RAISED FLOORS FOR INTERIORS

Raised floors for interiors comprise modular panels with a calcium sulphate or high density fiberboard core coupled with a fine porcelain tile finished surface. All edged with plastic.

Positioning the panels on a pedestal structure creates a services void, indispensable to deliver various services and cabling where required, and which also improves well-being due to thermal separation between the substructure and finished floor.

Designed and manufactured in such a way as to offer mechanical strength and stability, in addition to the surface finish or type of support, the technical properties of a raised floor also depend on the type of loadbearing structure. The panels of a raised floor are laid on a metal support structure made up of pedestals and possibly cross pieces, known as stringers, which distribute both the weight of the floor itself and applied load.

Depending on the finished floor surface, the height of these structures varies from a minimum 8cm to over 100cm. Load performance varies in line with design requirements, the support and loadbearing structure. The loadbearing structure must therefore comprise various section components which are able to withstand the stress imposed on the floor. The layout of components will vary from project to project, primarily depending on required strength.

The simplest structure consists of galvanized steel pedestals only. The system does not require stringers and therefore provides more free space for installing services in the cavity. Pedestals are height-adjustable but, in general, for systems where stringers are not installed, we recommend not exceeding 15cm in height. To ensure maximum structural stability, pedestals are fixed to the support surface with adhesive.

A complete framework can be created by the use of stringers which connect pedestals. These pressed and galvanized steel components are inserted on the head of the pedestals using a mechanical anchor or fixing screw. Tubular section stringers are used to create modular multi-panel systems, particularly suitable for heavy loads or when greater rigidity is required. In this case, the upper part of the pedestals is specifically designed to accommodate tubular section stringers. Inserting a PVC gasket creates a continuous layer between the structure and panel which increases the system’s air tightness and improves support for the panels on the steel structure.

Floor decking and supports

The finished deck of raised floors consists of panels. These panels are obtained by installing support components finished with a porcelain tile to meet different technical design requirements. The following types of support panels are available:

• Smooth calcium sulphate panel.
• High density wood fiberboard panel.

Other types of panel are available on request.
Calcium sulphate panels offer better performance, but for some projects fiberboard panels are adequate to meet the project’s technical and design requirements. A special adhesive is used to assemble the panel support and finishing tile following suitable preparation of the surfaces.
The complete panel is then finished with a black or coloured, self-extinguishing, anti-squeak plastic edge.