Floor Systems

Define and Explain Flooring Systems

A floor system refers to a set of structural elements that support a building's floor,
which can include a variety of materials and construction methods. Different
types of floor systems impact a building's design and performance.There are
several types of floor systems commonly used in construction. Each type has its
own advantages and is chosen based on factors such as the intended use of the
building, the span of the floor, and the materials available.
 5 Types of Floor Systems
Floor systems are an essential component of building construction,
providing structural support and defining the use of interior space. Here are
five different types of floor systems, along with their properties,
applications, construction, and design impacts:
1. Concrete Slab Floor Systems
2. Wood Joist Floor System
3. Steel Deck Floor System
4. Composite Beam and Slab Floor System
5. Raised Timber Floor System
Concrete Slab
Floor Systems
Concrete slab floor systems consist of a
single layer of concrete, typically
supported by beams or load-bearing
walls. They can be either solid slabs or
ribbed slabs, with or without beams.
Constructed by pouring concrete into
formwork supported by beams or walls,
followed by curing and finishing
 Properties and Applications

● Properties: Reinforced concrete slab floor systems offer high compressive

strength, fire resistance, and durability.

● Applications: Commonly used in high-rise buildings, commercial

structures, and industrial facilities due to their load-bearing capacity.
The majority of the mixture known as concrete is made up of Portland
cement, water, and aggregate (gravel, sand, or rock). Together, these
ingredients create a workable paste that gradually becomes more
durable.
 Impact and Design
● Concrete slabs provide stability and rigidity, supporting heavy loads and
minimizing deflection.
● Their versatility allows for various finishes, such as polished concrete for
contemporary aesthetics or stamped concrete for decorative applications.
● Concrete slab floor systems allow for larger column-free spaces, enabling
flexible interior layouts and efficient use of space.
Example

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai

features a reinforced concrete
slab floor system, allowing
for its iconic height and open
interior spaces.
Wood Joist Floor System
Wood joist floor systems are
constructed using timber
joists supported by load-
bearing walls or beams.
Subflooring is typically
installed on top of the joists.
 Properties and Applications

● Properties: Wood joist floor systems are lightweight, cost-effective, and

provide good thermal insulation.

Timber offers natural warmth, aesthetic appeal, and ease of construction,

making it ideal for residential and light commercial buildings.

● Applications: Widely used in residential construction due to ease of

installation and versatility.
 Impact on Design
Wood joist floor systems offer design flexibility, allowing for various finishing materials
such as hardwood, carpet, or tile.
Timber joist floors provide acoustic insulation and thermal comfort, contributing to a
cozy interior environment.
Their lightweight nature allows for efficient construction and adaptation to irregular site
conditions.
 Examples
Stadthaus, London: Features
timber joist floor systems in
its sustainable, energy-
efficient design, showcasing
the benefits of timber
construction.
https://www.youtube.com/wat
ch?v=tJHeLyFASEI
Steel Deck Floor
System
Steel deck floor systems consist of
steel deck panels that support
reinforced concrete. The steel deck
is typically attached to steel beams
or girders. Constructed by placing a
concrete slab on top of steel beams
or trusses, creating a rigid and
efficient structural system.
 Properties and Applications

Properties: Steel deck floor systems offer high strength, stiffness, the
ability to span long distances, nd efficient structural solutions in
commercial, institutional, and residential buildings.
Applications: Commonly used in multi-story buildings, parking
structures, and commercial facilities.
 Impact on Design
Steel deck floor systems facilitate rapid construction and provide a flat, level surface for
subsequent finishes, contributing to efficient project timelines.
Steel composite floors provide strength, stiffness, and fire resistance, enabling slender
floor profiles and maximizing usable floor area.
Their adaptability allows for innovative architectural expressions, such as exposed steel
structures or dramatic cantilevers.
Examples
The Empire State
Building utilized a steel
deck floor system,
enabling its construction
as one of the tallest
buildings of its time.
Raised Timber Floor System
A raised timber floor system
consists of timber joists
supported by timber bearers or
sleeper walls, creating a raised
platform above the ground.
Constructed by laying timber
joists horizontally on top of
bearers, followed by the
installation of subfloor and finish
flooring.
 Properties and Applications
Properties: Raised timber floors offer ventilation, moisture resistance, and
termite protection, commonly used in residential buildings, especially in
areas prone to dampness or flooding.
Applications: Include traditional cottages, rural homes, and coastal
properties where elevated floor levels are necessary for structural integrity
and environmental considerations.
 Impact on Design
Raised timber floors provide thermal insulation and protection
against ground moisture, enhancing occupant comfort and indoor air
quality.
Their elevated position allows for integration with underfloor
heating systems, improving energy efficiency and reducing heating
costs.
 Example
Queenslander House,
Features raised timber
floor systems in its
iconic architectural style,
reflecting regional
building traditions and
climate-responsive
design.
 Composite Beam and Slab Floor System
A composite beam and slab floor system
combines steel beams or trusses with
precast or cast-in-place concrete slabs,
forming a composite structure.
Constructed by connecting steel beams
to the concrete slab using shear
connectors or welded studs, creating a
unified and efficient load-bearing
system.
https://youtu.be/SMJd3vSy6IY
 Properties and Applications
Properties: Composite floor systems offer high strength, stiffness, and
fire resistance, making them suitable for multi-story buildings, bridges,
and industrial facilities.
Applications include office buildings, sports arenas, and transportation
infrastructure requiring long-span solutions and structural performance.
 Impact on Design
Composite beam and slab floors provide excellent structural
efficiency, allowing for long clear spans and reduced floor depths.
Their lightweight construction minimizes dead loads and foundation
requirements, optimizing material usage and construction costs.
Example
Mercedes-Benz Stadium,
Atlanta: Utilizes composite
beam and slab floor systems
in its innovative retractable
roof design, showcasing
structural excellence and
architectural ingenuity.
References
https://www.roofingsuperstore.co.uk/help-and-advice/product-guides/flat-roofing/whats-the-difference-between-a
-beam-and-a-joist/#:~:text=A%20beam%20is%20the%20main,is%20supported%20by%20a%20beam
.

Potter, B. (2021, January 14). Comparing Flooring Systems. Construction Physics.

https://www.construction-physics.com/p/comparing-flooring-systems?utm_source=publication-search

Allen, Edward, and Joseph Iano. "Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods." John Wiley
& Sons, 2013.

Ching, Francis D.K. "Building Construction Illustrated." John Wiley & Sons, 2014.

Steel Deck Institute. "Steel Deck." https://sdi.org

Timber Trade Federation. "Timber Flooring." https://www.ttf.co.uk