Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

ARH1207 Construction Technology I

Floors
Floors are provided to divide a building into different levels for creating more accommodation
one above the other within a certain limited space. The bottom floor near the ground is known
as the ground floor and the other floors above it are termed as upper floors, like first floor and
second floor. If there is any accommodation constructed below the natural ground level, it is
known as basement and the floor provided in it is known as the basement floor.

A floor may consist of two main components:

 A sub-floor that provides proper support to the floor covering and the superimposed
loads carried on it.
 A floor covering which provides a smooth, clean, impervious and durable surface.

Functional Requirements of Floors in Building Construction

Following are the functional requirements of floors in building:

 Strength and stability

 Resistance to weather and ground moisture
 Durability and free from maintenance
 Fire resistance
 Resistance to passage of heat
 Resistance to passage of sound

Strength and Stability of Floors in Buildings

Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Floor strength depends on the properties of material such as timber, reinforce concrete, and
steel that are employed to construct the structure of the floor. The strength of floor structure
should be adequate to carry dead load of the floor, finishes, fixtures, partitions, services and
expected imposed loads of occupants.

Design loads for building can be found in both Minimum design loads for buildings and other
structures (ASCE/SEI 7-10) and BS 6399: Part 1 in addition to other codes.

Reinforced concrete floor, which might be used for providing strength and fire resistance, will
be suitable option to employ for cases where spans are long and imposed loads are large
whereas timber floors for domestic buildings might be adequate.

With regard to stability of floors, the stiffness of floor should be enough to make the floor stay
stable and level under its self weight and expected dead and live loads. Furthermore, the floors
need to support and accommodate ventilation, water, electrical, heating services without
causing detrimental effect on the stability of the floor.

The deflection of the floor must be adequately restricted and kept small to prevent cracking of
rigid finishing.

Finally, Basement and solid ground floors stability are based on properties of concrete under
them. For small domestic building concrete without reinforcement might be enough but for
large loads like heavy equipment or machinery reinforced concrete slab is needed.

Additionally, suspension reinforced concrete slabs are necessary on shrinkable soil against soil
differential contraction of expansion, specifically in situations where deep rooted trees are
close to the site.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Resistance of Floors to Weather and Ground Moisture

Building ground floor specifically heated building is likely to encourage rising the moisture
below the ground and make the floor wet slightly which feels cold and dissatisfying. Therefore,
more heating may be required to create desired comfortable condition.

There are various factors which affect the moisture penetration level from the ground to the
floor includes the nature of subsoil, water table, and whether the site is horizontal or sloping.

There is small amount of moisture penetration into the ground if the base is gravel or coarse
grain sand because water table level is below the surface during the whole year; in this case,
concrete slab is suitable solution to resist moisture penetration.

However, on a clay base, an appreciable amount of moisture will penetrate from the ground to
the floor because water table is near to the surface. The latter can be tackled by concrete slab

plus water-tight membrane which can be place under, on, or in the slab.

Durability of Floors and Free from Maintenance

Generally, water tight ground floors on solid base and suspended floors secured by walls and
roof must be durable for the life of the structure and require slight maintenance, repair or
improvement.

The durability and free from maintenance of floors are rely on the nature of materials applied
and the wear they are exposed to.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Fire Resistance of Floors

Floors should withstand fire for enough period during which the occupant can get out of the
building.

ACI 216.1-7 (Code Requirements for Determining Fire Resistance of Concrete and Masonry
Construction Assemblies) determines rating of fire resistance that begin from an hour to 4
hours which based on the types of aggregate and the thickness of concrete cover.

Lastly, reinforced concrete floors combat fire for longer period compare with timber floors.

Resistance to Passage of Heat

Floors have to withstand heat release in situation that there are large air temperature
differences on both opposite sides of the floor. For instance where an open port car is formed
under buildings and the floors over the port is subjected to outside weather, so it has to be
insulated.

Ground floor can be constructed in a way that prevents heat transfer from the floor to the
ground or from ground to the floor by applying hardcore and a damp-proof membrane.

The damp-proof membrane, which can be placed on, under, or sandwiched in the concrete
under the floor, will avoid floor damping and cold feeling. This will lead to decline heat that is
necessary to make comfortable condition and decrease transfer of heat.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

If under floor heating is employed, it is fundamental to apply a layer of heat insulation around
the edge and below the floor slab to reduce heat transfer to the ground.

Resistance to Passage of Sound

It is considerably significant that upper floors, which separate dwellings, work as barrier and
prevent transmission of sound.

Reinforced concrete floor work better in preventing transmission of airborne sound compare to
low mass timber floor. That is why reinforced concrete floor can be effectively used to separate
residents.

Moreover, lightweight insulating material or dense material can be used for filling the spaces
between timber joists to enhance sound resistance of timber floors.

It is worth mentioning that using reinforced concrete floor with reasonable increase in cost will
be more effective compare to timber floors which requires extra cost to reduce sound
transmission by filling spaces between joists.

However, if the floor of existing buildings is timber then, filling joists of the timber with
lightweight or dense material is the only solution to enhance sound insulation.

