Title: Measuring the Quality of Floor Finishes

Author(s): Dean E. Stephan

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 11

Issue: 6

Appears on pages(s): 41-49

Keywords: concrete construction; concrete slabs; floors; measurement; specifications; tolerances (mechanics); Design

DOI:

Date: 6/1/1989

Abstract:
The background and evolution of ACI Committee 117, Tolerances, and the activity and needs that resulted in slab-finish tolerances based on an F-number system are reviewed. The measurement of selected variations in slab surface characteristics and how the measurements are used to arrive at numerical values--F-numbers describing the levelness and flatness of a slab surface--are explained. F-number values for several building types, different slab usages, and different construction procedures are given. Graphic plots of slab surfaces are compared to provide visual correlation with the numerical values describing the surface. Observations regarding the influence of slab deflections, slab camber, and the time at which measurements are taken on the resulting F-numbers are discussed. It is concluded that the new system of measurement of slab-finish characteristics provides a quantified description of the finished slab surface that is easily obtained and is consistent with observable characteristics and serviceability.