Composite slab flooring systems for steel-framed buildings consist of a profiled steel deck and a cast in-situ slab. The slab traditionally includes a layer of light gauge steel mesh reinforcement. This mesh is placed near the surface, which controls the early-age cracking caused by concrete drying and shrinkage. The steel mesh also performs a vital structural role at high temperatures. Structural fire tests and numerical investigations over the last 15 years have established that the mesh can provide enhanced fire resistance. A load-carrying mechanism occurs in fire with the mesh acting as a tensile catenary, spanning between perimeter supports. This structural mechanism is currently utilised regularly in the performance-based fire engineering design of steel-framed buildings. In a recent development, this mesh can be removed by using concrete with dispersed polymer fibre reinforcement to form the composite slab. The polymer-fibre-reinforced concrete (PFRC) is poured onto the deck as normal, and the fibres resist early crack development. For developers this technique has several advantages over traditional reinforcing mesh, such as lower steel costs, easier site operations and faster construction. However, to date the fire resistance of such slabs has been demonstrated only to a limited extent. Single element furnace tests with permissible deflection criteria have formed the basis for the fire design of such slabs. But these have not captured the full fire response of a structurally restrained fibre-reinforced slab in a continuous frame. The polymer fibres dispersed throughout the slab have a melting point of 160ºC, and it is unclear how they contribute to overall fire resistance. In particular, there has been no explanation of how such slabs interact with the structural perimeter to maintain robustness at high deflections. This project was designed to investigate the structural fire behaviour of restrained polymer-fibre-reinforced composite slabs. An experimental series of six slab experiments was designed to investigate the effects of fibre reinforcement and boundary restraint. A testing rig capable of recording the actions generated by the heat-affected slab was developed and constructed. Model-scale slab specimens were tested with different reinforcement and perimeter support conditions, to establish the contributions to fire resistance of the polymer fibres and applied structural restraint.

A aplicação de um piso de madeira maciça sobre um contrapiso de concreto dá origem a um sistema que une dois materiais com diferentes características higroscópicas, e no qual a movimentação da umidade é ainda um fenômeno pouco conhecido. Visando um melhor entendimento desse fenômeno, a presente pesquisa buscou avaliar diferentes equipamentos para medir o teor de umidade do concreto, desenvolver uma metodologia para quantificar a água evaporável presente no substrato mineral e, a partir desses resultados, sugerir o teor de umidade do substrato mais adequado à aplicação de um revestimento de madeira. Corpos de prova de concreto, preparados com traço 3:1:1 e relação água cimento em torno de 0,5, foram submetidos a secagem ao ar, sendo que a variação do teor de umidade do concreto ao longo do tempo foi acompanhada pela perda de massa e com a utilização de medidores elétricos de umidade do tipo resistência e de contato.. Com o auxílio da análise de regressão foi possível estabelecer equações de correção para as leituras de umidade dos aparelhos. Para a quantificação da água evaporável no concreto, foi desenvolvido um corpo de prova utilizando-se cilindros de MDF com 6,0 cm de comprimento e 4,8 cm de diâmetro, inseridos em tubo de PVC e com uma das extremidades vedada com filme plástico e silicone. O cilindro de MDF mostrou-se um indicador eficiente da presença de água evaporável no concreto, uma vez que as taxas de adsorção pelo MDF puderam ser diretamente correlacionadas às taxas de evaporação pelo concreto. O efeito do adesivo no sistema concreto-madeira foi avaliado através da variação do gradiente de umidade em madeira de Jatobá (Hymenaea sp). Tacos de Jatobá, com dimensões de 100 mm x 80 mm x 18 mm e nos quais foram colocados sensores a 4 mm e a 17 mm de profundidade, foram colados em corpos de prova de concreto utilizando-se adesivo a base de PVA com 60% de sólidos. Os resultados mostraram que a água contida no adesivo não foi totalmente adsorvida pelo taco e o gradiente de umidade no sentido da espessura apresentou relação com o teor de umidade à profundidade de 17 mm, confirmando a hipótese de que existe um fluxo de umidade na interface concreto-madeira. / The application of solid wood flooring over a concrete subfloor originates a system joining two materials with different hygroscopic characteristics, and in which the moisture movement still is a little known phenomena. Looking for the better understanding of moisture relationship in this system, the present research evaluated different equipments to measure concrete moisture content, to develop a methodology to quantify the vaporizable water present in the mineral substrate and, according to these results, to suggest the substrate moisture content more adequate to application of a wooden covering. Sample test of concrete, prepared with trace 3:1:1 and relation water/cement around 0.5, were submitted to air drying and the variation of the concrete moisture content during the process was registered by the mass loss and with the use of electric moisture meters of resistance and contact types. Through regression analysis it was possible to establish equations to correct moisture meters readings. To quantify the vaporizable water present in concrete, a sample test was developed using cylinders of MDF with 6.0 cm of length and 4.8 cm of diameter, inserted in a PVC tube and with one of the extremities closed with plastic film and silicone. The MDF cylinder was an efficient indicator to quantify vaporizable water in the concrete, considering that the moisture adsorption rate of MDF samples could be directly correlated to the concrete evaporation rate. The effect of adhesive in concrete-wood system was evaluated through the variation of moisture content gradient in Jatobá lumber (Hymenaea sp). Flooring samples of Jatobá, with dimensions of 100 mm x 80 mm x 18 mm and moisture sensors inserted at depths of 4 mm and 17 mm, were glued to concrete sample test using a PVA based adhesive with 60% of solids. Results showed that the water contained in the adhesive was not totally adsorbed by the flooring sample and the moisture gradient across sample thickness is correlated to moisture content at depth of 17 mm, what confirm the moisture flow between concrete and wood.

