Technical floor

Types of technical floor

A technical floor, also known as a raised or access floor, is a specially designed flooring system that creates a space between the subfloor and the surface floor. This space is used to house and facilitate the organized distribution of various building technology and utility components. Such as electrical wiring, HVAC systems, data cables, plumbing, and other technological necessities. Technical flooring is modular, meaning it can be easily installed, removed, or replaced as needed. It's an efficient solution for modern buildings, especially commercial and industrial spaces, requiring flexibility and easy access to utilities.

Technical floors are commonly used in data centers, commercial office spaces, telecommunication facilities, laboratories, and environments where managing air circulation and cabling is essential.

The types of technical floors include:

• Steel-encased concrete technical flooring: This consists of a concrete core encased in steel and is one of the most popular types. It offers durability, high load-carrying capability, and excellent fire resistance. Its advantages include superior strength, high load capacity, and long lifespan. Its disadvantages are high cost and complex installation.
• Steel technical flooring: A steel technical floor is made entirely of steel. It is a preferred choice for many offices because of its robust nature. It has several advantages, including high adjustability, ease of installation, and maintenance. Its disadvantages include susceptibility to corrosion and lower noise absorption.
• Modular raised flooring: This innovative flooring system features interchangeable panels that create a cavity for utility services. Its advantages include design flexibility, easy maintenance, and efficient airflow management. Its disadvantages include potential panel misalignment and reduced structural integrity compared to monolithic systems.
• Wooden flooring: A wooden access floor is a technical floor that uses wood as the main material for the surface panel. This type of technical floor is popular in areas where aesthetic appeal is prioritized over heavy-duty performance, such as in conference rooms and executive offices. Its advantages include warmth and aesthetic appeal, ease of customization, and good sound absorption. Its disadvantages include lower load capacity compared to other materials and higher susceptibility to moisture damage.
• Calcium sulphate flooring: These are non-organic, strong, and fire-resistant raised flooring made of gypsum. Its advantages include high stability, good load resistance, and fire safety. Its disadvantages include higher weight and lower water resistance.
• Paper honeycomb flooring: This is lightweight, eco-friendly, and offers good structural integrity. Its advantages include reduced weight, good strength, and eco-friendliness. Its disadvantages include lower load capacity and moisture sensitivity.

Functions and Features of Technical Floor

Below are the functions of technical flooring:

• Support: This is the main and most important function of any subfloor. A technical floor provides a flat and stable surface for the finished floor, allowing it to support furniture, fixtures, and foot traffic without sagging or warping. An engineered flooring product provides a floor that can bear weight and withstand everyday use.
• Moisture control: Technical floors can help control moisture levels and prevent problems such as mold and mildew. This is especially important in areas with high humidity or moisture, such as basements or bathrooms. Some subfloors have special coatings or membranes that block or absorb moisture, while others have built-in ventilation systems to circulate air and reduce humidity.
• Insulation: A technical floor can also provide insulation to help regulate indoor temperatures and improve energy efficiency. For example, some subfloors have foam or fiberglass insulation built into them, while others have thicker wood or concrete that acts as a barrier to heat flow.
• Soundproofing: Technical flooring can reduce noise transmission between floors, making a space quieter and more comfortable. Acoustic flooring is designed specifically for this purpose, using materials and structures that absorb or dampen sound waves. Acoustic flooring can be beneficial for multi-family homes, commercial buildings, or areas where noise is a concern.
• Wiring: In some cases, a technical floor can accommodate electrical wiring and plumbing, making installation easier and more efficient. This is called "raised floor" or "access floor," which consists of removable panels that cover conduits and pipes. Access floors are commonly used in data centers, hospitals, or places that require frequent maintenance.
• Customization: Technical flooring comes in various materials, such as wood, laminate, vinyl, tile, carpet, and more, allowing for customization to suit different needs and preferences. This means that the finished floor can be tailored to the desired aesthetic, budget, and performance.
• Durability: An engineered flooring product is built to withstand wear, tear, and environmental factors, ensuring longevity and low maintenance. For example, some subfloors are treated with chemicals to repel insects or rot, while others use more durable materials like bamboo or laminate.

Applications of Technical Floors

There are many applications of technical floors, including:

• Data centers

  Technical floors are also known as raised floors and are widely used in data centers. For instance, the space where servers, networking equipment, and storage systems are kept. The raised floors create a hollow space between the subfloor and the actual floor. This space is crucial because it is used to hold wires, cables, and pipes. Organizing the infrastructure below the floor makes data centers efficient and neat. Moreover, the airflow from the hollow space is used for cooling the servers. The technical floor is therefore instrumental in temperature regulation. Additionally, the empty space can be used to direct liquid for fire suppression. More importantly, the technical floor is useful in data centers because it is easy to remove and replace floor tiles for maintenance.

