scope:

Chapters 1 through 8 provide an understanding of concrete moisture behavior and drying and show how recommended construction practices can contribute to successful performance of floor covering materials. This background provides a basis for the recommendations in Chapter 9 to improve the performance of floor covering materials in contact with concrete moisture and alkalinity.

Because this guide is specific to floor moisture problems and solutions, refer to ACI 302.1R and ACI 360R for general information. These two documents contain guidance on floor design and construction that is needed to achieve successful floor covering performance.

The objective of this document is to provide information and guidance to help reduce the potential for moisturerelated flooring problems to occur with both slabs-on-ground and suspended slabs. It provides basic information on the concrete drying process, moisture behavior in concrete, testing for moisture, the use of below-slab vapor retarders, and corrective options.