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Concrete Slab Finishes and the Use of F-number System
Matthew Stuart, P.E., S.E., F.ASCE
Course Outline
The
F-number system is used today to specify and evaluate the levelness and flatness
of both slab-on-grades and elevated slabs. This one hour online course covers
a basic understanding of the need for and the derivation of the F-number system
used to specify and determine slab levelness and flatness.
This
course includes a multiple choice quiz at the end.
Learning Objective
At
the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Develop an understanding of
the F-number system;
- Understand the association between recommended F-numbers and floor profile designations; and
- Both understand and develop
project specifications used to establish and control concrete floor slab levelness
and flatness during construction
Course Introduction
Because of the inherent inadequacies of the straightedge specifications historically used in the construction industry a new system to control concrete floor slab flatness and levelness was developed. The new method was made possible through the development of equipment that was able to accurately and systematically quantify the levelness and roughness of slabs. ACI Committee 117 in turn established a system to evaluate the data from the testing equipment. This method is referred to as the Face Floor Profile Numbers or F-number system and is used today to specify and evaluate the levelness and flatness of both slab-on-grade and elevated concrete slab construction.
Course Content
The course content is contained in the following PDF file:
Concrete Slab Finishes and the Use of F-number System
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Course Summary
The F-number
system established by ACI 117 should be used in lieu of the old straightedge
specification for the construction of concrete floor slabs. Two distinct
and separate F-numbers are used for specifying floor flatness (roughness)
and levelness (tilt or slope) for slabs subject to either random or defined
traffic patterns. ASTM E 1155 is
the industry standard for testing of random traffic floors. The ASTM E 1486
test procedure can be used to determine the Waviness Index for either random
or defined traffic floor slabs. F-numbers are measured in the field typically
using either a Dipstick (for random traffic floors) or a profilometers (for
defined traffic floors). Project specifications should provide for a remedy
for out-of-tolerance floor slabs.
Additional Resource
Effective
F-Number Specification by Allen Face, FACI, President, Allen Face &
Associates
Related Links
For additional technical
information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or
web pages:
Allen Face & Company,
L.C.
American Concrete Institute
Acceptable Tolerances
for Flatness in Concrete Floors
Concrete Slabs and the Use of the F-Number System
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDHonline.com or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered professional engineer. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
