Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. What are the anticipated structural requirements of the raised access flooring in terms of static loads, rolling loads and pedestrian traffic?
A. It is important at an early stage in the consideration of a raised access floor that a detailed assessment is made of the likely loadings that will be imposed on the floor surface. These loadings need to be assessed in terms of:

Static loads:

• Uniformly distributed loads
• Point loads

Dynamic loads:

• Rolling loads
• Vehicle configuration and weight

Pedestrian traffic:

• Areas of high traffic need to be determined.

This information can then be used to determine the structural requirements of the raised access floor.

Q. Are there any standards governing the use of raised access floors?
A. PSA MOB PF2 PS/SPU specification. This specification was initially produced by the Property Services Agency (PSA) one of the first large users of raised access flooring within general office areas. This document is a comprehensive performance specification covering both the products and their installation. It is based upon complete system testing i.e. floor panels supported on their pedestals. This standard became the de facto standard for the UK raised floor industry for 20 years. With the PSA now disbanded the copyright and custodianship of the standard now resides with the Access Flooring Association.

The National Building Specification, NBS K41 covers the design, supply and installation of raised flooring; it cross references to the PSA specification with regard to product performance. This document is widely used throughout the UK.

In August 2001 a European Standard was issued after several years of consultation between all the European manufacturers and was adopted as a British Standard in November 2001, BS EN 12825. The use of this standard is increasing as it provides specifiers with increased flexibility. This specification classifies raised flooring products by their structural performance. Installation issues are clarified by the Access Flooring Association Code of Practice and further clarification will occur when the National Building Specification K41 adopts this standard.

Other standards regularly in use are:-
CISCA. The North American specification which often travels with either the American client or American architects and is regularly used internationally. This is an industry driven specification and test method which is based upon individual component testing.

Q. What type of surface finishes are available?
A. The following range of surface finishes is available;-

Bare finish
Here the floor panel will not be finished with a surface covering. The surface of the panel will normally be the top galvanised steel sheet or in low cost situations the chipboard core surface. This bare finished raised floor will normally be covered on site by the application of loose lay carpet tiles.

Factory applied finishes
The following finishes can be supplied factory bonded to the appropriate floor panel:

• Vinyl
• Anti static vinyl
• Static conductive vinyl
• Linoleum
• High pressure laminate
• Rubber
• Carpet
• Wood in various forms
• Marble
• Stone, ceramic tiles.

Other finishes may be available after evaluation by the Kingspan Access Floors.