Aluminum Access Floor

Architectural Specifications

Section 13270

1.00 General

A. The Maxcess Aluminum Access Floor system shall consist of a combined assembly of removable aluminum panels and/or gratings mounted on adjustable aluminum pedestals installed over a concrete sub-floor to provide space for the accommodation of electrical conduits, mechanical service lines, air supply and/or return plenums, or unobstructed passage for laminar air flow.

B. Finished access floor surface shall be smooth and uniform with all panels and gratings free of distortion. Completed floor system shall be rigid and free of unstable panels.

2.00 Product

2.01 Maxcess Aluminum Access Floor System

A. Solid or perforated panels and gratings, when in place and functioning as part of the complete floor system, shall be capable of supporting a concentrated load of 1,500 lb. (680 kg.) on one in2 (25.4 mm2), with a maximum deflection of 0.080” (2 mm). Floor shall be capable of carrying a uniform live load of 350 lb./ft2 (1865 kg/M2), with a maximum deflection of 0.040” (1 mm). Maximum permanent set at design loads shall not exceed 0.010” (0.25 mm). Minimum safety factor at design loads shall not be less than 2x.

B. All full-size panels and gratings shall be completely interchangeable for both the Standard and Heavy-duty systems and easily removed with appropriate lifting tools.

C. Standard pedestals shall conform to panel load-bearing characteristics and have a positive locking device to prevent accidental loss of finished floor height. Each standard pedestal will support an axial load of at least 5,000 lb. (2,268 kg). The standard pedestal base shall be 4.5” (114.3 mm) in diameter. Pedestal, when properly affixed to the concrete sub-floor, shall withstand a minimum overturning moment of 1,000 inch-lb. (113 Nm).

NOTE: Contact your Maxcess representative for special heavy-duty pedestals and seismic understructure.

D. Floor system shall be laterally stable in all directions with panels in place. Horizontal framing and/or stringers shall not be required for finished floor heights up to 24” (610 mm) provided access floor is laterally supported by “load-bearing” perimeter walls. For certain seismic zone applications, stringerless construction may require certification by a licensed State engineer.

E. Components shall be in direct contact for continuous electrical grounding of the entire floor systems. Maximum electrical resistance from the top of the panel, less wear surface, to the pedestal base shall be 1 ohm. Spring clips or other mechanical devices shall not be used for grounding.

F. Caster-mounted equipment, within specified load limits, shall be able to roll easily throughout the entire floor area. With regard to CISCA test procedures:

1) Permanent set on solid panels and gratings shall be less than 0.014” (.36 mm) after 20,000 passes of a 1020 lb. (386 kg) load on an 6” dia. x 1 1/2” wide (203 mm x 38 mm) caster.

2) Permanent set on solid panels and gratings shall be less than 0.010” (.25 mm) after 10 passes of a 1,000 lb. (454 kg) load on a 3” dia. x 1 13/16” wide (76 mm x 46 mm) caster.

G. The installed finished access floor height shall be ____ inches (_____mm), measured from the top of the sub-floor.

H. Results of independent laboratory flame spread test shall be in accordance with ASTM E84: Flame spread = 0, smoke density = 25.

2.02 Die-Cast Aluminum Panels & Grates

A. Solid Panel

H24/60 panel shall be 24” x 24” or 600 mm x 600 mm aluminum alloy high pressure die casting conforming to Federal Specifications QQ-A-591-A383. The panel shall have an overall width and length, after finish coating, of 23.995” ± 0.005” (609.5 mm ± 0.13 mm). The overall height at the corners of the panel shall be 1.614 ± 0.010” (41 mm ± 0.25 mm). The panel shall be square to within 0.008” T.I.R. in 24 “ (.19 mm T.I.R. in 610 mm). Underside of panel at each corner shall have an integrally cast female socket to provide for interlocking with a raised male boss on the pedestal head.

A. Air Flow
Standard HR/HS24/60 perforated panel shall conform to all of the specifications set forth for the H24/60 panel in section 2.02 (a). The HR24/60 panel shall be perforated with 1,600 round holes 0.234” (6 mm) in diameter to allow for 22% open area with a bare or epoxy finish and 17.7% with a tile finish. In addition, the HS24/60 panel shall be perforated with 800 slots, 0.79” x 0.29” (20.07 mm x 7.37 mm) to allow for 30% open area with a bare or epoxy finish and 24.2% with a tile finish. Holes or slots shall be arranged in a pattern with an unobstructed air flow through the panel. Optional patterns are also available to reduce open area. Grated aluminum panel shall have an open area of 53%. Aluminum dampers may be used in conjunction with the perforated and grated panels to reduce air flow for achieving overall air balancing in the room. All panels shall be supplied with eight 0.140” (3.56 mm) diameter holes on the bottom surface for damper mounting.

B. PVC Edge Trim
Panels specifying an edge trim shall have a trim groove machined inside the perimeter of all four sides. Vinyl edge trim will be pressure-fit into the machined recess.

C. Floor Covering Material
Floor covering materials shall be factory applied to required tolerances with compatible high creep-resistant or conductive adhesives. Specify high pressure laminate tile, conductive vinyl/rubber tile, or carpet (without edge trim).

D. Grating
The GP24/60 “basket-weave” pattern grate shall be 24” x 24” or 600 mm x 600 mm aluminum alloy high pressure die casting conforming to Federal Specification QQ-A-591-A383. The panel shall have an overall width and length, after finish coating, of 23.995” ± 0.005” (609.5 mm ± 0.13 mm). The overall height at the corners of the panel shall be 1.732” ± 0.010” (43.99 ± 0.25 mm). The panel shall be square to within 0.008” T.I.R. in 24 “ (.19 mm T.I.R. in 610 mm). Underside of panel at each corner shall have an integrally cast female socket to provide for interlocking with a raised male boss on the pedestal head. Gratings shall have eight 0.140” (3.56 mm) diameter holes on bottom surface to mount dampers.

