5.1 This test method provides statistical (and graphical) information concerning floor surface profiles.

5.2 Results of this test method are used primarily to:

5.2.1 Establish compliance of randomly trafficked floor surfaces with specified F_F Flatness and F_L Levelness tolerances,

5.2.2 Evaluate the effect of different construction methods on resulting floor surface flatness and levelness, and

5.2.3 Investigate the curling and deflection of floor surfaces.

5.3 Results of this test method shall not be used to enforce contract flatness and levelness tolerances on those floor installations primarily intended to support the operation of fixed-path vehicle systems (for example, narrow aisle warehouse floors).

Note 1: When the traffic patterns across a floor are random, (as is generally the case) evaluation of the floor’s F_F Flatness and F_L Levelness will necessarily involve a random sampling of the surface, since all of the infinite potential profiles to be seen by the traffic can not possibly be measured. In those instances when the traffic across a floor will be confined to specific paths, however, the requirement for random sampling is eliminated, since the floor can indeed be inspected exactly as it will be seen by all of the traffic. In these special cases, rather than inferring the condition of the traffic paths from a random sample, it is far more useful to measure each of the traffic paths directly using continuous recording floor profilometer configured to run exactly in the traffic wheel paths. Such direct simulation measurements eliminate the inherent uncertainties of statistical sampling and provide profile information immediately applicable to the correction of the surface in way of the future traffic.

1.1 This test method covers a quantitative method of measuring floor surface profiles to obtain estimates of the floor’s characteristic F_F Flatness and F_L Levelness Face Floor Profile Numbers (F-Numbers).

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.

1.3 The text of this test method references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this test method.

1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.