ABSTRACT

Introduction This chapter describes the evolution of modern domestic upper floors. Although the chapter concentrates on houses it includes examples of concrete floors which can sometimes be found in new houses but which are more likely to be found in purpose-built flats. The function of an upper floor is to support the loads of furniture and people imposed upon it, and in order to fulfil this function in a safe and satisfactory manner there are a number of technical requirements:

• the floor must be structurally stable and must not suffer excessive deflection when a load is imposed on it. • the floor should provide restraint for the external walls • the floor should provide suitable fire protection to delay the spread of fire. The level of fire protection

will depend on the number of storeys and the nature of the building, ie flats or houses • the floor, particularly if part of a block of flats, should provide good sound insulation.