METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING BURNISH FINISH INDUSTRIAL FLOOR SLABS IN AUSTRALIA

Client expectations for a high quality, hard-wearing concrete industrial floor slab with long term performance and minimal maintenance costs has become the norm Both designers and contractors require specialised expertise to achieve these results The quality of concrete floors has improved dramatically as a result of technological advances in concrete supply, placement methods, the burnish finishing process, curing and joint sealants. Reduced construction time from larger pour areas with less joints and high quality sealants has improved the life cycle costing of many industrial floor slabs. More stringent control on surface tolerances and finish, together with the requirement to attain a relatively crack free floor have necessitated tighter quality control over preparatory and concrete trowelling works particularly with burnish finishes. This paper reviews the most current practices in Australia and the different floor pouring/placement methods associated with fabric reinforced, steel fibre reinforced and post-tensioned designs. The size of the pour areas and shape thereof often predetermine the choice of both the vibrating screed equipment and trowelling equipment necessary to achieve the slab finish required whilst maintaining surface tolerances. In order to improve the quality of industrial floors it has been necessary to establish working relationships between engineers, developers and particularly subcontractors. This close relationship allows communication between the parties and provides a mutual understanding of all the issues associated with the design and construction methods to be employed.

• INTRODUCTION

• CONTRACTOR'S EQUIPMENT

• CASE STUDIES

• SUMMARY & CONCLUSIONS

• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS