ASTM E1486M-98(2010)

Standard Test Method for Determining Floor Tolerances Using Waviness, Wheel Path and Levelness Criteria [Metric]

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method provides statistical and graphical information concerning floor surface profiles.  
Results of this test method are for the purpose of the following:
Establishing compliance of random or fixed-path trafficked floor surfaces with specified tolerances;  
Evaluating the effect of different construction methods on the waviness of the resulting floor surface;  
Investigating the curling and deflection of concrete floor surfaces;  
Establishing, evaluating, and investigating the profile characteristics of other surfaces; and  
Establishing, evaluating, and investigating the levelness characteristics of surfaces.  
Application:
Random Traffic—When the traffic patterns across a floor are not fixed, two sets of survey lines approximately equally spaced and at right angles to each other shall be used. The survey lines shall be spaced across the test section to produce lines of approximately equal total length, both parallel to and perpendicular to the longest test section boundary. Limits are specified in 7.2.2 and 7.3.2.  
Defined Wheel Path Traffic—For surfaces primarily intended for defined wheel path traffic, only two wheel paths and the initial transverse elevation difference (“side-to-side”) between wheels shall be surveyed.  
Time of Measurement—For new concrete floor construction, the elevation measurements shall be made within 72 h of final concrete finishing. For existing structures, measurements shall be taken as appropriate.  
Elevation Conformance—Use is restricted to shored, suspended surfaces.  
RMS Levelness—Use is unrestricted, except that it is excluded from use with cambered surfaces and unshored, elevated surfaces.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers data collection and analysis procedures to determine surface flatness and levelness by calculating waviness indices for survey lines and surfaces, elevation differences of defined wheel paths, and levelness indices using SI units.  
Note 1—This test method is the companion to inch-pound Test Method E1486.
Note 2—This test method was not developed for, and does not apply to clay or concrete paver units.  
1.1.1 The purpose of this test method is to provide the user with floor tolerance estimates as follows:  
1.1.1.1 Local survey line waviness and overall surface waviness indices for floors based on deviations from the midpoints of imaginary chords as they are moved along a floor elevation profile survey line. End points of the chords are always in contact with the surface. The imaginary chords cut through any points in the concrete surface higher than the chords.  
1.1.1.2 Defined wheel path criteria based on transverse and longitudinal elevation differences, change in elevation difference, and root mean square (RMS) elevation difference.  
1.1.1.3 Levelness criteria for surfaces characterized by either of the following methods: the conformance of elevation data to the test section elevation data mean; or by the conformance of the RMS slope of each survey line to a specified slope for each survey line.  
1.1.2 The averages used throughout these calculations are the root mean squares, RMS (that is, the quadratic means). This test method gives equal importance to humps and dips, measured up (+) and down (−), respectively, from the imaginary chords.  
1.1.3 Appendix X1 is a commentary on this test method. Appendix X2 provides a computer program for waviness index calculations based on this test method.  
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2010
• ICS: 91.060.30 - Ceilings. Floors. Stairs
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.21 - Serviceability

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1486M-98(2004) - Standard Test Method for Determining Floor Tolerances Using Waviness, Wheel Path and Levelness Criteria [Metric]
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Referred By: ASTM E1486-14(2022) - Standard Test Method for Determining Floor Tolerances Using Waviness, Wheel Path and Levelness Criteria
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E1486M − 98 (Reapproved2010)
Standard Test Method for
Determining Floor Tolerances Using Waviness, Wheel Path
and Levelness Criteria (Metric)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1486M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1 This test method covers data collection and analysis
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
procedures to determine surface flatness and levelness by
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
calculating waviness indices for survey lines and surfaces,
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
elevation differences of defined wheel paths, and levelness
indices using SI units.
2. Referenced Document
NOTE1—Thistestmethodisthecompaniontoinch-poundTestMethod
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E1486.
E1486Test Method for Determining FloorTolerances Using
NOTE2—Thistestmethodwasnotdevelopedfor,anddoesnotapplyto
Waviness, Wheel Path and Levelness Criteria
clay or concrete paver units.
1.1.1 The purpose of this test method is to provide the user
3. Terminology
with floor tolerance estimates as follows:
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.1.1.1 Local survey line waviness and overall surface
3.1.1 defined wheel path traffıc—traffic on surfaces, or
waviness indices for floors based on deviations from the
specifically identifiable portions thereof, intended for defined
midpoints of imaginary chords as they are moved along a floor
linear traffic by vehicles with two primary axles and four
elevation profile survey line. End points of the chords are
primary load wheel contact points on the floor and with
always in contact with the surface. The imaginary chords cut
corresponding front and rear primary wheels in approximately
through any points in the concrete surface higher than the
the same wheel paths.
chords.
