BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

CEng 3083

CHAPTER 4
FLOOR SYSTEMS

Instructor- Tibebu G.
CONTENTS

4.1. Introduction

4.2. Components of a Floor

4.3. Ground Floors

4.4. Upper Floors

4.5. Floor Finishes

 4.1. Introduction

The purpose of a floor is to provide a level surface capable of supporting:

• The occupants of a building,
• Furniture,
• Equipment, and
• Sometimes the internal partition.
Primary functions of a Floor:
 Provide a level surface with sufficient strength to support the imposed
loads of people and furniture.
 Exclude the passage of water and water vapor to the interior of the
building.
 Provide resistance to unacceptable heat loss through the floor.
 Provide the correct type of surface to receive the chosen finish.
Cont.….

To perform its function a floor must satisfy the following requirements:

 Adequate strength and stability,
 Adequate fire resistance,
 Sound insulation,
 Damp resistance, and
 Thermal insulation.
• In the traditional floor construction, a floor is needed to have a clean,
smooth, impervious, level and durable surface.
• Floors are classified as Ground Floor and Upper Floor.
 The floors resting directly on the ground surface are known as
Ground Floors.
 While the other floors of each story, situated above the ground level
are known as Upper Floors.
 4.2. Components of a Floor

• A Floor is composed of two essential components:

 Sub-floor, base course or floor base
 Floor covering or simply, flooring
• The Floor base is a structural component, which supports the floor
covering.
 4.3.Ground Floors

Functional requirement of ground floors

For good performance of a ground floor, it should be able to perform the
following:
1. Support with out failure the loads imposed on it.
2. Prevent dampness inside the building by providing a damp proof
membrane in or below the floor.
3. Prevent the growth of matter and other living organisms.
4. Be reasonably durable so as to require minimum maintenance or
replacement work.
5. Provide a surface finish with a standard of appearance, comfort,
cleanliness, and heat retention.
Cont.…

Ground Floors are further subdivided into Solid Floors, Suspended

Floors and Basement Floors.

1.Solid floors;- The floors supported directly on the ground are known
as solid floors.
2.Suspended floors
 These are floors supported above the ground level.
 Suspended floors do not rely on the ground for support.
3.Basement floors
 These are floors resting at the lowest/basement level.
 Resistance to moisture ingress is one of the main criteria in the
design of basement floors.
Cont.….

1.SOLID FLOORS
A solid ground floor consists of three components
I. Hard Core: The main purpose is to prevent the dampness from
the soil penetrating and affecting the floor through capillary
action.
II. Damp Proof Membrane: an impervious layer such as heavy duty
polythene sheeting to prevent moisture passing through the floor
to the interior of the building.
III. Concrete Bed: the component providing the solid level surface to
which screeds and finishes can be applied.
Cont.….
 Cont.…

2.SUSPENDED FLOORS
• Being supported on other elements of structure, there is a void under these
floors.
• Suspended floor is needed rather than a ground bearing slab on the
following occasions:
 Soil with a low bearing capacity
 Sloping sites
 Soils containing aggressive chemicals, and
 Sites with high water levels.
• Suspended floors are most commonly constructed using timber and
concrete beams and blocks.
Cont.…

Construction of Suspended Suspended concrete beam and blocks

timber floors
 Cont.….

Sleeper wall ;- is a short wall used to support floor joists, beam and block
or hollow core slabs at ground floor.
 4.4. Upper Floors

• An upper floor is basically a principal structural element, and the general

structural design of a building greatly influence the choice of type of floor.

• Upper floors are supported either on the walls or on columns.

• The structural design of the of upper floors has to be such as to support:

 The loads set up by the use of the building,

 Self weight of the floor,

 Weight of partitions, etc.

 Cont.…

Upper floors are regarded to be composed of three parts:

 The structural element,

 Upper surface or floor finish, and

 Lower surface or ceiling.

