302.2R-06
Guide for Concrete Slabs that Receive Moisture-Sensitive Flooring Materials
2006, 42pp.
$75.50

This guide contains materials, design, and construction recommendations for concrete slabs-on-ground and suspended slabs that are to receive moisture-sensitive flooring materials. These flooring materials include sheet rubber, epoxy coatings, vinyl composition tile, sheet vinyl, carpet, athletic flooring, laminates, and hardwood. Chapters 1 through 8 provide an understanding of concrete moisture behavior and drying, and show how recommended construction practices can contribute to successful performance of floor covering materials. This background provides a basis for the recommendations in Chapter 9 to improve performance of floor covering materials in contact with concrete moisture and alkalinity.

Because this guide is specific to floor moisture problems and solutions, refer to the most current editions of both ACI 302.1R, “Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Construction,” and ACI 360R, “Design of Slabs-on-Ground,” for general information. These two documents contain guidance on floor design and construction that is needed to achieve successful floor covering performance.

Contents:

CONTENTS

Chapter 1—Introduction and background,

1.1—Introduction

1.2—Flooring moisture issues

1.3—Concrete slabs that receive flooring materials

1.4—Changes in construction methods and materials that affect floor systems

1.5—Floor flatness changes with time

1.6—Other considerations

Chapter 2—Concrete moisture basics, p. 302.2R-5

2.1—Introduction

2.2—Moisture movement

2.3—Concrete drying profiles

2.4—Effects of moisture movement

2.5—Equilibrium moisture content

2.6—Drying and wetting of concrete

2.7—Moisture loss during drying

Chapter 3—Concrete moisture testing, p. 302.2R-12

3.1—Introduction

3.2—Standard guides and test methods

3.3—Qualitative and quantitative tests

3.4—Test parameters

3.5—Underlayment testing

3.6—Comments on moisture vapor emission rate tests

Chapter 4—Concrete pH testing, p. 302.2R-19

4.1—Introduction

4.2—Test methods

4.3—ASTM test differences

4.4—Factors affecting pH test results

Chapter 5—Floor covering and adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations, p. 302.2R-21

5.1—Introduction

5.2—Manufacturer’s recommendations

5.3—Dealing with multiple floor covering requirements

Chapter 6—Drying of concrete, p. 302.2R-23

6.1—Introduction

6.2—Concrete drying with no external source of moisture

6.3—Concrete drying: exposed to moisture from below

6.4—Concrete drying: exposed to moisture from above

6.5—Concrete drying from both sides

6.6—Effect of concrete-making materials

6.7—Effect of fresh and hardened concrete properties

6.8—Effect of thickness

6.9—Effect of curing

6.10—Drying of mature concrete

6.11—Effect of drying environment

6.12—Drying at exposed edge

6.13—Drying of lightweight concrete

Chapter 7—Vapor retarder/barrier, p. 302.2R-28

7.1—Introduction

7.2—Vapor retarder/barrier location

7.3—Vapor transmission through retarder/barrier

Chapter 8—Floor covering materials, p. 302.2R-32

8.1—Introduction

8.2—Communication between architect and engineer

8.3—Floor covering technical resources

8.4—Floor adhesives and coverings

8.5—Effect of moisture in flooring adhesives

8.6—Effect of concrete moisture on adhesive performance

Chapter 9—Design and construction recommendations, p. 302.2R-35

9.1—Introduction

9.2—Testing

9.3—Vapor retarder/barrier

9.4—Concrete materials

9.5—Concrete properties

9.6—Surface finish

9.7—Curing

9.8—Surface preparation

9.9—Repairs

9.10—Protection

9.11—Moisture mitigation

Chapter 10—References, p. 302.2R-39

10.1—Referenced standards and reports

10.2—Cited references

Appendix—Two case studies of moisture-related flooring problems, p. 302.2R-41

A.1—Value engineering results in flooring failure

A.2—Postconstruction trench drains results in flooring failure