Page 27 - Logistics News - July August 2023

IND US TRI AL FL O O RS

Laser screeding and
shake-on happening
together.

curing process commences. To achieve the necessary slower, rate of shrinkage over the subsequent 12-18
level tolerance, laser screed machines become months. By the sixth month, approximately 90 percent
indispensable, especially for larger panel configurations. of the shrinkage should be complete, with 70-80
This technology supersedes the traditional straight-edge percent achieved by the third month. For this reason,
method, ensuring precision in achieving level surfaces. we strongly advise against loading the floor for the
Following this, the surface hardener is introduced. In the first three months as premature loading can impede
past, this was a manual process involving individuals the natural movement and shrinkage of the concrete,
manually spreading the hardener and then power potentially leading to cracking.
floating it. However, contemporary methods involve
automatic machines equipped with booms designed to Handling problems
dispense precise quantities of the hardener. Any issues that arise should be promptly addressed.
Joints may require grinding and filling, while curling
Subsequently, the floor undergoes the power floating can often be corrected by grinding raised edges.
process, executed with ride-on machines that can be Delamination may necessitate opening and filling with
connected to laser technology for utmost accuracy. non-shrink epoxy. The key is to take action swiftly to
Timing here is critical, as the floor must have hardened prevent further damage.
sufficiently to prevent the power float from sinking while
remaining workable enough to polish the surface. This Avoiding pitfalls
meticulous timing ensures that the surface hardener Beware of trying to reduce floor thickness through
penetrates the top layers, creating a gradient of additives. The primary concern should be achieving
hardness that effectively thwarts delamination. the desired floor quality, even if it requires additional
investment in concrete. In conclusion, building the perfect
The concluding step involves allowing the concrete industrial floor involves meticulous planning, adherence
to undergo proper curing. This necessitates rigorous to standards and collaboration with experienced
control of the drying process to ensure that the top professionals at every stage. With the right team and
surface does not dry at a faster rate than the rest of attention to detail, you can create a floor that meets the
the concrete, which could lead to uneven shrinkage highest standards of safety, efficiency and longevity.
and undesirable curling. Concrete requires a dedicated
curing period to both cure and shrink. Don’t prioritise short-term savings at the expense of
long-term benefits. Investing in your floor will not only
Typically, the majority of shrinkage transpires provide peace of mind, but also yield significant returns
during the initial few months, with a continued, albeit in the future. •

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