Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1—INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE, p. 2
1.1—Introduction, p. 2
1.2—Scope, p. 2
1.3—Flooring moisture issues, p. 3
1.4—Concrete slabs that receive flooring materials, p. 3
1.5—Changes in construction methods and materials that affect floor systems, p. 4
1.6—Floor flatness changes with time, p. 4
1.7—Other considerations, p. 5
CHAPTER 2—DEFINITIONS, p. 5
2.2—Definitions, p. 5
CHAPTER 3—CONCRETE MOISTURE BASICS, p. 6
3.1—Introduction, p. 6
3.2—Moisture movement, p. 6
3.3—Concrete drying profiles, p. 7
3.4—Effects of moisture movement, p. 8
3.5—Equilibrium moisture content, p. 11
3.6—Drying and wetting of concrete, p. 11
3.7—Moisture loss during drying, p. 13
CHAPTER 4—CONCRETE MOISTURE TESTING, p. 13
4.1—Introduction, p. 13
4.2—Standard guides and test methods, p. 14
4.3—Qualitative and quantitative tests, p. 14
4.4—Test parameters, p. 16
4.5—Underlayment testing, p. 20
4.6—Comments on moisture vapor emission rate tests, p. 20
CHAPTER 5—CONCRETE pH TESTING, p. 21
5.1—Introduction, p. 21
5.2—Carbonation, p. 21
5.3—Adhesive water, p. 22
CHAPTER 6—FLOOR COVERING AND ADHESIVE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS, p. 22
6.1—Introduction, p. 22
6.2—Manufacturer’s recommendations, p. 22
6.3—Dealing with multiple floor covering requirements, p. 24
CHAPTER 7—DRYING OF CONCRETE, p. 25
7.1—Introduction, p. 25
7.2—Concrete drying with no external source of moisture, p. 25
7.3—Concrete drying: exposed to moisture from below, p. 26
7.4—Concrete drying: exposed to moisture from above, p. 27
7.5—Concrete drying from both sides, p. 27
7.6—Effect of concrete-making materials, p. 27
7.7—Effect of fresh and hardened concrete properties, p. 27
7.8—Effect of thickness, p. 27
7.9—Effect of curing, p. 28
7.10—Drying of mature concrete, p. 29
7.11—Effect of drying environment, p. 30
7.12—Drying at exposed edge, p. 30
7.13—Drying of lightweight concrete, p. 30
CHAPTER 8—VAPOR RETARDER, p. 31
8.1—Introduction, p. 31
8.2—Vapor retarder location, p. 31
8.3—Vapor transmission through retarder, p. 34
CHAPTER 9—FLOOR COVERING MATERIALS, p. 35
9.1—Introduction, p. 35
9.2—Communication between architect and engineer, p. 35
9.3—Floor covering technical resources, p. 36
9.4—Floor adhesives and coverings, p. 36
9.5—Effect of moisture in flooring adhesives, p. 36
9.6—Effect of concrete moisture on adhesive performance, p. 37
CHAPTER 10—DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS, p. 38
10.1—Introduction, p. 38
10.2—Moisture testing, p. 38
10.3—Vapor retarder, p. 39
10.4—Concrete materials, p. 39
10.5—Concrete properties, p. 39
10.6—Surface finish, p. 40
10.7—Curing, p. 41
10.8—Surface preparation, p. 41
10.9—Repairs, p. 41
10.10—Protection, p. 42
10.11—Moisture mitigation, p. 42
CHAPTER 11—REFERENCES, p. 42
Authored documents, p. 43
APPENDIX—TWO CASE STUDIES OF MOISTURE-RELATED FLOORING PROBLEMS, p. 44
A.1—Value engineering results in flooring failure, p. 44
A.2—Post-construction trench drains results in flooring failure, p. 45