Brief
Discover three common FF FL testing mistakes and how to identify them using profile graphs to ensure accurate floor surface measurements.
Insight
F FL testing plays a critical role in assessing the flatness and levelness of concrete floors, ensuring compliance with industry standards. However, test results can sometimes be misleading due to common data collection mistakes. Understanding these mistakes and knowing how to identify them through profile graphs can save concrete contractors from unnecessary disputes and costly rework.
One of the most frequent errors in FF FL testing is taking a reading in the air. This occurs when the profiler records a measurement before the footpad touches the ground, resulting in an artificially high or low elevation reading. A single incorrect reading can drastically alter FF FL scores, potentially halving them. Contractors should scrutinize profile graphs for sudden step changes in elevation, indicating a possible airborne reading.
Another common mistake happens when an object is accidentally measured. If the profiler steps on debris, a loose object, or something stuck to the footpad, it can create a sharp up-and-down spike in the graph. This can significantly lower the FF FL score, leading to disputes over the floor’s surface quality. To verify this, contractors should ask testing agencies to identify the exact location of any anomalies.
A third major issue is bad calibration or a foreign object stuck to the footpad. This results in an alternating high-low pattern, also known as a “sawtooth” effect, which skews the entire test run. Even a minor elevation discrepancy, such as 1/16 inch on one side, can cause a significant drop in FF scores. Regular calibration checks and ensuring the profiler is clean before testing can help avoid this problem.
To mitigate these issues, concrete contractors should always request profile graphs alongside test reports and familiarise themselves with reading them. Spotting these errors early can prevent disputes and costly corrective actions. For testing agencies, incorporating these checks into standard procedures enhances credibility and improves service quality, setting them apart in the industry.
By being proactive and understanding FF FL test data, both contractors and testing agencies can ensure accurate results and maintain high-quality concrete flooring projects.
Highlight
- Contractors should scrutinize profile graphs for sudden step changes in elevation, indicating a possible airborne reading.
- contractors should ask testing agencies to identify the exact location of any anomalies.
- A third major issue is bad calibration or a foreign object stuck to the footpad.
Related Questions:
- What is the FF FL test for concrete?
- How to check concrete for flatness?
- What is the acceptable floor level tolerance?
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