When it comes to industrial and warehouse concrete floor specifications, there are a number of important factors to consider to ensure a successful outcome. To get everything right, it is important to have a preconstruction meeting to review the following details:
- Base and subbase materials: the requirements for preparing the base and subbase should be specified, along with the location of a vapor retarder if necessary.
- Concrete thickness: the thickness of the concrete slab is a key design decision and is determined based on the subbase and expected loads.
- Concrete strength: the specification should include the required compressive and flexural strength or both.
- Concrete mixture proportions: the materials to be used, water-cement ratio, slump, and any allowable admixtures should be specified.
- Reinforcement: the type and location of reinforcement should be specified, including how it is to be positioned during construction.
- Surface treatment: if a more durable surface is required, the designer may specify mineral or metallic surface hardeners.
- Surface finish: for commercial or industrial floors, a hard troweled surface is the most common finish, but the specification should account for air entrained concrete to prevent delamination.
- Aggregate exposure: for polished concrete floors, the level of aggregate exposure can vary, ranging from flat to high shine, and salt and pepper to large aggregate.
- Tolerances: tolerances for subbase, slab thickness, and surface finish should be specified in accordance with ACI 117.
- Concrete curing: the specification should include requirements for curing the concrete, including how to respond to hot or cold weather conditions.
- Joint filling: if joints are to be filled, the specification should include the material and installation techniques to be used.
- Preconstruction meeting, quality assurance, and quality control: precon and prepour meetings can help solve problems with more complex floors, and documenting compliance with the specification can ensure a rigorous QA/QC program is followed.
By paying close attention to these specifications, you can ensure that your industrial or warehouse concrete floor is built to last and can withstand the demands of your facility. If you're ready to take your property to the next level, contact us today to schedule a consultation!
