric and the bottom surface and proximate the bottom surface of the matrix;
• a concrete layer wherein a surface of the concrete layer is in direct contact with the bottom surface of the inorganic ceramic matrix;
• a plurality of stones comprising from about 50% to about 65% by weight of the inorganic ceramic matrix;
• and
• a plurality of dowel rods extending from at least one side surface of the inorganic ceramic matrix;
• wherein the plurality of dowel rods are positioned at least four inches from the bottom surface of the matrix.