The Cement & Concrete Institute (C&CI) School of Concrete Technology is emphasising the need to have a thorough understanding of all the charac-teristics of concrete for floors by offering a training course on concrete industrial floors for consulting engineers and contractors.

“The properties of concrete proportioning and handling for vertical and horizontal structures vary significantly. Special care is necessary when designing mixes and placing concrete in horizontal structures (floors) and engineers and contractors should be made aware of this,” says C&CI marketing manager Hanlie Turner.

“Design, detailing and construction practice are aspects of concrete flooring that require specific training, as the influence of material selection and environmental incon-sistencies, as well as handling and finishing, is essential to producing a high-quality floor. Disregard for any of these factors can result in challenges, normally observed too late in the process to affect change,” she says.

notes that the one-day Concrete Industrial Floors on the Ground course, which provides engineers and contractors with a detailed and practical overview of all facets of industrial floor construction, will be held in Midrand, Durban and Cape Town this year. C&CI has a specially adapted course that emphasises concrete technology and practice more than design philosophy, which will also be offered by the School of Concrete Technology. The institute can be contacted for confirmation of the training dates.

“The C&CI’s training on concrete industrial floors aims to help consulting engineers and contractors overcome challenges with regard to design, joints, reinforcement and surface finishing. “The syllabus is extensive and also covers the selection of materials, construction of the subgrade and subbase, and concrete requirements, as well as construction and finishing of concrete industrial floors,” states Turner, pointing out that the presentation of other specialised courses can also be discussed with the school.