Full Description

This guide contains materials, design, and construction recommendations for concrete slabs-on-ground and suspended slabs that are to receive moisture-sensitive flooring materials. These flooring materials include sheet rubber, epoxy coatings, vinyl composition tile, sheet vinyl, carpet, athletic flooring, laminates, and hardwood. Chapters 1 through 8 provide an understanding of concrete moisture behavior and drying, and show how recommended construction practices can contribute to successful performance of floor covering materials. This background provides a basis for the recommendations in Chapter 9 to improve performance of floor covering materials in contact with concrete moisture and alkalinity.

Because this guide is specific to floor moisture problems and solutions, refer to the most current editions of both ACI 302.1R, "Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Construction," and ACI 360R, "Design of Slabs-on-Ground," for general information. These two documents contain guidance on floor design and construction that is needed to achieve successful floor covering performance.