Typical Mezzanine Floor Deflection

Deflection

• Deflection is how much bounce the mezzanine floor has. It defines how much the floor sags downward under weight, an important safety consideration that can affect what the floor can be used for. Deflection is a scientific measurement and is often given in millimeters. It can vary considerably based on what materials the mezzanine floor is constructed from and the quality of its manufacturing.

Lighter Floors

• Lighter mezzanine floors are more likely to be portable so they are made of materials that can be adjusted or removed more easily than stationary floor levels. This tends to give these floors a higher deflection rate. Depending on construction, deflection can range from 14 to 18 millimeters. This is the safe load rating. If a light mezzanine floor shows a deflection rate higher than that, it could be a sign that the floor is being used for heavy machinery or other items that need to be removed.

Stronger Floors

• Heavier mezzanine floors can be made from stronger materials such as concrete. They are typically designed to be a permanent fixture in a factory, and are often constructed as part of the original building project. These floors might be suitable for different levels of machinery, which can help conserve factory floor space. Lower deflection rates are common, and can be as low as 2 to 3 millimeters (Ref 1, pg 16 chart). Of course, a range between the strongest floors and the lightest floors is possible.

Supports

• Mezzanine floor deflection is not necessarily fixed. Floor deflection can be adjusted, at least partially, by supports such as posts or beams. When used correctly, these can lessen deflection and make the floors suitable for more weight, but supports should always be installed by experts who can calculate load bearing.