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The Concrete Society's project to develop the new TR34 Concrete industrial ground floors: guidance on their design and construction began in April 2000. TR34 has served the UK and international industry admirably since its first edition appeared in 1988. Sections of the existing publication, particularly the method of flatness specification, have become `the standard' in many countries. However, time moves on: construction techniques have developed with the introduction of the laser screed; the use of steel fibres to enhance the load capacity of slabs has become commonplace; and, more importantly, the requirements of floor users have changed as storage systems become higher and equipment is operated faster.
Funding arrangements for the project were concluded earlier this year. The Association of Concrete Industrial Flooring Contractors (ACIFC) is providing half of the funds through sponsorship by its contractor and material supplier members. The other half is being provided by the DETR through the `Partners in Innovation' scheme.
A Steering Group has been formed under the Chairmanship of Peter Goring, Technical Director, John Doyle Construction.
The philosophy of the project is to produce a new TR34 which is driven by user needs, users being defined in two quite different ways:
Actual users of the floors - owners, tenants, mobile storage equipment suppliers and other interested groups.
Readers of TR34, including the floor users just mentioned as well as designers, constructors and material suppliers.
The aim is to provide an appropriate level of information for different readers' needs.
To work...