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What Should You Know about Raised Floors

Views: 20     Author: Cherise     Publish Time: 2023-12-27      Origin: Site

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Introduction of raised floor

In the dynamic world of architectural innovation, raised floors stand as a testament to adaptability and functionality. These elevated floor systems, also known as access flooring, have become integral in various industries, revolutionizing the way we design and utilize interior spaces.

Raised floors (also known as raised floors, access floors, or raised access computer floors) provide a raised structural floor above a solid substrate (usually a concrete slab), creating hidden voids for access to mechanical and electrical services. Raised floors are widely used in modern office buildings as well as in specialized areas such as command centers, information technology data centers and clean rooms where mechanical services and cables, wiring and power supply are required.

History of Raised Floors

The roots of raised floors can be traced back to the mid-20th century when the need for improved airflow and cable management arose in computer rooms. In Europe, since the 1970s, in data centers, isolated air-conditioned areas are often associated with raised floors. Perforated panels are traditionally placed beneath computer systems to direct conditioned air directly to the computer system.Over the years, these systems have evolved, incorporating advanced materials and construction techniques.

Types of Raised Floors

Steel Raised Floors

Steel raised floor is made of steel plate,top to be SPCC,bottom to be ST14,after pan formed and joined together by resistance welding,coating with epoxy paint, then infilled with light cement.raised floor


The surface material opitions:

Bare

HPL/PVC

Ceramic

Carpet tile

Linoleum

Marble

Woodcore raised floor

Woodcore raised floor consists of high density chipbord. Galvanized steel sheet is bonded to the bottom of the panel. HPL or PVC is stuck to the top of the panel. Four edges are sealed with PVC edging strips.


Floor panel is encapsulated to provied full steel encasement,steel to be high quality galvanized steel sheet as top and bottom, Sides are bonded of steel sheet.

Calcium sulphate raised floor

Calcium sulphate panel is made of high density calcium sulphate core. Bottom to be high quality galvanized steel sheet,surface material to be HPL/PVC. Sides are sealed with black PVC.


Encapsulated with galvanized steel sheet on the calcium sulphate core.

Airflow Systems

Raised floor airflow systems and floor systems optimize ventilation and cooling in environments such as data centers. These systems increase energy efficiency and provide a modular approach to space management.

Specialty Raised Floors for Specific Project

Different projects have unique requirements, leading to the development of specialty raised floors. For example,antistatic raised floor for data center, aluminum raised floor for cleanroom.

Advantages of Raised Floors

Improved Airflow and Ventilation

One of the primary benefits of raised floors is the enhanced airflow and ventilation they offer. This is particularly crucial in environments with sensitive electronic equipment, such as data centers.

Accessibility for Cabling and Utilities

Raised floors provide a concealed space for the installation and maintenance of cabling, electrical wiring, and plumbing. This accessibility simplifies upgrades and repairs, reducing downtime.The most common use for raised floors is to run cables, wires, and HVAC ducts. Routes cables and wires through accessible spaces between panels and subfloors for ease of access and flexibility; cabling can be rerouted, repaired and upgraded without construction and with minimal disruption to the daily activities of the business.

Enhanced Flexibility in Space Usage

The modular nature of raised floors allows for easy reconfiguration of interior spaces. This adaptability is especially valuable in office settings where layouts may need frequent adjustments.

Applications of Raised Floors

Data Centers

Data centers rely on the space beneath raised floors to manage the extensive cabling required for servers and network equipment. Moving air also helps maintain optimal temperatures for electronic components.

Office Spaces

In modern office designs, raised floors help create a clean, organized look while conveniently hiding the complex cabling systems required in today’s technology-driven workplace.Many office buildings use raised  floors to create more flexible and sustainable spaces.

Cleanroom Environments

Industries with stringent cleaning requirements, such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, utilize raised floors to create a controlled environment free of dust and contaminants.

Educational Institutions

Schools and universities leverage the flexibility of raised floors to accommodate evolving technologies in classrooms and laboratories.

Casinos

Since casinos are one of the few facilities that still allow indoor smoking, they need to pay close attention to guest comfort and provide the highest possible air quality.

The raised floor and fresh air system are used in combination to give customers a better experience.

