Concrete floorings are mostly used in all residential, commercial and public buildings. The flooring is constructed adopting either monolithic or non-monolithic construction.
In the monolithic construction, after laying the base course layer, immediately a concrete topping is provided. In this type of construction, only a small thickness is needed for wearing surface as the bond between the base course and the wearing surface is good.
But this type of flooring has got several disadvantages as explained below:
- The wearing surface is susceptible for damage due to subsequent floor use.
- As the base course if undergoing only small settlement immediately, there is a possibility for hair cracks.
- Repairing the damaged top surface is difficult.
- The progress is slow as the base course has to settle.
Non-monolithic construction is sound as the wearing surface is laid only after adequate drying of base course. The floor finish generally used is ordinary concrete finish of 1:
: 3 (Fig. 23.3). Under controlled conditions, a mix of 1:2:4 ratio with carefully selected aggregates may be used.
Figure 23.3 Concrete flooring
For non-monolithic construction, the surface of the base concrete is brushed with a stiff broom and cleaned thoroughly. The surface is wetted and excess water removed. The floor is laid in rectangular panels not greater than 2 × 2 m. Generally alternate bays are concreted so as to avoid initial shrinkages. When the concrete layer is even, the surface is rapidly compacted by remaining or beating and screeded to a uniform level. Then trowelling is done to give a level smooth surface. Adequate curing is done for 7 days by spreading a layer of wet sand or special membrane may be used.
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