Functional Requirements Of Upper Floors
An upper floor should:
1. Sustain its own weight and any other weights imposed on it.

2.Offer fire resistance especially in very tall buildings.

3.Minimize noise transfer from upper floor to the lower floor.

4.Be reasonably durable – minimum maintenance and replacement.

Cont.…

5.Provide an acceptable surface finish which is safe, comfortable, clean

and of good appearance.
6. prevent dampness.
An upper floor can be constructed either from timber or concrete (Cast in
situ and precast concrete).
• Floors of modern buildings are invariably made of reinforced cement
concrete (R.C.C) for different advantages:
 Moderately cheap,
 Quite durable,
 Easy to construct,
 Fire proof and damp proof,
 Can be used in large spans, etc.
Cont.…

R.C.C floors can be cast in situ or prefabricated.

A. CAST IN SITU R.C.C FLOORS
• Cast in situ concrete floors give the maximum freedom in design
since they can take up any shape dictated by the plan.
• Based on the design requirements cast in situ concrete can be:
1. Simple slab flooring
2. Beam and slab flooring
3. Flat slab flooring
4. Waffle grid slab flooring
5. Drop slab floor
6. Ribbed or hollow tiled flooring
 Cont.…

1. SIMPLE SLAB FLOORING

These slabs are quite suitable and economical for short spans and in most
cases they are wall supported.

• One way reinforced slab (ly/lx > 2). : the main reinforcement is placed
in the direction of the shortest side. (longer span/shorter span >2)

• Two way reinforced slab (ly/lx <2). : the main reinforcement is placed in
both directions. (longer span/shorter span < 2)
Cont.…
 Cont.….

2.BEAM AND SLAB FLOORING

• When the width of the room becomes more, the span of slab increases,
and simple R.C.C slab becomes more uneconomical. In that case, the
floor structure consists of RCC beams and slab cast monolithically.

• The beams known as T-beams, act as intermediate supports to the slab

which is continuous over these beams.

• These types of floors are generally the most economic and most usual
form of floor construction.
Cont.….
Cont.…

3.FLAT SLAB FLOORING

• The slab is of uniform thickness throughout with out down stand

beams and with the reinforcement more closely spaced.

• The reinforced slab is monolithically cast with the supporting

columns with out any provision of beams.

• The flat slab transfers the load directly to the supporting columns
suitably spaced below the slab.

• Used in case of large span and heavy loads.

Cont.….
Cont.….
 Cont.…

4.WAFFLE SLAB FLOORING

• It is a reinforced concrete roof or floor containing square grids with

deep sides and its also called as grid slab.

• This kinds of slab is majorly used at the entrance of hotel, malls,

restaurants for good pictorial view and to install artificial lighting.

• The advantage of the intermediate beams of the waffle is they support a

thin floor slab and reduce the dead weight of the floor.

• This type of floor is used where a widely spaced square column grid is
necessary and floors support comparatively heavy loads.
Cont.…
Cont.…

5.DROP SLAB FLOORING

• A floor slab which is thickened between columns in the form of a
shallow but wide beam.
Cont.…

6.RIBBED SLAB FLOORING

Advantages of ribbed slab:

• They are light in weight.

• They provide better thermal insulation.

• They have better sound proofing qualities.

• They have better fire resistance.

• Convenient installation of electrical and plumbing.

