Unlike the more common random traffic F-number system of floor flatness, and floor levelness (FF/FL), which uses statistical analysis to determine the overall floor condition with a 90% confidence level, the F min system is a direct measurement methodology for determining what the VNA trucks will experience while operating in the VNA aisleway. F min quantifies the differential elevations the material handling vehicles will feel as they traverse the aisleways.
The F min specification is limited to defined-traffic floors for which narrow or very narrow aisle (VNA) operations are to be conducted. Many times, owners and specifiers will request very high random-traffic specifications when what they really want is a superflat defined-traffic floor. This is common practice in Florida, but not for a superflat floor.Īll too often, specifications are misapplied for F min floors. To minimize problems this could create, we used the hot weather concreting recommendations in ACI 305 and started placements in the late evening, allowing for finishing operations to be done overnight during the coolest part of the day.
A few important agenda items discussed and resolved were:
#DIPSTICK 2272 SERIES#
But a series of pre-slab construction conferences involving the owner, general contractor, concrete contractor, and floor consultant helped minimize potential problems. ChallengesĮvery project has its challenges, and this one had more than its share. The facility’s main warehouse is a 56,000-square-foot building with both random-traffic areas and defined-path lift-truck traffic. The slab was constructed in Tampa, Fla., for the new NexLube Blending Facility, an advanced oil re-refining operation that will process up to 28 million gallons of used oil annually. Proper planning and installation techniques combined to make a recent high tolerance, pile-supported structural slab a success.