3.1.2 levelness—describedintwoways:theconformanceof
1.1.1.2 Defined wheel path criteria based on transverse and
surface elevation data to the mean elevation of a test section,
longitudinal elevation differences, change in elevation
elevation conformance; and as the conformance of survey line
difference, and root mean square (RMS) elevation difference.
slope to a specified slope, RMS levelness.
1.1.1.3 Levelness criteria for surfaces characterized by ei-
ther of the following methods: the conformance of elevation 3.1.2.1 elevation conformance—the percentage of surface
data to the test section elevation data mean; or by the
elevation data, h, that lie within the tolerance specified from
i
conformance of the RMS slope of each survey line to a themeanelevationofatestsectionfromthemeanelevationof
specified slope for each survey line.
alldatawithinatestsection.Theabsolutevalueofthedistance
1.1.2 The averages used throughout these calculations are ofallpoints,h,fromthetestsectiondatameanistestedagainst
i
therootmeansquares,RMS(thatis,thequadraticmeans).This
the specification, dmax. Passing values are counted, and that
test method gives equal importance to humps and dips, total is divided by the aggregate quantity of elevation data
measured up (+) and down (−), respectively, from the imagi-
points for the test section, and percent passing is reported.
nary chords.
3.1.2.2 RMS levelness—directionally dependent calculation
1.1.3 Appendix X1 is a commentary on this test method.
of the RMS of the slopes of the least squares fit line through
AppendixX2providesacomputerprogramforwavinessindex
successive 4.5-m long sections of a survey line, L. The RMS
calculations based on this test method.
LV is compared to the specified surface slope and specified
L
maximum deviation to determine compliance.
3.1.3 Waviness Index Terms:
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.21
on Serviceability. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2010. Published November 2010. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as E1486M–98 (2004). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/E1486M-98R10. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1486M − 98 (2010)
3.1.3.1 chord length—the length of an imaginary straight-
hb = elevation of the points along the survey line of
i
edge (chord) joining the two end points at j and j + 2k. This
the right wheel path of defined wheel path
length is equal to 2ks (see Fig. 1) where the survey spacing, s,
traffic, mm.
is equal to 0.3 m, and where k is equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 to
i = designation of the location of survey points
define chord lengths of 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4, and 3.0 m,
along a survey line (i=1, 2, 3 . imax ).
L
respectively, unless values for s and for k are otherwise stated. imax = total number of survey points along a survey
L
line.
imax = total number of survey points along one of the
Lx
pair of survey lines, Lx, representing the wheel
paths of defined wheel path traffic.
j = designation of the location of the survey point
which is the initial point for a deviation calcu-
lation (j=1, 2, 3 . jmax ).
k
jmax = total number of deviation calculations with a
k
chord length 2ks along a survey line.
k = number of spaces of length s between the
survey points used for deviation calculations.
kmax = maximum number (rounded down to an inte-
L
FIG. 1 Explanation of Symbols
ger) of spaces of length s that can be used for
deviation calculations for imax survey points
L
(kmax =5 unless otherwise specified).
3.1.3.2 deviation (D )—the vertical distance between the L
kj
L = designation of survey lines (L=1, 2, 3 .
surfaceandthemidpoint,j+ks,ofachordoflength2kswhose
Lmax).
end points are in contact with the surface.
LAD = length-adjustedRMSdeviationbasedonpoints
k
3.1.3.3 length adjusted RMS deviation (LAD )—calculated
k
spaced at ks and a reference length of L .
r
for a reference length L of 3 m, unless otherwise stated, in
r
Lg = totalnumberofsurveyspacesbetweenprimary
order to obtain deviations that are independent of the various
axles of a vehicle used as the basis for longi-
chord lengths, 2ks.
tudinal analysis of each pair of survey lines
3.1.3.4 waviness—therelativedegreetowhichasurveyline
representing the wheel paths of defined wheel
deviates from a straight line.
path traffic. Lg equals the integer result of the
primary axle spacing, in metres divided by s.
3.2 Symbols:
Lmax = number of survey lines on the test surface.
