Flat concrete floors, ever since they got introduced back in 1970, got really popular for their utility and toughness.
Today we’re putting some light on the same. This small guide will focus on developing a basic understanding of flat concrete floors. But before we dive deep in let’s start with…
Flat Concrete Floors, also popular by the name of SuperFlat Floors, are high tolerance floors that are used mostly in very narrow aisle or VNA establishments. Flat concrete floors are constructed using a special systemcalled FMIN tolerance system, a special system of measurement and defining tolerance.
The FMIN tolerance for Flat concrete floor ranges from FMin 100 to FMin 50, 100 being the tightest tolerance and degree of flatness of the floor and 50 being the lowest.
The Slabs of the flat concrete are laid in narrow but long strips that usually measure 15 Feets in length. which leaves enough space for the lift trucks to operate yet not making any impact with the Racks.
The Lift Trucks in a VNA establishment move up and down in the same direction and on the same path everyday. Which is why the floor slabs are required to be more tighter in terms of tolerance so that the lift machines works effortlessly.
Where are they used?
Knowing what flat concrete floor is and how its built is most definitely useful when you are in two minds deciding how the floor of your warehouse will look? But let me just clear that doubt right away, because we are constantly surrounded by flat concrete floors.
Some establishments where flat concrete floors are most commonly used are gymnasiums, stadiums, warehouses, VNAs, and automobile manufacturing factories. The tolerance demand, however, of these establishments varies accordingly. VNAs require the highest tolerance floor and, on the contrary, manufacturing plants require less tolerance.
There are two types of traffic that determines the density and tolerance of the flooring; Random Traffic and Defined Traffic. Random traffic is where the lift trucks of pedestrians move freely and in any direction. On other hand, Defined Traffic is where the trucks move on the same path between the Aisles every day.
Clearly, Establishment with defined traffic needs more dense and high tolerance floors. However, it is worth noticing that these establishments do not require the whole floor area to be highly tolerant. In fact, only those slabs where the lift trucks will operate needs to be dense and highly tolerant. The racks easily stand on less tolerant floors.
The contractors must keep in mind the following things:
- There must be a solid and specific understanding of the flooring requirement of the establishment. This is a mistake no establishment can afford. Wrong tolerance will result in weak floor, which consequently will result in loss of time and expense.
- It is always a good option to strip pour. Especially in VNA and establishments where automated guided vehicles and heavy transportation systems are used.
- When constructing a flat concrete floor, keep measuring the tolerance of the floor everyday to make sure that the requirements are met. A little construction mistake can result in a disaster.
- Making sure that the steel is embedded in the floor correctly at the right place and angle can certainly save a lot of repairing and reconstruction time.
What are the Advantages of Flat Concrete Floors?
Choosing a flooring for your establishment or plant holds a paramount importance. Once picked wrong, it can’t be replaced without a huge loss of time and capital. But in case you’ve pre-selected flat concrete floors over others, we have listed below some advantages of choosing Flat Concrete Floors over other conventional floors.
- Low Maintenance – Flat Concrete Floors are sort of one time investments. Unlike wooden floors or normal slabs, these floors don’t get worn out easily. Their life span outlasts both wooden and normal slabs combined.
- High Performance and Safety – As we’ve mentioned above Lift trucks move up and down on the same path everyday between the Aisles, and for their smooth functioning and maximum performance, the floor they run on must be tough and flat enough.
- Affordable and easily available materials – The materials used in Flat Concrete Floors are simple, strong and easily available everywhere. Another thing that makes Flat Concrete Floors a go-to option is its affordability. As compared to other conventional floors, these floors cost way less.
- Waterproof and fire redundant – Flat concrete floors are both waterproof and fire redundant. So it doesn’t matter if the establishment faces a leakage issue or a fire breaks out, the floor will remain intact and as it is.
And there you have it! A comprehemisve guide to flat concrete floors, that sets you up for choosing the right flooring option wherever you need it.
You can combine the advantages of a flat concrete floor with a polished concrete floor.