Since the last recession the hardwood flooring industry is currently enjoying strong growth. With this growth come new challenges for manufacturers of hardwood flooring. QEP Wood Flooring division, located in Johnson City, Tennessee, USA is a midsize flooring company which historically struggled with high customer claims. In 2016, QEP’s Johnson City management team implemented an initiative to address the top three leading causes of defects and waste in their hardwood flooring panels. A systematic plan was devised and implemented by utilizing basic quality tools and methods such as Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC), root cause analysis, 5-why, check sheet and deployment of effective employee awareness training. As a result, QEP Wood Flooring division reduced 81.56% in chip-out, increased 1.7% in production yield, saved over $90k annually in customer claims while improving the quality of their products and increasing customer satisfaction. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing an effective process and low-cost tools to improve the quality of wood flooring products elsewhere in the wood flooring industry.

In Sweden fall-related injuries among the elderly lead to over a thousand deaths and close to 300.0000 hospital visitations annually. Fall related injuries can in many cases lead to serious head injuries along with other fractures. The elderly are more prone to fall and sustain an injury because of conditions such as osteoporosis and weak muscles. Researchers at KTH from the Division of Neuronic Engineering have developed a special floor that absorbs energy from an impact which can reduce the severity of injury when a person falls. There has been research done on the floor focusing on hip fractures which have shown good results. The floor has been set up in an elderly home in Stureby, Stockholm, Sweden, however further testing is needed to fully develop the floor to its maximum capacity. One goal of this master thesis was to investigate certain obstacles with the floor which arose during testing in Stureby. One of the challenges was that the floor had greater rolling resistance since it is softer than a normal concrete floor. The experiment was done by using a dynamo meter to measure the force needed to move a test wagon with a fixed weight and different sizes of wheels. Another goal of this thesis was to investigate head impacts on the KTH floor. That was done in a helmet testing lab at Mips helmet company. There a dummy head was dropped from various heights and the acceleration was measured. The 1st principle strain of the brain was calculated from the collected data. Other companies have created similar floors so it was a part of the thesis to compare the KTH floor with its competitors. The results from the rolling resistance showed that by increasing the width and diameter of the wheels there was less force needed to move the test wagon. Further tests are needed to investigate the problem regarding the indentation issues seen on the floor set up in Stureby. Some research has already begun with different types of linoleum and glue. In the head impact studies, the KTH floor showed the best results of all tested floors when dropped from 60 cm. However, when dropped from 100 cm a competitor floor showed better results in the resultant translational acceleration.

yes / This paper presents an experimental study on shear strength, stiffness and ductility of demountable shear connectors in metal decking composite slabs through push-off tests. Twelve full-scale push-off tests were carried out using different concrete strength, number of connectors and different connector diameter. The experimental results showed that the demountable shear connectors in metal decking composite slabs have similar shear capacity and behaviour as welded shear studs and fulfilled the minimum ductility requirement of 6mm required by Eurocode 4. The shear capacity was compared against the prediction methods used for the welded shear connections given in Eurocode 4, AISC 360-10, ACI 318-08 and method used for bolted connection in Eurocode 3. It was found that the AISC 360-10 method overestimated the shear capacity while the ACI 318-08 method underestimated the shear capacity of specimens with single shear connector per trough. The Eurocodes method was found to provide a safe prediction for specimens with single and pair demountable connectors per trough. In addition, prediction methods given in both AISC 360-10 and ACI 318-08 for welded shear studs overestimated the shear capacity of specimens with 22 mm diameter demountable connectors that failed in concrete crushing. / PhD work from EPSRC studentship