Cont.…
Cont.…

B. PRECAST CONCRETE FLOORS

• Precast concrete floors are designed primarily with object of
eliminating formwork and wet poring, which make the installation
of an in situ floor rather a slow process.
• Precast concrete floors can be erected rapidly and immediately and
they are lighter in weight.
Cont.…
 Cont.…

TIMBER FLOORS
• The fact that wood can be glued, laminated or bonded to metal or plates
make it versatile construction material.
• Timber floors essentially consist of boarding supported on timber joists
called floor joists.
• The structural element of timber floors is the joist.
• The joists are designed to carry the necessary load across the span, and
the floor planking adds to the rigidity of the floor.
• Timber floors though quite light in weight, have poor fire resistance and
sound insulation properties.
• The resistance of wood to fire and insects can be improved by coating.
• Care also should be taken in moisture flow.
Cont.…
4.5. Floor finishes

The choice of floor finishes depends on the use to which the floor is likely
to be employed. The following are the factors that affect the choice of
flooring materials:
1. Initial cost: The cost of the material should be in conformity with the
type of building, and its likely use.
2. Appearance: covering should give pleasing appearance, it should
produce a desired color effect and architectural beauty.
3. Cleanliness: the flooring should be capable of being cleaned easily,
and it should be non absorbent.
4. Durability: the flooring should have sufficient resistance to wear,
temperature changes, disintegration with time and decay.
5. Damp resistance: flooring should offer sufficient resistance against
dampness.
 Cont.…

6. Thermal insulation: the flooring should offer reasonably good thermal

insulation.
7. Sound insulation: flooring should insulate the noise. It should not be
such that noise is produced when users walk on it.
8. Fire resistance: Flooring material should offer sufficient fire resistance
so that fire barriers are obtained between different levels of building.
9. Smoothness: the flooring material should be smooth, and should have
even surface. However it should not be slippery.
10. Hardness: It should be sufficiently hard so as to have resistance to
indentation marks, in prints etc.
11. Maintenance: the flooring material should require least maintenance.
However, whenever repairs are required, it should be such that repairs
can be done easily with least expenditure.
 Types of Flooring

1. BRICK FLOORING
• Is used in cheap constructions, especially where good bricks are available.
• Is specially suited for warehouses, stores, pedestrian walk ways, etc.
• Good quality bricks of various shapes and colors can be used.
Base course:
 Sub grade is compacted properly and a 7.5 cm thick layer of sand is
spread.
 10-15cm thick layer of lean concrete is laid over the prepared sub grade
and slopes shall be properly provided
Construction:
 Bricks shall be socked and wetted
 The joints are rendered flushed and finished
 The brick flooring shall be cured for 3-7 days to improve the durability
Cont.…
 Cont.…

2. FLAG STONE FLOORING

• Dressed stone having rectangular or square sizes or any shapes are
used for making floors.
• Stone flooring can be used for garages, entrance corridors, pedestrian
walkways, etc.
Base course:- properly compacted ground or concrete base
Construction:
 Joints are pointed and cured
 Provision of slope is necessary
Advantages:
 Hard, durable and resistant to wear and tear
 Easy in construction and maintenance
 Not suitable in places like residential building or important public
building.
Cont.…
 Cont.…

3.CEMENT CONCRETE FLOORING

• Suitable for residential, commercial and even industrial buildings,
laboratories, garage and ware houses.
Properties:- Moderately cheap, durable and easy to construct
• Moderately resistant to oil and weak acids
Components: Base concrete and toping (wearing) surface.
Construction:- The components can be constructed monolithically or
independently
 Monolithically the topping is damaged during subsequent operation
• hair cracks are developed
• work progress is low
 Independently: base surface is covered with slurry, mix 1:2:4
 In both cases the floor should be cured properly (at least for 7 days).
Cont.….
 Cont.…

4. GRANOLITHIC FLOORING
• Granolithic finish consists of rich concrete made with very hard and tough
quality coarse aggregates such as granite, basalt, quartzite.
• Suitable where hard resistant to wearing and durable floor is needed.
Mix proportion:- 1:1:2 to 1:1:3 for heavy duty floors
• 1:2:3 for public buildings
Thickness of finish:- Minimum of 25mm when laid monolithically with the
top concrete
• Minimum of 35mm when laid over hardened surface.
Construction:- Shall be laid before the base coarse has set
• Surface is tamped and floated
• Smoothened by steel trowel
• Polishing is done after curing
Cont.…
 Cont.…..

