ISSN: 0149-6123
CODEN: CCAGPD
Page Count: 3

Self-Smoothing Industrial Floors
Alexanderson, J
Technical manager, Strå Development AB,

Abstract

Self-smoothing industrial floors have been developed in Sweden over the last 15 years.

In the beginning, the binder was portland cement, but later, high-alumina cement systems have taken over due to several reasons. Also the polymers have changed from acrylic dispersions in the early industrial floors to dispersible powders based on ethylene vinylacetate copolymers today. The dominating plasticizer in the early underlayment products was casein, but due to serious problems it has been changed to melamine-based superplasticizers.

The load-bearing properties are tested with a rolling wheel test that is more relevant than compressive strength. The polymer modification increases the performance quite substantially.

The machine systems have developed considerably over the years. In the beginning, small batch mixers and pumps were used, whereas today trucks with complete equipment can deliver the material ready-mixed on site with quite high capacity.

Field experience is positive and the use of self-smoothing floors is expected to grow.

Keywords:
self-smoothing, industrial floors, polymer modification, rolling wheel loading, continuous mixing

Paper ID: CCA10145J
DOI: 10.1520/CCA10145J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.