TM 55-8115-203-23 & P
2-10 Floor. Container floors are made from one of two materials: wood or reinforced fiberglass, known as "Tek-dek".
Replacement planks for both Tek-dek and shiplap wood floors should be hardwood, 1 1/4 inches (32 mm) thick by 11 1/2
in. wide (292 mm) (top or bottom measurement).
a.
Preparation of Replacement Planks. Laminated oak planks may be manufactured by qualified woodworkers
according to the dimensions and tolerances shown in figure 2-4.
b.
Methods of Repair. Damaged planks may be replaced or spliced, depending on the kind of damage. Except
where otherwise noted, the same repair procedures are used with both wood and Tek-dek flooring. Decide
whether to replace or splice damaged flooring by applying the following rules.
(1)
All planks must fit over at least four container crossmembers. Undamaged flooring that does not cover at
least four crossmembers should be removed so that a longer repair plank may be spliced in.
(2)
Floor boards which fit side by side should not end on the same crossmember.
(3)
Planks must terminate flush with the vertical web of a crossmember. See figure 2-6.
(4)
Replace complete planks only if splicing is impossible in accordance with the above rules.
c.
Splicing. Repair a plank by splicing as follows.
(1)
Remove self-tapping screws from damaged flooring.
(2)
Remove self-tapping screws from flooring within eighteen inches in front or back of the damaged flooring
to create working space. See figure 2-4. Loosen floorboard to either side of damaged plank by backing
out screws halfway.
(3)
Pry floorboard above steel crossmembers to permit saw blade clearance. Cut out damaged floorboard at
point A as in figure 2-6 so that remaining floorboard on either side of damaged section is even with the
vertical web of the crossmember.
(4)
Carefully weld two pieces of steel angle, 1/8 inch thick by 1 inch by 1 inch, to crossmembers at both ends
of cutout area. See figure 2-5. Do not burn flooring already installed.
(5)
Measure and cut replacement plank to size. Replacement should fit flush with existing planks.
(6)
Caulk the area where the planks butt against one another. Press new board section in place.
2-16