E. Finishes

1) Epoxy powder coating in standard colors; minimum average of 2.5 mil (.064 mm) thick.

2) Conductive epoxy powder coating in standard colors; minimum average of 2.5 mil thick.

3) Nickel-chrome electro-deposited plating; minimum average of 0.000005” (0.000127 mm) chromium over a minimum average of .0006” (0.0152 mm) nickel, without copper or brass strike. Significant surfaces shall have complete coverage with matte metallic appearance.

2.03 Understructure

A. Pedestals
Standard pedestals are fabricated of aluminum alloy. The 4.5” (114.3 mm) diameter base, locking collar, external threaded adjusting stud, and pedestal head are of die cast aluminum alloy conforming to Federal Specification QQ-A-591-A380.

1) The standard 6” to 17” (152 mm to 432 mm) finished floor height (FFH) pedestal shall have a 7/8”-9 UNC (22.2 mm) threaded adjusting stud to provide leveling in increments of 0.028” (0.71 mm) and an overall height adjustment of 2” (51 mm). The vertical tube shall be 1” (25.4 mm) outside diameter with a 0.058” (1.47 mm) wall thickness.

2) Heavy-duty 18” to 24” (457 mm to 610 mm) FFH pedestals shall have a 1”-8 UNC (25.4 mm) threaded adjusting stud to provide leveling in increments of 0.031” (0.79 mm) and an overall height adjustment of 2” (51 mm). The vertical tube shall be 1-1/8” (28.6 mm) outside diameter with a 0.058” (1.47 mm) wall thickness.

3) Vertical tubes shall conform to Federal Specification QQ-A-200/8. The pedestal head shall provide positive interlocking of panels and pedestals to prevent lateral movement. Pedestal heads shall be equipped with a conductive-vinyl grounding pad to be installed with the aluminum screen facing up.

B Aluminum Stringers
Stringers shall be aluminum channel, capable of supporting a 400 lb. (181 kg) load on 1 in2 (25.4 mm2) at mid-point of nominal 2’ span or nominal 600 mm span, with a permanent set not to exceed 0.010” (0.25 mm). Stringers shall be fastened with 1/4-20 (6.4 mm) screws to each pedestal and shall provide positive electrical contact between stringer and pedestal.

2.04 Accessories

A. Slide Dampers
Slide dampers shall be fabricated of bare aluminum sheet conforming to Federal Specification QQ-A-250/8 with rack and pinion mechanism. Adjustments shall be made from the top of the panel, from full open (34% open area) to full closed and lockable from the top. Damper kit shall include eight 8-32 x 3/8” (4 mm x 9.5 mm) round head Phillips Type-F self-tapping stainless steel machine screws.

B. Opposed Blade Damper
Louvered damper shall be opposed blade and fabricated of aluminum extrusions conforming to Federal Specification QQ-A-200/9, and plastic operating rods. Adjustments shall be made from the top of the panel, from full open (76% open area) to full closed and lockable from the top. Damper kit shall include eight 8-32 x 3/8” (4 mm x 9.5 mm ) round head Phillips Type-F self-tapping stainless steel machine screws.

C. Other accessories shall be supplied by the Maxcess authorized dealer.

D. Provide _____ spare panels/grates and _____ pedestal assemblies.

2.05 Cleaning Protocol

Special cleaning and packaging shall be available upon request at additional cost.

3.00 Installation

A. The General Contractor (GC) shall be responsible for providing a level and dry sub-floor free of irregularities. The concrete sub-floor shall be cured a minimum of 28 days and covered with a sealant compatible with pedestal adhesive before installation of the access floor.

B. The GC shall provide a clean, dry, environmentally controlled, and secure area for storage of access floor components in their original, unopened packaging and with clear access to the site to permit trucks to reach the building.

C. Installation area shall be free and clear of other trades at time of installation.

D. Installation shall be supervised by the manufacturer’s authorized dealer or representative.

E. Before moving equipment across the panels, access floor shall be protected, by others, with a minimum 3/4” (19 mm) thick high-density plastic such as PVC, polypropylene or “Plexiglas”. For heavy equipment move-in, a 3/8” (9.5 mm) thick aluminum rigging plate of 6061-T6 alloy shall be placed under the 3/4” (19 mm) thick high-density plastic or a 1/8” (3.2 mm) thick stainless steel plate shall be placed under a 1” (25.4 mm) thick sheet of high-density plastic.

F. Access floor shall be accepted by the GC and/or Owner prior to allowing other trades on the floor.

G. Environmental requirements:
Building shall be enclosed and be maintained at normal ambient operating temperature and humidity due to the floor system’s significant Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 0.000012”/deg F./linear inch (0.0000231 mm/deg. C./linear mm).

3.01 Warranty

Maxcess Aluminum Floors, Inc. warrants that its aluminum flooring products will be free from defective material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year form the date of delivery, provided the Owner does not subject floor to environmental, load or wear factors for which it was not designed. Floor covering materials are covered under separate warranty from the original manufacturer.

NOTE: All components and specifications are subject to change without notice. Information pertains to H24/60 solid panels unless otherwise stated.

THIS SPECIFICATION SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS MAXCESS TECHNOLOGIES INC. OR HITACHI ALUMINUM ACCESS FLOOR SPECIFICATIONS.

Available worldwide through local Maxcess or ASP-Maxcess dealers.

© 2008