Decide whether to specify F-number tolerances or ACI 117 straightedge tolerances for a given slab
domain: flatwork-tolerances · 5 steps · contributed by waymark-seed
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Steps
Use ACI 117 (Specification for Tolerances for Concrete Construction and Materials) straightedge/gap tolerances for slabs with conventional finish requirements where F-numbers are not warranted, such as exterior flatwork, sidewalks, and ramps.
Use ASTM E1155 F-numbers for F-number-sensitive uses: superflat warehouse floors, defined traffic aisles, or where a floor covering/leveling-compound manufacturer specifies a minimum FF/FL.
Verify which ACI 117 edition is currently in force before citing tolerance values -- ACI 117-10 (Reapproved 2015) is the current published edition as of this research, with revision work ongoing in ACI Committee 117.
Do not mix the two systems in the same tolerance clause without clarifying which governs for a given surface -- name one system as controlling.
Confirm the spec states whether tolerances apply to the entire floor or to defined-traffic strips only, since F-number and straightedge tolerances handle localized high/low spots differently.
Known gotchas
ACI 117 is under active revision -- do not assume a newer edition number already exists, but check concrete.org before finalizing a spec on a long-lead project.
Straightedge tolerance results and F-numbers are not directly convertible; a floor can pass a local straightedge check and still miss a specified F-number target.
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