A = area of test section, square metres. L = referencelengthof3m,thelengthtowhichthe
r
d = pointi,ofthe(4.5/s+1)pointsubsetofi=1to RMS deviations, RMS D , from chord lengths
k
imax, where d is a point within the (4.5/s+1) other than 3 m are adjusted.
LD = longitudinal elevation difference between cor-
point subset, used to evaluate RMS levelness.
i
dh = number of elevation data points of survey line, responding pairs of points separated by Lg of
L
L, which lie within the maximum allowable defined wheel paths, mm (i= 1, 2, 3 .
deviation from the test section elevation data (imax −Lg)).
L
LDC = incremental change in longitudinal elevation
mean, dmax.
i
D = deviation from chord midpoint,j+k, to the difference, LD alongdefinedwheelpathtraffic
kj i
survey line, mm. wheel paths, mm/m (i= 1, 2, 3 . (im-
dmax = specified maximum allowable deviation from
ax −Lg− 1)).
L
the test section elevation data mean.
Lx = designation of the pair of survey lines used for
EC = percentage of elevation data within a test
defined wheel path traffic analysis.
section complying to a specified maximum mh = meanelevationofeach4.5-msectionofsurvey
d
deviation,dmax,fromthemeanofallelevation line, L, mm (d=1, 2, 3 . (imax −4.5/s)).
L
ms = mean slope of the least squares fit line of each
data points within a test section.
d
EC = percentage compliance of each survey line to a 4.5-m section of survey line, L, mm/m (d= 1,
L
specified maximum deviation, dmax, from the 2, 3 . (imax −4.5/s)).
L
mean of all elevation data points within a test n = total number of calculated deviations for sur-
L
vey line L (equal to the sum of the values of
section.
h = elevation of the points along the survey line, jmax for all values of k that are used). n is
i ⇒αL
k
mm. a weighting factor used in calculating both the
ha = elevation of the points along the survey line of waviness and surface waviness indices.
i
the left wheel path of defined wheel path RMS D = root mean square of chord midpoint offset
k
traffic, mm. deviations, D , based on points spaced at ks.
kj
E1486M − 98 (2010)
4.1.3.2 mh =mean elevation of a test section, calculated
RMS LD = root mean square of longitudinal elevation
TS
Lx
only for use in calculating dh (see Eq 16).
differences, LD, on paired wheel path survey L
i
4.1.3.3 dh =numberofelevationdatapointsofsurveyline,
lines for defined wheel path traffic, with pri-
L
L,passingthespecification,dmax,usedforcalculatingbothEC
mary axles separated by L , mm.
g
RMS TD = root mean square of transverse elevation L and EC (see Eq 17 and Eq 18).
Lx
differences, TD , on paired wheel path survey 4.1.3.4 EC =percentage of elevation data points on survey
i
L
lines for defined wheel path traffic, mm.
line, L, which comply with dmax (see Eq 19).
RMS LV = RMS levelness, calculated as the root mean
L 4.1.3.5 EC =percentage of elevation data points within a
square slope of each survey line, L, mm/m.
test section complying with dmax (see Eq 20).
s = spacingbetweenadjacentsurveypointsalonga
4.1.3.6 mh =mean elevation of each 4.5-m section of
d
survey line (0.3 m unless a smaller value is
survey line, L, calculated only for use in calculating RMS LV
L
stated), m.
(see Eq 21).
SWI = surfacewavinessindexdeterminedbycombin-
4.1.3.7 ms =meanslopeoftheleastsquaresfitlineofeach
d
ing the waviness indices of all the survey lines
4.5-m section of survey line, L, calculated only for use in
on the test surface, mm.
calculating RMS LV (see Eq 22).
L
TD = transverse elevation difference between corre-
i
4.1.3.8 RMS LV =RMS of least squares fit 4.5-m slopes
L
sponding points of defined wheel path traffic
(see Eq 23).
wheel paths, mm (i= 1, 2, 3 . imax ).
Lx
TDC = incremental change in transverse elevation
4.2 Waviness Index—Chord Length Range:
i
difference, TD alongdefinedwheelpathtraffic
i 4.2.1 Unless a different range is specified, the waviness
wheel paths, mm/m (i =1, 2, 3 . . . (im-
index, WI , shall be calculated for a 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4, and
L
ax −1)).
Lx 3.0-m chord length range.