5. TILED FLOORING
Suitable:-Residential houses, offices, schools and other public buildings.
Properties:
 Made of cement, clay, concrete or terrazzo
 Constructed in Square, hexagonal or other shapes and many colors.
Construction:
 Similar to laying stone or brick floor
 Over a concrete base, a 25 to 30 mm thick layer of mortar is spread
 Neat cement slurry is spread over the bedding mortar
 Cement grouting of the joints
 The flooring need to be cured for 7 days
 Polishing
Cont.….
 Cont.…

6.WOODEN/TIMBER (PARQUET) FLOORING

• Timber is one of the oldest materials for floor finishing.
Suitable ;-Living and Dinning Rooms, Bed rooms, dance halls, auditoriums.
Properties: Must have hard, Resistant to wear and durable surface
• Selection shall be based on texture, color, defects and grain
• Available in various shapes, sizes, texture and color
• Shall be avoided in moist areas
Sub-base: cement screed finished concrete base
Construction:- Can be glued to concrete floors
• Can be joined by nails
• Protective coating like varnish, polish, wax shall be applied for
long service periods.
Cont.…..
 Cont.…

7.TERRAZZO FLOORING
• Terrazzo is concrete containing white and/or coloured cement and marble
chips as an aggregate in proportion of 1:2 to 1:3.
Suitable:- Residential, Offices and other public buildings
Properties:- Marble Chips exposed by grinding, may vary from 3-6 mm
• Decorative and high wearing resistance
• Can be found in market as precast terrazzo in the form of tiles (20-
30 cm, t = 2-3cm) even for Stair Treads and Risers or as cast in situ.
Sub-base: concrete base
Construction:- Shall be casted with the required mix proportion
• Grinding in three levels and then cement grout to seal holes
• Mirror - Polishing
Cont.…
Cont.…

8.MOSAIC FLOORING
• Mosaic flooring is made of small pieces of broken tiles of china glazed or
of cement, or of marble arranged in different pattern
Suitable: - For Walls, Floors, Both internal and external, Stairs
Properties:- Glazed or Unglazed
• Impervious to water and have dense structure.
Types:
 Porcelain - made by dust press method from ceramic materials with
vitreous body, resistant to freezing and thawing and abrasive wear.
 Natural Clay (Ceramic) – made of natural clays or shale, which
produce a strong longwearing structure with slightly textured
surface.
Sub-base: concrete base
 Cont.…

Construction:
• Concrete base made of mortar– mortar is spread & leveled to a depth of 5
to 8 cm.
• 3mm thick suitable cementing material in the form of paste is spread and
Mosaics are arranged in different pattern and hammered.
• Stone roller about 30 cm in dia. and 45-60 cm long is passed
• White cement grout of creamy consistency is applied as a filler
 Cont.….

9.PLASTIC (PVC) FLOORING

• It is made of plastic material, called Poly-Vinyl-chloride (PVC).
Suitable:- For residential (bedrooms) as well as non residential building
Properties:-Fabricated in rolls or tiles with different colors
• Resilient, smooth, good looking and cleanable
• Easily damaged by heat or chemicals
Sub-base:-concrete base (smoothly finished cement screed)
Construction:-
• Adhesive shall be applied to the cement screed surface
• Tiles are then pressed gently using lightweight rollers
• Floor is washed with warm soap water
Cont.….
 Cont.…

10.MARBLE FLOORING
• Marble flooring is one of the most expensive floor finishes.
Suitable:- Residential buildings (Stairs, Corridor, Kitchens), Public and
Worship places
Properties:- Made of sedimentary rocks
• Different sources – Granite, Marble
• Durable, Water proof but expensive
Sub-base:-concrete base
Construction:- Similar to tile and terrazzo flooring
• Has to be cured and cleaned before use
• Mirror - Polishing
Cont.….
Cont.…

