Testing and Frequently

Asked Questions
Project: Brisbane Supreme Courts
 2) What is the environment and purpose of the building? i.e. general offic
gaming area, education facility etc

3) What equipment if any will be placed or rolled onto the floor on a rou
i.e. racks, safes, cabinets etc

4) Are there any foreseeable changes, that will alter the concept of the
original floors? i.e. a small computer room being changed into a heav
equipment data room

Understanding the Specifications

Once these questions have been resolved, we may then select the loading grade of the panel. Bu
to understand the different load tolerances, we must define what loads the access floor and pede
will incur.
Before we can design the layout and functionality of an access floor we must first determine the load capacity and
tolerance. To do this we must ask:
Concentrated
1. What will the floor be used for? i.e. data/power/plenum Load
2. What is the environment and purpose of the building? i.e. general office area, gaming area, education facility etc
3. What equipment if any will be placed or maximum
The rolled onto the floorand
deflection on apermanent
routine basis?
set ofi.e.
anracks,
accesssafes,
floor cabinets etcload. When testing fo
panel under
4. Are there any foreseeable changes, concentrated load, a 25 x 25mm
of theload is applied
floors?onto the surface of the panel
room at its weakest poin
2

that will alter the concept original i.e. a small computer

deflection and permanent set is measured by recording the indentor movement.
being changed into a heavy duty equipment data room
In a typical office building scenario, concentrated loads are typically imposed by stationary furnit
Once these questions have been resolved,equipment
we may then
withselect
legs. the loading grade of the panel. But in order to understand
the different load tolerances, we must define what loads the access floor and pedestals will incur.

Concentrated Load
The maximum deflection and permanent set of an
access floor panel under load. When testing for a panel’s
concentrated load, a 25 x 25mm load is applied onto
the surface of the panel at its weakest point. The panel
deflection and permanent set is measured by recording
the indentor movement. Ultimate Load
Ultimate Load
In a typical office building scenario, concentrated loads
The Maximum
are typically imposed by stationary furniture load applied
The Maximum
and equipment onto
load theonto
applied panel without
the panel without failure. When
failure. When testingtesting forultimate
for a panel’s a panel’s
load, aultimate load, a
concentrated 25 x 25mm load is applied onto the surface of the access floor panel and this load is increased
2

concentrated 25untilx 25mm

the panel load is applied onto the surface of the access floor panel and this load is incr
2
fails structurally.
with legs. until the panel fails structurally.
This is sometimes expressed as a multiple of concentrated load and referred to as a safety factor. A minimum
safety factor of two is recommended.
This is sometimes expressed as a multiple of concentrated load and referred to as a safety factor. A mini
safety factor of two is recommended.

Ultimate Load
The Maximum load applied onto the panel without failure.
When testing for a panel’s ultimate load, a concentrated
25 x 25mm load is applied onto the surface of the access
floor panel and this load is increased until the panel fails
structurally.

This is sometimes expressed as a multiple of concentrated

load and referred to as a safety factor. A minimum safety
factor of two is recommended.
Rolling Load

The durability and/or deformation of an access floor system when exposed to commercially anticipated caster
traffic using a specific load. Rolling loads are defined by the number of passes, size and hardness of the wheel,
and the combined weight of the cart and its contents on each wheel.

These loads are typically imposed by equipment on wheels across the access floor.

Rolling Load
The durability and/or deformation of an access floor
system when exposed to commercially anticipated
Rolling
caster traffic using a specific load. Rolling loadsLoad
are
defined by the number of passes, size and hardness of
the wheel, and the combined weight of the cart and its
contents on each wheel. The durability and/or deformation of an access floor system when exposed to commercially anticipated
traffic using a specific load. Rolling loads are defined by the number of passes, size and hardness of the
and the combined
These loads are typically imposed by equipment weight of the cart and its contents on each wheel.
on wheels
across the access floor.
These loads are typically imposed by equipment on wheels across the access floor.
 Uniform load is static force equally applied over the entire area of the panel and is typically imposed by
stationary furniture and equipment without legs. The uniform load rating is specified in Newton’s per
square metre.
2
Supporting Heavy Loads
Understanding the Specifications (cont...)
ation of an access floor panel and understructure, when subjected to heavy loads
In situations where heavy loads need to be supported, it is important that all information relating to that
ccess floorImpact
system.Load
This is to test the maximum load that can be ‘accidently’ dropped
equipment is considered before any decision is made, regarding the suitability of a specific raised floor sy
age to the system.
The effects and/or deformation of an access floor panel and understructure, when subjected to heavy loads being dropped
In some circumstances, it will be sufficient to use a panel with a higher load rating to accomodate for the
onto the access floor system.
load. This is to testthere
However, the maximum load that can be ‘accidentally’ dropped onto
are alternatives.
the floor without damage to the system.
1) Additional pedestals can be introduced in high load or high activity areas, as
illustrated below:
Uniform Load
equally applied
Uniformover
loadthe entire
is static area
force of theapplied
equally panel and
overisthe
typically imposed
entire area of theby
panel and is typically imposed by stationary furniture
uipment without legs. The uniform load rating is specified in Newton’s per
and equipment without legs. The uniform load rating is specified in Newton’s per square metre.

Supporting Heavy Loads

LoadsIn situations where heavy loads need to be supported,
it is important that all information relating to that equipment is considered before any decision is made, regarding the
suitability of a specific raised floor system.
oads need to be supported, it is important that all information relating to that
In some circumstances, it will be sufficient to use a panel with a higher load rating to accommodate for the extra load.
efore any decision is made, regarding the suitability of a specific raised floor system.
However, there are alternatives.
will be sufficient to use a panel with a higher load rating to accomodate for the extra
ternatives.
1. Additional pedestals can be introduced in high load 2. Spreader plates can also be used in order to distribute
or high activity areas, as illustrated.
Additional pedestals can be introduced in high load theasload evenly across a greater area. Spreader plates
2) or high activity areas,
Spreader plates can
are also be
generally used in order
constructed tolarge
using distribute
sheetsthe load evenly across
of 25mm
illustrated below: greater area. Spreader plates are generally constructed using large sheets of
thick plywood.
25mm thick plywood.

Spreader plates can also be used in order to distribute the load evenly across a
greater area. Spreader plates are generally constructed using large sheets of
25mm thick plywood.
The understructure of the access floor system is the major supporting element. As a result, careful attention needs
to be paid to the type of understructure you specify for your project.
The understructure of the access floor system is the major supporting element. As a result, careful attention needs
Loads that are
to be paid to type
to the be considered in Understructure
of understructure you specifySupport are:
for your project.

Loads that are to be considered in Understructure Support are:

Overturning Movement
The understructure of the access floor system is the major supporting element. As a result, careful attention needs
to be paid
The understructure to the
of the type of
access understructure
floor you
system is the
Overturning Movement
specify
major for your project.
supporting element. As a result, careful attention needs to be
paid to the type
Loadsofthat
understructure you specify
are to be considered for your project.
in Understructure Support are:
Loads that are to be considered in Understructure Support are:

Overturning Movement
Overturning Movement
Is a lateral load applied to the pedestal due to:
1. Rolling load traffic
2. Underfloor work due to cable installations

The pedestals ability to resist overturning movement is determined by:

1. Its attachment method to the structural slab
2. Size and thickness of the base plate
3. Pedestal tube size Axial Load
Axial Load
Axial Load

Axial Load
Is a vertical load applied to the centre of the pedestal due to
concentrated, rolling, uniform and other loads applied to the surface
of the access floor panel.

Seismic Load
Seismic Load
Seismic Load

Seismic Load
Is a combination of vertical and lateral movement, usually in the form
of earthquakes. When designing an access floor in a location with high
seismic activity, it is critical to have a firm understanding of the seismic
requirements of the access floor and understructure from the onset, to
avoid replanning or re-installation of an appropriate system to cater for
those needs.
AUSTRALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL STANDARD TESTS:

The Australian Standard and International Standard tests that the access floor is manufactured to comply with are as follows:

1. AS4154-1993 - General Access Floors (elevated floors)

2. AS4155.0-1993 - Test Methods for General Access Floors Part 0: Introduction and list of methods

3. AS4155.1-1993 - Test for concavity and convexity

4. AS4155.2-1993 - Test for twist

5. AS4155.3-1993 - Test for panel squareness

6. AS4155.4-1993 - Test for the effect of temperature

7. AS4155.5-1993 - Test for the effect of humidity

8. AS4155.6-1993 - Test for floor resistance and electrostatic control

9. AS4155.7-1993 - Test for 300mmx300mm concentrated load

10. AS4155.8-1993 - Test for 25mmx25mm concentrated load

11. AS4155.9-1993 - Test for ultimate load test (safety factor tests for concentrated load)

12. AS4155.10-1993 - Test for dynamic soft body impact load

13. AS4155.11-1993 - Test for dynamic rolling loads with the tread made from resinous polymer

14. AS4155.12-1993 - Test for pedestal strength by concentrated vertical load

15. AS4155.13-1993 - Test for pedestal free movement by horizontal load

16. AS4155.14-1993 - Test for pedestal strength by horizontal movement

17. AS1170.0-2002 - Structural Design Actions: General Principles

18. AS1170.1-2002 - Structural Design Actions: Permanent, imposed and other actions.

19. AS1170.4-2002 - Structural Design Actions: Earthquake Actions in Australia

20. ISO9239-1-2003 - Reaction to fire tests for flooring: Determination of the burning behaviour using a radiant heat source

21. EN12825-2001 - Reaction to Fire Classification A1

22. DIN 4102-1-1998 - Fire Behaviour of Building Materials and Elements

ASP is also compliant with CISCA, PSA and DIN Standards.

