ASTM E1155 - FF and FL tests - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

BKA · 11-28-2007, 07:09 PM

Has anyone here ever had to be involved / do a test conforming to ASTM E1155? Or is this something that you tell the GC to have the concrete guy verify? I realize ASTM E1155 is supposed to be a concrete test WAY before we hit the job but I am begining to see Spec's that call for it to be observed with regard to the flooring.

Mike Costello · 11-28-2007, 08:48 PM

I suppose if you were putting in a floating floor you would want to know how flat and level it is.

Im guessin it could be done with a lazer?

Floordude · 11-28-2007, 10:06 PM

All concrete is suppose to be within that spec. When it is out, that is when we get to charge out the butt, to bring it within tolerance, so our floor can be to spec.

BKA · 11-29-2007, 01:15 AM

how do I figure out if it is in spec w/o the cost of a full test.

Mike Costello · 11-29-2007, 06:56 AM

stretch a line of masonary twine with a line bubble (level that attaches to the twine...can be bought at any hardware store) across the floor at the same hieght on each end and measure every 8 feet or so.

Its primitive but effective

CaliDesigns · 11-29-2007, 07:31 AM

Ff and Fl numbers are achieved by using a dipstick made by Face ind. It will read a floor with in 100th of an inch. Depending on the type of placement and finishing of the concrete, will determine how flat a floor you get. These tests are usually done the day after finishing, so "curling" isn't taken into account.

BKA · 11-29-2007, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliDesigns

Ff and Fl numbers are achieved by using a dipstick made by Face ind. It will read a floor with in 100th of an inch. Depending on the type of placement and finishing of the concrete, will determine how flat a floor you get. These tests are usually done the day after finishing, so "curling" isn't taken into account.

Yep and now companies are sticking it into their Arch. Specs = trouble for us re: waranty work.

BBATTELL · 01-30-2008, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floordude

All concrete is suppose to be within that spec. When it is out, that is when we get to charge out the butt, to bring it within tolerance, so our floor can be to spec.

I hate to bust your bubble, but not ALL CONCRETE is supposed to within any specific specifications. It all depends on what the intended use of the slab will be for. Publix Supermarkets are considered "Super Flat" floors with a 1/8 inch tolerance within a 12 ft radius. Target Stores are at a tolerance of 1/2 inch per 12 ft. radius. While others are less stringent.

And Ff and Fl testing is not a "spec" it's a rule of measurement that dictates flatness and levelness of a slab. The "specs" are called out by the Arch/Eng firm responsible for the design process of the job.

However, poor concrete contractors need to be governed in some fashion and hence forth weeded out of the general populus of quality contractors that are out there performing and providing quality conscious products.

Flat Top · 01-30-2008, 03:59 PM

BBATTELL is correct. It really depends on what the intended purpose for the slab is. Usually there will be an Fmin # that is in place to tell you what the absolute worst case scenario can be depending on the intended purpose. I would not recommend stretching a line of masonry twine with a line bubble to check for Ff / Fl #'s. This may get you the old spec of 1/8" in 10' but no way you will get FF / FL readings from that method. The dipstick by FACE is your best bet and from what I hear can be rented weekly or monthly.

Floordude · 01-30-2008, 04:08 PM

Your right, I had residencial substrates on my mind, but didn't make it clear.
Anything designed and used as a floor substrate, has standards for flatness.
Architects, can alter it to tighter specs, but not the other way.

The majority of concrete contractors(here), don't even know standards exist. They just do what they learned, with a little trial & error with some hard knocks thrown in.