11.ASPHALT FLOORING
• Asphalt floorings are of many types and are used where wear
resistance and durability are the main design factor.
Suitable:-Mainly used in garages, stores, etc.
Properties:-Wear resistance and durable
• Resilient, sound proof, non-absorbent and moisture proof
• Used for basement floors, ground floors, floors exposed to external
weather condition
Sub-base:- concrete base
• Wooden base (for asphaltic tiles only)
Cont.…

Types:
• Asphalt mastic: Made of sand and asphalt mixed hot and laid in
continuous sheets.
• Asphalt Tiles – made of asphalt and other ingredients such as
asbestos fibers, by pressing the mix in different sizes, with thickness
varying usually from 3 to 6 mm.
• Asphalt Mosaic – similar to mastic but made with marble chips in
the place of sand.
Construction:
• The mix is poured on the concrete base
• Spread by means of trowel to get a level surface
• A thin layer of sand is spread which is then rubbed with a trowel
• Asphalt tiles are simply glued to the base surface
Cont.…
 Cont.…

12.RUBBER FLOORING
• It consists of sheets or tiles of rubber, in variety of patterns and colors.
Suitable:-Offices or public building like hospitals, schools, gym etc.
Properties:- It is manufactured by mixing pure rubber with fillers such as
cotton fiber, granulated cork or asbestos fiber.
• Resilient and noise proof however they are costly
Sub-base:-concrete base or wood
Construction:
• Fixed to the floor by means of appropriate adhesive or easily laid on
the base surface
Cont.…..
Cont.….

13. CORK FLOORING

• Manufactured by baking cork granules with phenolic or other resin
binders under pressure.
Suitable:
• Areas where quiet and comfort are of paramount importance such
as libraries, theaters, art galleries, broadcasting stations, etc.
Properties:-Perfectly noiseless
• They are available in various sizes, thickness, and shades
[size=10x10cm to 30x90cm, Thickness= 5 to 15mm]
Sub-base:- concrete base or wood
Construction:-
• Fixed to concrete base by inserting a layer of saturated felt
• By using fixing mechanism (suspended cork)
Cont.…
Cont.…

14. GLASS FLOORING

• This is a special purpose flooring used in circumstances where it is
desired to transmit light from upper floor to lower floor.
Suitable:
• Basement and upper floor where light has to be transmitted.
• Very costly and not commonly used.
Properties:
• Structural glass, in the form of tiles or slabs ( t = 12 to 30 mm)
Sub-base:- Steel Frames
Construction:
• Suspended on closely placed frames
• Care should be taken to avoid joint failures
Cont.…
 Cont.…

15. LINOLEUM FLOORING

• Linoleum sheets or tiles are manufactured by mixing oxidized linseed oil in
gum, resins, pigments, wood flour, cork dust and other filler materials.
Suitable:-Except for Bath rooms, kitchens, etc.
Properties:
• Seasoned in ovens for 2-4 weeks (given several coats of lacquer for
greater stain and spot resistance)
• Attractive, resilient, durable, cheap and easily cleanable
• Subjected to decaying when kept wet or moist for some time
Sub-base:- Concrete or wood base
Construction:
• Linoleum sheets are easily spread or Fixed or glued to base in various
patterns
• The sheets are either plain or printed.
• Available in 2-6mm thickness and 2-4m wide roll
Cont.…
Cont.….

16. CARPET FLOORING

• A textile floor covering consisting of an upper layer of "pile"
attached to a backing.
Suitable:- Passage ways, Bed Rooms, Hall ways
Properties:
• The pile is generally either made from wool or a manmade fiber
such as polypropylene, and usually consists of twisted tufts which
are often heat-treated to maintain their structure.
Sub-base:-Concrete or wood base
Construction:
• Carpets and carpet tiles can be laid loose, stuck with a suitable
adhesive or in the case of carpets edge fixed using special grip strips.
Cont.….