How does a solid floor differ in support?

It rests directly on compacted earth/hardcore

Which floor needs a damp-proof membrane?

Both equally with no ventilation

Which site suits a suspended floor?

Damp site with a high water table

Compared with a solid floor, the suspended floor is

More costly but warmer with timber

Asked 2/32
2073 Magh
2069 Bhadra · 8 marks

Solid and suspended ground floor

Short answer

Solid ground floor rests directly on compacted earth with hardcore, sand blinding, DPM, concrete, screed, and finish. Suspended ground floor has a ventilated void below, supported by sleeper walls or beams with joists and boarding. Solid floors are cheaper but colder; suspended floors suit damp sites and provide warmer timber surfaces.

With the help of neat sketches, explain (differentiate between) solid and suspended ground floor.

A solid ground floor rests directly on the filled ground, while a suspended ground floor is raised above the ground with a ventilated air space below.

Point	Solid ground floor	Suspended ground floor
Support	Rests directly on compacted earth/hardcore	On joists/slab supported by sleeper walls or beams
Air space	None	Ventilated void below
Construction	Hardcore, sand blinding, PCC 100-150 mm, DPM, screed and finish	Sleeper walls, DPC, wall plate, joists, boarding, air bricks
Dampness	Needs a good damp-proof membrane	Dry, as ventilation removes moisture
Suitable site	Dry, firm ground	Damp sites, high water table
Cost	Cheaper and faster	More costly
Finish	Tile, cement, terrazzo, stone	Timber boards, wood parquet, RCC slab
Warmth	Colder surface	Warmer (timber)

  SOLID                    SUSPENDED
  finish  =========        boards  ==========
  screed  ~~~~~~~~~        joists  |_|_|_|_|_|
  PCC     .........        void      (air)
  DPM     ---------        sleeper [|]  [|]
  hardcore ooooooo         concrete .........
  earth   ///////////      earth   //////////

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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