Impact sounds can be decline considerably and effectively by applying floor covering, for
example, carpet or a resilient sheet under the surface of the floor. The resilient layer will
diminish the sound of footstep in either a reinforced concrete floor or a timber floor.

Furthermore, the sound mitigation used for the timber and reinforced concrete floors do not
tackle airborne sound which will be reflected and might amplify to a level that is not tolerable.
The sound absorption of ceiling could be improved by choosing an absorbent acoustic tile or
panel finishes.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Types of Floors

Floors (Solid and Suspended Flooring)

There are, broadly, two common types of Flooring:
 Suspended Floors, And
 Solid Floors

A Suspended Floor is a specialist construction made of a solid concrete Floor, a system of

sleeper walls and timber joists, upon which sits a supported timber floor. This type of floor
allows home owners to run electrical wires and other such elements under the floor boards.
Because the Floor is suspended above the ground, it should absorb less moisture than a solid
floor. However, it is important to note that the cavity between the concrete slab and the timber
floor needs to be ventilated well or dry rot may occur.
A Solid Floor is much simpler and cheaper. It consists of solid concrete built into the ground.
One advantage is that it can hold more weight than a suspended Floor. Another is that it
provides no cavity in which animals may make a home.
The biggest factor weighing against this type of Flooring is that, by being in direct contact with
the ground, it will absorb the Earth’s moisture. This could lead to all sorts of structural damage.

Concrete

 Cast-in-place concrete floor slabs are classified according to their span and cast form;
 Precast concrete planks may be supported by beams or loadbearing walls.

Steel

 Steel beams support steel decking or precast concrete planks.

 Beams may be supported by girders, columns, or loadbearing walls.
 Beam framing is typically an integral part of a steel skeleton frame system.
 Closely spaced light-gauge or open-web joists may be supported by beams or
loadbearing walls.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

 Steel decking or wood planks have relatively short spans.

 Joists have limited overhang potential.

Wood

 Wood beams support structural planking or decking.

 Beams may be supported by girders, posts, or loadbearing walls.
 Concentrated loads and floor openings may require additional framing.
 Underside of floor structure may be left exposed; an applied ceiling is optional.
 Relatively small, closely spaced joists may be supported by beams or loadbearing walls.
 Subflooring, underlayment, and applied ceiling finishes have relatively short spans.
 Joist framing is flexible in shape and form.

FLOOR COVERING

Floor coverings are provided to improve the appearance, cleanliness, noiselessness and damp
proofing. Various types of materials are used and different treatments are done. The following
types of floor coverings are generally employed.

Mud flooring

This is mainly used in unimportant buildings, particularly in the villages. They are cheap, hard,
fairly impervious and easy in construction and maintenance. Thermal insulation properties are
also very high. To prepare this a 25-cm thick layer of selected moist earth is spread over a
prepared bed and rammed well to get a consolidated layer of 15 cm thickness.

Brick floor covering

It is employed for cheap constructions such as sheds, stores and barracks and where good
bricks are available. Over well-compacted and levelled ground a layer of lean cement concrete
mix ([Link]) of 10 cm thickness is laid. Over this bedding, bricks are placed in proper bonds on
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

their edges. They are joined with cement or lime mortar. Sometimes, the joints are pointed to
obtain a better appearance. The only drawback of brick floor covering is that it absorbs water.

Stone floor covering

Square or rectangular slabs of stones are used as the floor covering. Generally, 20–40 mm thick
stone slabs of size 30 cm × 30 cm, 45 cm × 45 cm, 60 cm × 60 cm, 45 cm × 60 cm, etc. are used.
The stone should be hard, durable, tough and of good quality. The earthen base is levelled,
compacted and watered. On this surface a layer of 10–15 cm thick concrete is laid and properly
rammed. Over this concrete bed the stone slabs are fixed with a thin layer of mortar. Before
fixing the stone slabs in position, they are dressed on all the edges and the joints are finished
with cement. The stone surface may be rough or polished. A rough surface is provided in rough
works like godowns, sheds, stores, etc. and a polished surface is provided in superior type of
works. A slope of 1:40 should be provided in such type of floor covering for proper drainage.

Tiled floor covering

Clay tiles of different sizes, shapes, thickness and colours are prepared and they are used as
floor coverings. They are placed in position on a concrete base with a thin layer of mortar.
When these tiles are to be fixed on timber floors, special beds of emulsified asphalt and
Portland cement are used.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are non-slippery and are used in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
They are available in a variety of interesting shapes, wide range of colours and textures.
They are used in living rooms also. Ceramic tiles are usually embedded in mortar. Special
tile adhesives and tile grouts are also available which allow easy laying and render the
tiled area useable within 24 hours.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Laying of tiles

Use a waterproof, floor tile adhesive which allows slight flexibility when set. Follow the
manufacturer's instruction and use a notched or plain trowel, as directed, to spread the
adhesive on the floor over a manageable area for laying approximately 10 tiles.