Moisture from concrete has been estimated to be responsible for over $1 billion annually from damages in floor coverings. To prevent damages, flooring manufacturers require installers to test concrete moisture levels to determine if the concrete has dried sufficiently to receive flooring or covering. Two of the main tests used in the United States to determine concrete moisture levels are moisture vapor emissions rate (MVER) tests and relative humidity (RH) tests. Changes in ambient temperature can affect the results of both RH and MVER tests. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of ambient temperature changes on the RH of concrete, and compare the sensitivity of RH measurements to the results of MVER tests at the same ambient temperature. The RH of concrete was measured at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of depth in each sample and tracked over a period of 24 days to develop drying curves at each depth, and drying profiles of each sample. The changes in concrete RH due to a change in ambient temperature were predicted using the psychrometric process and a model developed during this study. Due to size constraints on the concrete samples, ASTM 1869 had to be altered during the MVER tests. Typical RH change in the concrete samples was under 4% RH after either an increase or decrease in an ambient temperature of 5.5°C (10°F). The psychrometric process predicted that the concrete RH would change between 20% - 40% RH after the ambient temperature changed by 5.5°C. Psychrometric properties were not able to full describe the behavior of air in concrete pores so a new model was created to better predict the change in concrete RH after a change in ambient temperature. The developed model was able to predict concrete RH change within 5% error over the range of tested temperatures. / Master of Science

see document conclusions / Master of Science

As empresas brasileiras fabricantes de produtos de madeira de maior valor agregado apresentam obstáculos que dificultam o seu desenvolvimento e aumento da competitividade. Um deles consiste na carência de estratégias e procedimentos relacionados à qualidade. Historicamente, os produtos de madeira fabricados no Brasil são diferentes, não apresentando padronização, e as iniciativas existentes relacionadas à melhoria da qualidade são poucas. No caso dos pisos de madeira, essa falta de padrões e iniciativas favorece a comercialização de produtos inadequados que provavelmente apresentarão problemas, desestimulando o uso e prejudicando comercialmente todo o setor. Nesse sentido, a Associação Nacional dos Produtores de Pisos de Madeira - ANPM desenvolveu um programa de certificação buscando a melhoria da qualidade dos produtos, entretanto, a efetividade desse programa é desconhecida. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar os efeitos da implantação de um programa de certificação na qualidade do produto piso de madeira. Para tanto, os procedimentos da pesquisa envolveram o levantamento de informações das auditorias contidas no banco de dados da ANPM, consultas a normas / especificações disponíveis, análises envolvendo a evolução de qualidade, realização de auditorias simuladas e comparações entre empresas certificadas e não certificadas. Itens geradores de não conformidades como umidade, dimensões e defeitos foram analisados utilizando estatística descritiva e ferramentas básicas diversas incluindo gráficos de distribuição, histogramas e desvios padrões. Os resultados mostraram que a implantação do programa de certificação impactou de forma positiva melhorando o padrão de qualidade dos pisos de madeira e que apenas as empresas certificadas conseguiram atender os requisitos exigidos pelas normas técnicas. Adicionalmente, as informações obtidas nas auditorias do programa permitiram identificar os problemas no processo produtivo, a necessidade de ações corretivas para a solução desses problemas e a maior dificuldade de controle para o item umidade. A conclusão geral é que o programa de certificação contribuiu para a melhoria da qualidade dos pisos de madeira. / Brazilian manufacturers of higher value-added wood products face obstacles that hinder their development and the increase in competitiveness. A major hindrance is the lack of strategies and procedures related to quality. Historically, wood products manufactured in Brazil are different, have no standardization and there are few existing initiatives regarding quality improvement. For wood flooring, the lack of standardization and initiatives favors the commercialization of unsuitable products that may present problems, discouraging their use and damaging commercially the whole sector. In this sense, the National Hardwood Flooring Association - ANPM developed a certification program seeking to improve product quality; however, the effectiveness of this program is unknown. This study aimed to analyze the effects of implementing a certification program to product quality for wood flooring. The research procedures involved the survey of information from the ANPM audit database, consultations the standards / specifications available, analysis of quality evolution aspects, simulated audits and comparisons between certified and non-certified companies. Items that generate nonconformities such as moisture, dimensions and defects using descriptive statistics and basic tools including various distribution graphs, histograms and standard deviations were analyzed. The results showed that the implementation of the certification program improved the standard for wood flooring quality and only certified companies were able to meet the requirements of the technical standards. Additionally, the information obtained from audits identified problems in the production process, the need for corrective actions to resolve these problems and major obstacle to control moisture. The general conclusion is that the certification program contributed to improving wood flooring quality.

