Which floor finish is best for a chemical storage area?

Selection depends on the specific chemicals stored. Use Table 1 to classify the chemical attack level (High, Medium, Low) and then use Table 2 to find a suitable finish, such as specialized epoxy, polyurethane, or vinyl ester systems.

What floor is recommended for forklift traffic?

For forklift traffic with solid rubber tyres (Heavy Duty), Table 2 recommends finishes like monolithic concrete with hardeners, epoxy screeds, or polyurethane concrete. The specific choice depends on other factors like impact and chemical spillage.

What does abrasion resistance class 'AR' mean?

It's a classification of a floor's resistance to wear. For example, AR1 has the highest resistance with less than 0.1 mm wear, while AR4 has lower resistance with 0.5 mm wear, as defined in Table 1.

Is this standard a specification?

No, it provides 'Recommendations' or 'Guidelines' for selection. It helps in writing a project-specific specification but is not a specification in itself.

IS 4971

: 2007

Recommendations for selection of industrial floor finishes

CurrentFrequently UsedGuidelinesBIMMaterials Science · Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing

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This standard provides recommendations for selecting appropriate floor finishes for various industrial applications. It classifies performance requirements such as abrasion, impact, and chemical resistance, and guides the selection of a suitable finish based on the intended use and expected loads.

Recommendations for selection of industrial floor finishes

Quick Reference Values

Light Duty TrafficUp to 0.15 N/mm² contact pressure, pneumatic tyred trolleys

Medium Duty TrafficUp to 0.70 N/mm² contact pressure, forklift trucks with pneumatic tyres

Heavy Duty TrafficUp to 1.50 N/mm² contact pressure, forklift trucks with solid rubber tyres

Very Heavy Duty TrafficAbove 1.5 N/mm² contact pressure, vehicles with steel or cast iron wheels

Special Duty TrafficTracked vehicles or exceptionally high point loads

Abrasion Resistance Class 'AR1'< 0.1 mm wear depth

Abrasion Resistance Class 'AR2'< 0.2 mm wear depth

Practical Notes

Substrate preparation is the most critical factor for the longevity of any industrial floor finish; do not compromise on this step.

The selection tables are a general guide. Always consult the specific manufacturer's technical data sheet for detailed performance characteristics.

Performance can vary significantly between different brands of the same generic type of flooring (e.g., not all epoxy coatings are equal).