Curling Of Concrete Floor Slabs

Breaks of the slabs when applying loads on the edges which are literally flown on the base of the pavement.

Curling of concrete floor slabs.

The upward or downward movement of a concrete slab s corners or edges due to moisture and or temperature differentials within the concrete is known as curling or warping. Certain types of breathable sealers or coatings on slabs can work to minimize moisture differentials and reduce curling. Level change between slabs which effect to the passage of vehicles especially noticeable with small and hard wheels. Curling of concrete slabs.

This data sheet is concerned only with curling in slabs and particularly slabs on ground. Floors subjected to heavily loaded forklift traffic may rapidly deteriorate causing safety problems. This curling effect can lift the edges or the middle of the slab leaving an unsupported portion of the concrete which can then crack and break when weight is applied. Curling is a phenomenon that occurs in concrete slabs lifting the edges of them and causes problems such as.

If the total curl is less than 1 4 inch or curling occurs primarily in low traffic areas or under storage racks the owner can often live with it provided that cracking isn t excessive. When concrete slabs on grade curl the curling sometimes has little effect on floor performance. The moisture loss occurs in all envi ronments at less than 100 relative humidity and is typically more severe in areas of low relative humidity. When curling in a concrete slab application cannot be tolerated alternate options include the use of shrinkage reducing admixtures shrinkage compensating concrete post tensioned slab construction and vacuum dewatering.

Achieving such surfaces in floor slabs however is quite difficult because of the moisture and temperature gradients that cause them to curl at the joints. The effect of curling on floor serviceability varies depending on the intended use. The occurrence is primarily due to differences in moisture and or temperature between the top and bottom surfaces of a concrete slab. The american concrete institute.

Such curling seriously affects the operation of an industrial facility. There are occasions however when curling isn t tolerable and repairs are needed. It may be evident in concrete elements other than slabs eg wall panels. Reinforcing steel placed near the top surface of the slab can help restrain curling.

Curling is the distortion of a slab into a curved shape by upward or downward bending of the edges. Founded in 1904 and headquartered in farmington hills michigan usa the american concrete institute is a leading authority and resource worldwide for the development dissemination and adoption of its consensus based standards technical resources educational programs and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design.