As empresas brasileiras fabricantes de produtos de madeira de maior valor agregado apresentam obstáculos que dificultam o seu desenvolvimento e aumento da competitividade. Um deles consiste na carência de estratégias e procedimentos relacionados à qualidade. Historicamente, os produtos de madeira fabricados no Brasil são diferentes, não apresentando padronização, e as iniciativas existentes relacionadas à melhoria da qualidade são poucas. No caso dos pisos de madeira, essa falta de padrões e iniciativas favorece a comercialização de produtos inadequados que provavelmente apresentarão problemas, desestimulando o uso e prejudicando comercialmente todo o setor. Nesse sentido, a Associação Nacional dos Produtores de Pisos de Madeira - ANPM desenvolveu um programa de certificação buscando a melhoria da qualidade dos produtos, entretanto, a efetividade desse programa é desconhecida. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar os efeitos da implantação de um programa de certificação na qualidade do produto piso de madeira. Para tanto, os procedimentos da pesquisa envolveram o levantamento de informações das auditorias contidas no banco de dados da ANPM, consultas a normas / especificações disponíveis, análises envolvendo a evolução de qualidade, realização de auditorias simuladas e comparações entre empresas certificadas e não certificadas. Itens geradores de não conformidades como umidade, dimensões e defeitos foram analisados utilizando estatística descritiva e ferramentas básicas diversas incluindo gráficos de distribuição, histogramas e desvios padrões. Os resultados mostraram que a implantação do programa de certificação impactou de forma positiva melhorando o padrão de qualidade dos pisos de madeira e que apenas as empresas certificadas conseguiram atender os requisitos exigidos pelas normas técnicas. Adicionalmente, as informações obtidas nas auditorias do programa permitiram identificar os problemas no processo produtivo, a necessidade de ações corretivas para a solução desses problemas e a maior dificuldade de controle para o item umidade. A conclusão geral é que o programa de certificação contribuiu para a melhoria da qualidade dos pisos de madeira. / Brazilian manufacturers of higher value-added wood products face obstacles that hinder their development and the increase in competitiveness. A major hindrance is the lack of strategies and procedures related to quality. Historically, wood products manufactured in Brazil are different, have no standardization and there are few existing initiatives regarding quality improvement. For wood flooring, the lack of standardization and initiatives favors the commercialization of unsuitable products that may present problems, discouraging their use and damaging commercially the whole sector. In this sense, the National Hardwood Flooring Association - ANPM developed a certification program seeking to improve product quality; however, the effectiveness of this program is unknown. This study aimed to analyze the effects of implementing a certification program to product quality for wood flooring. The research procedures involved the survey of information from the ANPM audit database, consultations the standards / specifications available, analysis of quality evolution aspects, simulated audits and comparisons between certified and non-certified companies. Items that generate nonconformities such as moisture, dimensions and defects using descriptive statistics and basic tools including various distribution graphs, histograms and standard deviations were analyzed. The results showed that the implementation of the certification program improved the standard for wood flooring quality and only certified companies were able to meet the requirements of the technical standards. Additionally, the information obtained from audits identified problems in the production process, the need for corrective actions to resolve these problems and major obstacle to control moisture. The general conclusion is that the certification program contributed to improving wood flooring quality.

The main research questions for this local study of Tarkett AB, a floor manufacturer, are based on the central characteristics of the third industrial revolution: globalization, technological development, and organizational change. As a background to the local development and change towards the end of the twentieth century, I have chosen to emphasize, on the one hand, the increasing need of the industry for internationalization, rationalization, and productivity development after fordism and the demise of the regulated “real wages capitalism” in the middle of the 1970s, and, on the other, the work rights offensive of the labor movement in the 1970s and its continued struggle for economic and industrial authority. The method to analyze the essential traits of the organizational change process has aimed to construe a field of organizational change whose ideal types are based on taylorism, toyotism, flexible specialization, just-in-time, and lean production. Methods used to analyze change from the perspective of social structuration are also related to the theories of dynamic contradictory class locations, local hegemony, and gender. Apart from traditional source material and interviews, the study builds on the results from a study group consisting of a number of factory workers from Tarkett. Technological change and development (IT) of the work process on the factory floor has been analyzed as technological rationalization, quality development, work environment improvement, and as issues of gender relations and class positions at the work place. As regards the management process, leadership and control, centralization and decentralization concepts are vital. In matters concerning working conditions, including salaries, working hours, and job profiles (qualifications required for employment) are central. The management process was subject to changes that entailed deviations from the principles of traditional tayloristic management philosophy. Instead a participant change strategy implemented decentralized leadership functions in the shape of management by objectives via autonomous groups according to principles of ”responsible autonomy”. The investigation shows that computer-aided centralized control functions, competence improvement, and intensified ideological control worked together to change the management process. Decentralization of responsibility, the integration of white-collar like duties, the general competence development, and the higher demands on job qualifications, combined to render workers’ class locations more contradictory. This, together with ideological control and change, contributed to consolidate local hegemony.