Laundromat Floor Inspection/Design
Laundromat Floor Inspection/Design
(OP)
I am involved with the structural integrity evaluation of a Laundromat that, of course, has extensive rotting in the floor wood joists due to water and moisture. The steel girder supporting the joists does not look much better. The washing machines and dryers are placed over a 1' thick concrete slab. The slab which is only about 5' wide is supported by wood floor joists and several concrete columns that are slanted to absorb the vibration from the washing machines when they go into the spin cycle.
Does anybody have any experience with these types of structures or is aware of any references that can help with the inspection and design of a Laundromat? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Does anybody have any experience with these types of structures or is aware of any references that can help with the inspection and design of a Laundromat? Any help is greatly appreciated.






RE: Laundromat Floor Inspection/Design
The concrete topping probably acted as a hard sponge to hold water until it could move into the supporting wood...again, not a good scenario.
It may be that the floor system would have to be replaced. Alternatively, supplemental wood joists can be sistered up to the existing to provide 100% of the capacity, ignoring the older wood.
RE: Laundromat Floor Inspection/Design