INTRODUCTION

Floors are the horizontal units of a building structure which divide the building into different levels. The purpose of separation or division is to create more accommodation within a restricted space one above the other for different purposes, viz., to provide support for the occupants, to allow space for furniture and equipment, etc. Strictly, the division of vertical occupation is called floors and the exposed top surfaces of floors are termed as floorings. But in usage, both the terms reflect the same meaning.

Thus the floor of a building immediately above the ground is known as ground floor. The construction below the ground level or the building has basement, the floor is termed as basement floor. The top portion of a ceiling forms the first floor or an upper floor. Any subsequent top portions of ceilings form upper floors.

The major problems of ground and basement floors are dampness removal and protection from heat. Generally there will be no problem regarding strength and stability for ground and basement floors as they get the full support from the ground. The major problems of upper floors are the strength and stability.