WI = waviness index for survey line L with chord
L
4.2.2 Thechordlength,2ks,islimitedbythetotalnumberof
length range from 0.6 to 3.0 m unless a
survey points along a survey line. To ensure that the elevation
different range is stated, mm.
of every survey point is included in the deviation calculation
3.3 Sign Convention—Up is the positive direction; thatusesthelargestvalueof k,themaximumvalueof k,called
consequently, the higher the survey point, the larger its h kmax , is determined by:
i L
value.
kmax 5 imax /3 ~roundeddowntoaninteger! (1)
L L
4.2.3 Reduce the maximum chord length so that 2(kmax )s
4. Summary of Test Method L
is approximately equal to the maximum length that is of
4.1 Equations—Equations are provided to determine the
concern to the user.
following characteristics:
NOTE 3—For longer survey lines, kmax , determined using Eq 1,
4.1.1 Waviness Index Equations:
L
permits the use of chord lengths 2ks longer than those of interest or
4.1.1.1 RMS D =RMS deviation (see Eq 4).
k
concern to the floor user.
4.1.1.2 LAD =length-adjusted deviation (see Eq 5).
k
4.2.4 The maximum chord length for suspended floor slabs
4.1.1.3 WI =waviness index (see Eqs 6 and 7).
L
shall be 1.2 m, unless the slab has been placed without camber
4.1.1.4 SWI =surface waviness index (see Eq 8).
and the shoring remains in place.
4.1.1.5 |D |=absolute value of the length adjusted devia-
kj
tion (see Eq 24).
4.3 Waviness Index—Maximum Number of Deviation Mea-
4.1.2 Defined Wheel Path Traffıc Equations:
surements per Chord Length:
4.1.2.1 TD =transverse elevation difference between the
i
4.3.1 As the values of k are increased from 1 to kmax , the
L
wheel paths of defined wheel path traffic (see Eq 9).
number of deviation calculations decreases.
4.1.2.2 TDC =transverse change in elevation difference
i
jmax 5 imax 2 2k (2)
k L
between wheel paths of defined wheel path traffic (see Eq 10).
4.1.2.3 RMS TD =RMS transverse elevation difference
4.4 Waviness Index—Deviation:
Lx
between wheel paths of defined wheel path traffic (see Eq 11).
4.4.1 As shown in Fig. 1, the deviation, D , is
kj
4.1.2.4 LD = longitudinal elevation difference between
i
frontandrearaxlesonwheelpathsofdefinedwheelpathtraffic
D 5 h 2 h 1h mm (3)
~ !
kj j1k j j12k
(see Eq 12).
4.5 Waviness Index—RMS Deviation:
4.1.2.5 LDC =longitudinal change in elevation difference
i
between front and rear axles on wheel paths of defined wheel 4.5.1 RMS D is calculated for each chord length using all
k
path traffic (see Eq 13). points along the survey line.
4.1.2.6 RMS LD =RMS longitudinal elevation difference
Lx
jmax
k
betweenaxlesonwheelpathsofdefinedwheelpathtraffic(see
D
( kj
j51
Eq 14).
RMSD 5 mm (4)
!
k
jmax
k
4.1.3 Levelness Equations:
4.1.3.1 mh =mean elevation of survey line, L, calculated 4.6 Waviness Index—Length-Adjusted Deviations: LAD is
L k
only for use in calculating mh (see Eq 15). calculated for a reference length, L , using Eq 5.
TS r
E1486M − 98 (2010)
jmax imax 2Lg
~ !
k Lx
L
r
2 2
D LD
F G
( kj ( i
2ks
j51 i51
LAD 5 mm (5) RMSLD 5 mm (14)
! !
k Lx
jmax imax 2 Lg
~ !
k Lx
4.7 Waviness Index—The values of LAD obtained for each
k
4.10 Calculations for Elevation Conformance:
value of k shall be combined with other LAD values for each
4.10.1 Mean Elevation of Survey Line—mh is calculated
L
line L by weighing the values in proportion to jmax to obtain
k
for survey line, L, using Eq 15.
the waviness index, WI :
L
imax
L
kmax h
L
i
(
2 i51
jmax LAD
~ !
( k k mh 5 mm (15)
L
k51
imax
L
WI 5 mm (6)
!
L
n
L
4.10.2 MeanElevationofaTestSection—mh iscalculated
TS
where:
for a test section using Eq 16.
kmax
L
Lmax
L
n 5 jmax (7)
L ( k
k51 mh
( L
L51
mh 5 m
...