 Frequently Asked Questions

How are panels attached to the understructure?

ASP
How are panels accesstofloor
attached panels are either:
the understructure? How do I determine the right panel for my proje

1. Screw Fixed 2. Gravity Fixed When designing the access floor component for you
ASP access floor panels are either:

Screw Fixed Panels are assembled onto an ultrafix or a Gravity Fixed Panels are assembled onto a Rigid 1)Grid system
Where will the access flo
w Fixed 2) What will be placed on t
Rigid Grid system. Panels are screwed into the pedestal with a HPL, vinyl, rubber or timber finish. Panels are
3) supported
What are the loads that w
as well as the loads place
heads
Screw Fixed Panels are in all fouronto
assembled corners.
an ultrafix or a Rigid Grid system. Panels are screwed into theon all four sides by a stringer.
pedestal heads in all four corners. Analysing and determining the required properties of
performance, resistance, air leakage requirements, a
help ensure that the correct panel type, load grade

How do I determine the right panel for my project?

How can we be assured that our floor will be le

When designing the access floor component for your project, it is important to answer the following:
When an ASP Access Floor is installed, our installers us
1) Where will the access floor be located? level at the required FFH, regardless of undulations in
our installers can raise and lower the panel in order to
Ultra2) What will be placed on the access floor?
Fix System
Ultra Fix System 3) What are the loads that will be placed on the access floor during construction
as well as the loads placed on the floor during occupancy?

ity Fixed
Analysing and determining the required properties of the access floor in terms of their structural
performance, resistance, air leakage requirements, acoustic performance, etc in these early stages will
How do you support small panel cuts when the
help
Gravity Fixed Panels are assembled onto a Rigid Grid ensure
system with a that the rubber
HPL, vinyl, correct panel
or timber type, load grade and understructure system
finish. is applied
supporting to your
Rigid
column? Gridproject.
System
Panels are supported on all four sides by a stringer.

ASP has developed 300mm and 800mm finshing pan

to eliminate smaller cuts. When an access floor meet
and size with supplementary support pedestals used
How do I determine the right panel for my project?
800mm panel

When designing the accessHow

floorcan we be assured
component for yourthat our itfloor
project, will be level
is important if the subfloor
to answer is uneven?
the following:
1. Where will the access floor be located? 300mm panel

2. What will be placed When

on thean
access floor?Floor is installed, our installers use laser levels to ensure that the surface of the floor is
ASP Access
levelwill
3. What are the loads that at be
the placed
requiredon
FFH, regardless
the of undulations
access floor in the sub floor.
during construction Using
as well as the
theheight adjustable
loads placed onpedestals,
the
our installers can raise and lower the panel in order to obtain a level finish.
floor during occupancy?

Analysing and determining the required properties of the access floor in terms of their structural performance, resistance,
air leakage requirements, acoustic performance, etc in these early stages will help ensure that the correct panel type, load
grade and understructure system is applied to your project.

How can we be assured that

Rigid GridHowourdo
System you
floor willsupport
be levelsmall
if thepanel cuts
subfloor when the floor meets a perimeter or
is uneven?
supporting column?
When an ASP Access Floor is installed, our installers use laser levels to ensure that the surface of the floor is level at the
required FFH, regardless of undulations in the sub floor. Using the height adjustable pedestals, our installers can raise and
lower the panel in order to ASP has developed 300mm and 800mm finshing panels to meet the desired lengths at a perimeter, in order
obtain a level finish.
to eliminate smaller cuts. When an access floor meets an unusual shape or structure, panels are cut to shape
and size with supplementary support pedestals used to improve strength.
300mm panel
How do you support small panel cuts when the floor meets
800mm panel
a perimeter or supporting column?

ASP has developed 300mm and 800mm finishing panels

to meet the desired lengths at a perimeter, in order to 300mm panel
eliminate smaller cuts. When an access floor meets an
unusual shape or structure, panels are cut to shape
and size with supplementary support pedestals used to
improve strength.
What finishes are available for my access floor?

Factory applied finishes: Site applied finishes by others:

1. Anti-static high pressure laminate 1. Carpet
2. Anti-static Vinyl 2. Sheet Vinyl
3. Vinyl and Marmoleum 3. Stone
4. Timber 4. Tiles
5. Stone 5. Timber
6. Ceramic Tiles

What is the acoustic rating of an access floor?