• Commercial buildings

  Technical flooring is used in commercial buildings like offices, hospitals, and malls. It offers an organized floor infrastructure. For instance, in offices, electrical systems like power cables can be routed through the floor. This reduces safety hazards and provides a neat setup. The subfloor also holds HVAC ducts. Therefore, technical flooring is advantageous because it creates a unified platform for such utilities. This leaves the building's actual ceiling and floor clear. It also offers easy access to the infrastructure for maintenance.

• Factories and manufacturing plants

  Technical flooring is useful in factories. It is able to house a plethora of industrial utilities. For example, it can hold electrical wires, gas pipes, and HVAC ducts. This is advantageous because it consolidates the entire infrastructure into one platform. It also frees the ceiling and floor. Most importantly, technical flooring offers easy access to the infrastructure. This makes it easier to conduct regular maintenance and inspections. This ensures the safety and proper functioning of the entire utility system.

• Laboratories

  Technical floors are used in most modern laboratories. They support critical infrastructure. For instance, they house HVAC systems that provide climate control. They also support electrical wiring. This is important since it reduces the risk of electrical interference. More importantly, it offers a neat and organized setup. This leaves the actual ceiling and floor clear. Most importantly, technical flooring provides easy access for regular maintenance. This ensures the lab operations run smoothly.

How to Choose Technical Floor

Choosing a technical floor involves considering various factors to ensure that the selected floor meets the specific needs and requirements of the building and its occupants. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a technical floor:

• Load-bearing capacity:

  Consider the weight that the raised floor will support. This includes the weight of the floor tiles themselves, as well as any equipment, furniture, and people who will be on the floor. Some floors can support more weight than others, so it's important to assess the situation before making a decision.

• Environmental factors:

  Consider the environmental conditions where the technical floor will be installed. This includes humidity levels, temperature ranges, and exposure to sunlight or moisture. For outdoor spaces, also consider weather elements like rain, snow, and UV rays. Some floors are better suited for certain environments than others.

• Compatibility with flooring materials:

  Consider the types of flooring materials that will be used on top of the technical floor. This includes carpet, tile, laminate, and hardwood. Some technical floors are better suited for certain flooring materials than others.

• Compliance with regulations:

  Check local building codes and regulations to ensure the selected technical floor meets all requirements. This includes safety standards, accessibility guidelines, and fire resistance ratings. Compliance is crucial to avoid legal issues and ensure the safety of occupants.

• Installation and maintenance:

  Technical floors can vary significantly in terms of installation and maintenance requirements. Consider whether the technical floor will be installed by professionals or as a DIY project. Also, think about the level of maintenance required to keep the floor in good condition.

• Aesthetics:

  While functionality is crucial, the appearance of the technical floor should also be considered. Choose a floor that complements the design and style of the space. This includes color, texture, and overall visual appeal.

technical floor Q&A

Q1: What is a technical floor?

A1: A technical floor, also known as a raised floor or access flooring, is a flooring system designed to create an accessible space between the subfloor and the floor surface. This space is used for routing electrical wiring, HVAC ducts, plumbing, and other building systems. Technical floors are common in data centers, commercial offices, and high-tech environments.

Q2: What are the types of technical flooring?

A2: There are two main types of technical flooring: 1. Passive and active flooring. 2. Passive flooring solutions include raised floors with integrated cooling, power distribution, and cabling. Active solutions involve the use of intelligent management systems for real-time monitoring and control of cooling and power distribution. 3. Other types include: 4. Steel floor, Aluminum floor, Cementitious floor, and Chipboard floor.

Q3: What materials are used in technical flooring?

A3: Technical floors can be constructed from various materials, including steel, aluminum, cement, chipboard, and calcium sulfate. Steel and aluminum are commonly used for their strength and durability.

Q4: What industries use technical flooring?

A4: Several industries utilize technical flooring systems, including telecommunications, information technology, commercial office spaces, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, financial services, and industrial manufacturing. Any industry that requires organized and efficient management of utilities and infrastructure within its building space may employ technical flooring.

Q5: What are the advantages of technical flooring?

A5: Technical flooring offers several benefits, including improved air circulation, easier access for maintenance and modifications of utility lines, enhanced flexibility in space design, and better heat management. It also contributes to the overall efficiency of building operations and can be customized to meet specific industry requirements.