Floating floors: Structural classification (NT BUILD 384)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This Nordtest method deals with a floor type which is designated “floating floor” and is defined in clause 2. The method specifies a static and alternating load (wheel load) test. Note Other tests may also be relevant for a floating floor. Impact load tests may be performed according to NT BUILD 037 [1]. Measurement of the sound insulation may be performed according to NT ACOU 029 [2] or IS0 140/VI [3] Numbers in brackets refer to annex A, Literature.

SCOPE

This Nordtest method specifies procedures for loading a floating floor with static and alternating load, and for determining the key values of the resulting deflections. Note These procedures form part of the basis for structual classification of floating floor types. The requirements, i.e. load values, number of load cycles, and deformation limits for the different load classes, are not stipulated. A proposal for these requirements is enclosed as annex B.

FIELD OF APPLICATION

This method is valid for light floating floors for moderate loads, according to the following description. The method is not valid for floating floors with in situ cast floorings, e.g. concrete floorings. A floating floor in the sense of this method consists of a load distributing flooring on an underlay consisting of a resilient insulation layer. The flooring may consist of one or more layers of a panel product of max. 1.2 m width. The flooring may be strengthened by ribs (e.g. laths). Note: The panels are normally glued together during the laying of the floor. The underlay may for example be sand, a granulated soft material or a thermal insulation material. If the producer or the vendor of a floor type prescribes or recommends that the flooring should be provided with a layer of e.g. linoleum, vinyl or cork, this layer is an integral part of the construction to be tested.