Guideline For Load Capacity Of OA Access Floor & How To Select

OA floors are now commonplace in offices. When setting up a new office or relocating an office, many people make plans to install OA floors as a matter of course. However, there are various types of OA floors, and not just any OA floor will do. Among them, the most important thing to be aware of is load-bearing capacity. Here, we would like to discuss in detail the load-bearing capacity of OA floors that you should keep in mind.

What is Load Capacity?

What does load-bearing capacity mean? Load-bearing capacity is an indicator of how much weight can be endured. This "N" stands for "newton" and indicates the weight that can be endured per square meter. It is equivalent to "1000N = 100kg". For example, if an OA floor is labeled 1000N, it means that it can withstand 100 kg per square meter. The load-bearing capacity of an OA floor depends on the type of OA floor and the materials used.

What is the standard load-bearing capacity of OA floors?

Then, what is the standard load-bearing capacity of OA floors? The standard load-bearing capacity differs for general offices, hospitals, schools, large offices, etc. For example, in the case of general offices and stores where no special equipment is placed, the load-bearing capacity is 1 square meter. For example, in a general office or store without special equipment, the load capacity should be 200 to 300 kg per square meter, or 3,000 N per square meter.

In a general office, if you have a large stack or server equipment, the load capacity should be 300 to 400 kg per square meter. 300 to 400 kg in N is 4000 N. In a hospital or school, the load capacity should be about 200 to 300 kg per square meter. In addition to offices, hospitals and schools can also use this kind of load-bearing capacity as a guideline. In a large office, a computer room or server room will probably be set up to some extent, and a large amount of heavy equipment will be carried in. In such cases, it is recommended that the load capacity be 400 to 500 kg per square meter. The weight capacity of 400 to 500 kg is expressed in N, which is 5000 N.

Difference in Load-bearing Capacity by OA Floor Type

The load-bearing capacity of OA floors differs depending on the type. OA floors can be basically classified into two types: pillar type and flooring type. The support pillar type is adjustable in height, while the flooring type is simply laid out like a puzzle. Basically, the pillar type is said to have a higher load capacity than the flooring type. In other words, the pillar type can withstand more weight. However, OA raised floor is not only classified by whether it is a support type or an installed type. They can also be classified according to the type of material used. For example, the load-bearing capacity of a resin flooring type is generally around 2,000 to 3,000N, so the load-bearing capacity is not that high. On the other hand, the load-bearing capacity of the concrete type is much higher, from 3000N to 5000N, even though they are the same type.

What will happen if you choose an OA floor without considering load-bearing capacity?

Although we are not completely unconcerned about load-bearing capacity, most of us do not pay special attention to it in our daily lives. In fact, there are some furniture and home appliances that can be used even if they exceed the load-bearing capacity, so many people probably feel that "it's okay if it's just a little bit. However, the situation of an office is completely different from that of an ordinary home. Therefore, if you choose an OA floor without considering the load-bearing capacity, it may lead to big trouble later on. For example, one of the most common problems is the "swaying" of the OA floor. If you choose an OA floor without considering the load-bearing capacity, the entire floor may rattle. It is difficult to realize a comfortable office if the floor, which serves as the foundation, is rickety.

In addition, the OA floor may not be able to bear the weight and may dent, resulting in the shelves installed on top of the OA floor toppling over or the contents of the shelves falling down. In addition to damaging valuable items, there is also the risk of injury to employees, so consider what and how much you plan to install on the OA floor and choose an OA floor that can withstand the weight of the floor, even if it costs a little more. This is important for a comfortable office and for the safety of the people working there.

Summary

If you are going to adopt an OA floor, be sure to check its load-bearing capacity. After confirming in advance what will be installed in the office and the weight of each item to be installed, select an OA floor that is strong enough to withstand the weight of the items. If you are careless and think "this much is OK," not only will "rattling" occur, but the employees who work there will also be at risk. Do not forget that the OA floor is the foundation for a comfortable, safe and secure office.