ASP Access floors have been tested in accordance with AS/NZ ISO 717.1:2004 : Rating of sound insulation in buildings and
of building elements - Airborne Sound Insulation; and AS/NZ ISO 717.2:2004 : Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of
building elements - Impact Sound Insulation.

AS/NZ ISO 717.1:2004 - Airborne Sound Insulation AS/NZ ISO 717.2.2004 - Impact Sound Insulation

Freq (Hz) Panel dB achieved Freq (Hz) Panel dB achieved

100 34.4 dB 100 -0.3 dB

5000 56.1 dB 5000 49.5

Test Average 51 dB Test Average 25 dB

What are the advantages in regards to services if I use an access floor?

Ventilation as well as power/data is capable of being installed under floor, with outlets fitted in the access floor panel.
There are many advantages with running these services under floor such as:
1. Ease of service and accessibility.
2. Simple to rearrange services.
3. Air conditioning achieved through displacement as opposed to dilution.
4. More cost effective during installation and servicing.

What are zinc whiskers and will I ever have an issue with them if I have an ASP Access Floor?

Zinc whiskers are tiny conductive filaments of zinc typically less than a few mm long and a thousandth of a millimeter in
diameter. They grow from metal surfaces that have been electroplated/galvanised with zinc for corrosion protection. Zinc
whiskers are conductive and therefore will cause electrical shorts if they manage to bridge across tightly spaced electrical
conductors.

ASP products are coated with a finish which is resistant to the growth of zinc whiskers. For specialised sensitive areas such as
clean rooms and data centres, ASP has introduced nickel chrome platted pedestal heads, threaded rod and nuts, which
are available upon specification.

What are the earthing capabilities of the access floor?

By connecting a grounding wire to the pedestal head, an access floor can be grounded. However, the frequency of these
grounding wires varies depending on understructure and panel type. These calculations should be carried out by
an electrical engineer and installed by an electrician.
Frequently Asked Questions (cont...)

What is the fire rating of an access floor?

The ASP Accessories Floor System is tested to DIN4102-1-1998. ASP access floors are tested to AS ISO 9239: reaction to fire test
for flooring.

What is the process of installation for an access floor?

When installing an access floor much planning and a thorough understanding of the building site is required. Installing an
access floor requires the co-operation of the head contractor, access floor installer and other associated trades to make
sure that all work runs smoothly and on schedule.

To ensure that the access floor works are installed to your programs requirements the following guide line should be
adopted:
1. Planning how the access floor materials will be loaded onto the working zones; i.e. goods lift, crane, builders hoist etc
2. Planning a material path from the truck to the access floor area, it is recommended that there should be a free path
from an elevator and/or hoists to the area receiving the access floor material
3. A dry and secure storage area should be made available to store access floor materials. It is desired that the storage
area be unaffected by weather
4. Co-ordinate a work schedule with other working trades. All overhead works should be completed prior to the access
floor installation. If overhead works are installed after access floor works, the access floor must be adequately
protected to prevent damage, a minimum of 25mm thick plywood is recommended to be placed on top of the
access floor
5. Working area is to be swept clean, mark the set out points and then sealed with approved ASP floor sealer
6. For high service traffic areas a set out can be incorporated to ensure that the service trades work according to the
access floor grid
7. Service trades and access floor installers work in conjunction with each other
8. Floor signed off by head contractor
‘‘
ASP has achieved
Carbon Zero
Certification on
our Steel
Cementitious
Ultrafix System”
 International Offices

ASP Access Floors - New Zealand

D21 930 Grt South Rd
Penrose, Auckland
Tel: +64 9 443 0864
Fax: +64 9 444 8625
Global Head Office Australia
ASP Access Floors - United Kingdom
ASP Access Floors Pty Ltd ASP Access Floors Pty Ltd Unit 4, Ghyll Industrial Estate
32 Prime Drive 32 Prime Drive Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 8AW
Seven Hills, NSW 2147, Australia Seven Hills, NSW 2147, Australia Tel: +44 (0) 1435 865 120
Tel: +61 2 9620 9915 Tel: +61 2 9620 9915
Fax: +61 2 9620 9918 Fax: +61 2 9620 9918 AIM – Vietnam
Kim Do Building. Suite 404,
CS Access Systems 123 Le Loi Boulevard,
www.aspfloors.com.au 27 Furniss Rd District 1. HCMC, Vietnam
Landsdale, WA 6065, Australia Tel: +84 8 3821 8085
Tel: +61 437 801 702 Fax: +84 8 3821 8086
Fax: +61 8 9403 4381 www.aimup.com

PROUDLY
AUSTRALIAN
OWNED