High-strength extruded polystyrene thermal insulation products can be used to insulate floor structures. Regardless of the function and construction of the building, they can be inserted above or below the ground bearing concrete slab.
Thermal insulation placed beneath the concrete slab is continuously exposed to intensive stresses and load caused by:
- daily use (movement of vehicles, forklift trucks, weight of high shelved racks, machines, industrial equipment)
- static load (load transferred from adjacent building structures)
- dynamic load (starting, braking, vibration)
- mechanical load generated during construction phase
Irrespective of the type of load, the best thermal insulation option for industrial floors can be chosen from the Ravatherm XPS X product range. Each of the three options guarantees excellent thermal insulation, high compressive strength and stability during the foreseeable life of the building.
Description
Ravago XPS insulation boards are suitable for the thermal insulation of Industrial Storage and Manufacturing Buildings and Aircraft Hanger floors when laid directly onto a sand bed or on a blinding layer of concrete
The manufacturing process for XPS results in a homogeneous, closed-cell material structure with a smooth surface skin (the extrusion skin) which offers:
- a permanently low thermal conductivity
- water and frost resistance
- high strength
- high resistance to damp diffusion
ORDER OF FLOOR LAYERS
Positioned below the concrete slabs, thermal insulation boards become integral components of the load bearing ground Due to their high strength, permanently low thermal conductivity and resistance to moisture and frost, Ravago XPS products enable the construction of any required floor structures.
LOAD BEARING
In determining the load bearing capacity of a floor structure containing a thermal insulation layer, under permanent and live loads, Design Compressive Strength value of the insulation should be used (DCS is the load that if applied as a UDL for 50 years then max compression 2%)
A structural engineer should be consulted on the final choice of the appropriate material, structure and construction.
INSTALLATION
Ravago XPS thermal insulation products should be laid with joints offset and staggered between layers directly on a level sand bed or blinding layer of concrete.
The boards can be cut to size with hot wire cutter, knife or small-tooth saw. Cut surfaces should allow the boards to can be fitted tightly together.
PROTECTION OF INSULATION
When the thermal insulation boards are laid on top of the damp proofing membrane, they also provide mechanical protection during the construction phase. This role is particularly important during the installation of steel reinforcement in concrete. However whilst a DPM can be placed under the insulation and any gas membrane should be located under the insulation - a DPM/ vapour barrier /separating membrane should always be placed over the insulation below the concrete/screed.