Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. (SGH) along with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Massachusetts will provide a workshop on effective strategies for avoiding problems with floor finishes on concrete slabs. Moisture and alkalinity in concrete slabs can lead to a multitude of flooring failures. Recent changes in the composition of concrete slabs, the formulation of floor finishes and adhesives, and in industry-wide construction practices have made floor systems more susceptible to deterioration.

The first part of the workshop will be a lecture lead by Emily R. Hopps, P.E., SGH’s Flooring Practice leader. Emily will discuss the industry changes that have resulted in an increase in floor finish failures, strategies for the design and construction phases of a project to reduce the chances for high moisture levels and subsequent failures, and recommendations for mitigating high moisture and alkalinity levels in concrete floor slabs.

The second part of the workshop will be hands-on, issue-focused stations in the SGH laboratory. Two stations, led by ICRI-certified concrete slab moisture testing technicians, will focus on the current industry tests for determining concrete slab moisture, especially the critical test procedures, variations in equipment and methods, and interpretation of results. Two additional stations will focus on the critical physical properties of concrete and floor finishes.

For more information, visit www.agcmass.org/index.cfm/calendar/education/ycc-tech-program-avoiding-problems-with-floor-finishes-on-concrete-slabs.