Design Considerations

Material Choices

The selection of materials for raised floors depends on factors such as load-bearing requirements, durability, and aesthetic preferences of the owner. Panel materials include steel, aluminum, chipboard and calcium sulphate.The surface material can be HPL,PVC,ceramic,carpet,vinyl,Linolium,marble,etc.

Load-Bearing Capacities

Different industries demand varying load-bearing capacities. Raised floors can be engineered to support heavy equipment in industrial settings or provide a stable surface for office furniture.The loading capacity can meet more than 7tons/sqm.

Customization Options

Designers can choose from a range of finishes and surface materials to match the aesthetic of the space. Customization options include carpet tiles, vinyl, HPL,PVC,Marble,ceramic and even sustainable materials for eco-friendly initiatives.

Installation Process

Installing raised floors involves a systematic approach to ensure stability and functionality. The process includes preparing the subfloor, assembling the support structure, and securing the panels in place.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Raised Floors

1.Verify Room Dimension

2.Determine Starting Points

3.Layout Grid

4.Check Control Lines

5.Target Finished Floor Height

6.Lay Pedestals

7.Bolt Stringers

8.Lay Panels in one Direction

9.Check for rocking panels

10.Lay panels in opposite direction

11.Proceed with next row




Common Challenges and Solutions

  • Uneven Subfloors: Address uneven subfloors with leveling compounds or adjustable pedestals.

  • Cabling Management: Plan for efficient cable routing during installation to prevent issues in the future.

  • Structural problems, such as rocking panels and gaps between panels, can cause significant damage to equipment and injury to personnel. Regular inspections for the structural integrity of a raised floor system can help to identify and mitigate problems.

  • Loading capacity:Equipment and floor damage can happen when using flooring that does not meet load demands. Higher panels can be used on heavier areas of a floor whereas lower panels can be used on lighter areas.

Maintenance and Cleaning

1)The enviroment 45-55%RH and 23℃±2℃.

2)Keeping clean by damp-mopping with mild household detergent. Don't use flood or use other than just a damp mop. Copious water can attack the adhesive and cause delamination.

3)Provide protection from sand or chemicals tracked in on shoes by providing 'walk-off mats' at entrances.

4)Rotate panels in high-use areas to areas of low tranffics. This spreads years of wear  over the entire system.

5)use a mild solvent on particularly bad spots.

6)never use wax.

7)never use strong abrasives or scrapers to remove stains.

Best Practices for Maintaining Raised Floors

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of raised floors. Key practices include routine inspections, cleaning, and replacing any damage promptly.

Cleaning Techniques for Different Types of Raised Floors

  • For common places: Vacuum or sweep regularly to remove dirt and debris.

  • For rooms with much wires and equipment: Use compressed air to clean beneath the floor and maintain optimal airflow.

Cost Considerations

While the initial cost of installing a raised floor may seem high, the long-term benefits, such as reduced maintenance and increased energy efficiency, often outweigh the investment.

Initial costs and long-term benefits

Pay more attention to long-term benefits. Raised floors help create a more efficient and adaptable workspace, increasing productivity.

Return on Investment for Different Industries

Industries with specific requirements, such as data centers, often experience a rapid return on investment due to the enhanced functionality and energy efficiency offered by raised floors.

Raised Access floor Comparison


Performance
Steel cement raised floor panel Steel hollow raised floor panel Woodcore raised floor panel Calcium sulphate raised floor panel Aluminum raised floor panel
Ultimate load
A B C D E
Overload protection
A B C D E
Fire rating
A B E A E
Panel size
B B B B A
Panel weight (bare finish)
C A A E A
Bare panel sound insulation
C C B A E
Walking feeling
A B A A B
Recycled content
B B D A E
Support for Green building certificate
B B D A E
Cost efficiency
A D D B E
Cutting ease and cost
B A A E C
Application Office A B A A E

Data center A B D B B

Education A D A B E

Casino A E D A B

Industrial cleanroom B E E E A

Library A C B A E

NOTE:

  1. Majet raised access floor has continuous product data improvement. It reserves the right to change type design and specifications without notice.

  2. A---Most advantage,E---Least advantage

  3. The comparison is based on the raised access floor panels of same concentrated loading grade.



MAJET RAISED FLOOR CALTALOGUE2023.pdf




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