Use a layer of adhesive on the back of the tile and press into the desired position. It is
very important to lay the first tile correctly, as its position will determine the position of
all the other tiles in the room. Use a batten nailed to the floor to give a straight edge to
guide the positioning of the tiles. Remember to use plastic spacers or a thick card to
regulate the distance between the tiles. These areas will be grouted when the floor is
complete and must be equally spaced for neat, accurate results.

Use a spirit level to check the horizontal level and a straight edge to continually check
the position of the tiles on the floor. Continue across the room and work towards the
door. Leave the room for 24 hours. Then remove the battens and cut the border tiles
and fix in a similar way. Remove the plastic spacers or thick card and grout the tiles.

Grout is available in a variety of colours, but the standard colours are white, grey or
brown. However, most floor tiles are grouted with a mortar mix. Use a plastic scraper or
a rubber blade to push the grout between the gaps in the tiles. Make sure all the spaces
are evenly filled and then wipe the grout off the tile surface before it dries. Use a blunt
edge of a stick or tool carefully to smooth the surface of the grout in the gaps, but do
not ‘dig down’ into the grout. Remove any excess grout before it dries. Allow the floor
to dry completely before polishing the surface of the tiles with a dry cloth.

Wooden floor covering

This type of floor covering is the oldest type, but nowadays it is used for some special-purpose
floors such as theatres and hospitals. It possesses natural beauty and has enough resistance to
wearing. Wooden floor covering may be carried out in one of the following three types:

Strip floor covering: This is made up of narrow and thin strips of timber which are joined to each
other by tongue and groove joints.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Planked floor covering: In this type of construction, wider planks are employed and these are
joined by tongue and groove joints.

Wood block floor covering: It consists of wooden blocks which are laid in suitable designs over a
concrete base. The thickness of a block is 20–40 mm and its size varies from 20 × 8 to 30 × 8 cm.
The blocks are properly joined together with the ends of the grains exposed.

Mosaic floor covering

This type of floor covering is commonly used in operation theatres, temples, bathrooms, etc. A
concrete base is constructed for laying the floor covering. Over this base lime or cement mortar
is placed to a depth of about 2 cm and it is levelled up. A layer of cementing material about 3
mm in thickness is spread. The cementing material consists of two parts of slaked lime, one part
of powdered marble and one part of pozzolana. After 4 hours of laying this cementing material,
a mixture of coloured cement and chips are laid. This surface is left for 24 hours and then it is
rubbed with pumice stone to get a smooth and polished surface. The polished surface is left for
about 2 weeks before use.

Rubber floor covering

It consists of pure rubber mixed with cotton fibre, granulated cork or asbestos fibre and the
desired colouring pigments. A small amount of sulphur is also added. Its thickness varies from 3
to 10 mm and it is available in many designs and patterns. It is available in the form of tiles or
sheets and can be directly laid over the floor by the vulcanizing process. It is mostly used in
hospitals, radio stations, etc. The flooring is elastic, attractive, comparatively warm and soft.

Glass floor covering

It is used when it is desired to admit light to the floor below. Structural glass is available in the
form of slabs or tiles. They are fitted within frames of different types. The members of the
frame are closely spaced such that the glass floor covering can take up the superimposed loads
without breaking. This type of floor covering is not commonly used.
Department of Architecture Faculty of Technology University of Guyana Dip (Architecture) 2019/2020

Plastic floor covering

Thermoplastic tiles can be economically used as floor covering on the concrete floor base. It is
generally not laid on a wooden floor base as the preparation of the wooden surface for
receiving the tiles is very costly. Plastic floor covering has been used with success in all types of
buildings like offices, hospitals, shops, schools and residential buildings.

Terrazzo floor covering

Terrazzo is a mixture of cement and marble chips and the surface is polished with carborundum
stone to obtain a smooth finish at the top. The base for this type of floor covering is concrete
and is laid in the ordinary way. On the 3 cm concrete (1:3) base, a thin layer of sand is sprinkled
evenly and it is covered by tarred paper. A layer of rich mortar is spread over it and then
terrazzo mixture is placed over it evenly. Marble chips of 3–6 mm are mixed with white or
coloured cement in the proportion 1:2 or 1:3 to get the terrazzo mixture. Dividing strips of
metal, 20 gauges thick, are inserted into the mortar base to form the desired pattern and in
these small bays the terrazzo mixture is laid alternatively. The terrazzo is levelled in position by
a trowel. If required some additional chips are also added at the surfaces so that about 70 per
cent of the surface area is covered by the marble chips.

When the terrazzo has hardened, the surface is rubbed by coarse and fine carborundum stones,
respectively, to get a smooth finished surface. It is kept wet with water while rubbing. The
surface is cleaned with water and soap solution and then ax polish is applied to the surface. This
type of floor covering is very costly and is used to obtain a clean, attractive and durable surface
in public buildings, hospitals bathrooms, etc.

Marble and granite flooring

Naturally available stones like marble and granite are used as flooring materials. They are
available in the form of flat slabs and can be laid above the prepared concrete base. Marble
slab is to be polished with carborundum stone, whereas granite does not require any polishing.
Their hardness, durability and aesthetic appearance have increased its demand as a flooring
material.