Mechanically resistant floor: an industrial solution from Fortelock

In industrial environments, the floor is not only a surface for daily operations but also a surface that withstands heavy loads and mechanical damage. Its importance increases in places with a high frequency of heavy truck traffic or where heavy objects may fall. It is precisely for these operations that a mechanically resistant floor is important.

Fortelock offers a solution in the form of PVC tiles specially designed for the conditions of an industrial environment. Thanks to carefully selected materials, these tiles are highly resistant to mechanical damage. They are ideal for new halls or for the easy and quick renovation of an already inadequate surface.

Resistance to the use of forklifts and pallet trucks

Fortelock floors easily withstand the load caused by forklifts and pallet trucks, which is a basic requirement for floors in industrial premises. If you use one of these trucks in your operation, our floor will withstand even a heavy load.

If you too are looking for a floor for an industrial hall, you will probably come across the terms point load and dynamic load. What do these terms mean?

Point load of a floor is a measure that shows how much weight the floor can bear on a small area, usually measured in square centimetres. This is especially important in industrial environments, where machinery, equipment or furniture with a high weight can be supported on small contact points, such as feet or wheels.

Dynamic load for industrial floors refers to a load that moves or changes, such as the load from vehicles moving across the floor. Dynamic load includes the forces acting on the floor during the movement of forklifts, pallet trucks, or when heavy objects are moved across the floor.

Fortelock PVC floors have been designed to withstand both point load (520kg/cm2) and dynamic load (6 600 kg without the need for gluing), which makes them suitable for industrial and warehouse spaces.

To help you find your way around our tiles, we have prepared an overview of dynamic load by type of tyre or wheel.

Impact absorption and unbreakability of the floor

Thanks to the flexible properties of Fortelock PVC tiles, the floor absorbs impacts. This brings two advantages at once:

1. Mechanically resistant floor

When a heavier object falls, for example a hammer, a tool or a larger part, the floor does not break, as can happen with concrete floors or classic ceramic tiles. At the same time, this reduces dust.

2. Protection of fragile objects

Thanks to impact absorption, there is a lower risk of damaging fragile objects that would break if they fell onto an ordinary floor.

See these properties for yourself in our videos!

For industrial environments we recommend these tiles:

• Industry Ultra – a floor for heavy loads. The tile thickness is 10 mm, so it withstands even the demanding conditions of industrial operation.
• Industry – a tile 7 mm thick for heavy loads. Suitable for production halls and warehouses.

We offer both types of tiles in the standard version or in the ECO variant, which not only protects the environment but is also up to 30% cheaper.

A reliable and mechanically resistant floor for your operations

A mechanically resistant floor from Fortelock is the perfect solution for those looking for a floor able to withstand demanding industrial conditions. It is an investment in the safety, efficiency and sustainability of your working environment.

In addition, Fortelock PVC floors offer anti-slip surfaces to increase safety, the option of highlighting work zones with coloured tiles, and have minimal requirements for subfloor preparation, which can save up to 80% of the time compared to traditional floor installation methods.

For more information, technical specifications or an individual quote contact our experts. We will help you find the best flooring solution to meet the specific requirements of your industrial space.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between point load and dynamic load on a floor?

Point load indicates how much weight the floor can bear on a small area, typically under a machine foot or a wheel; for Fortelock tiles it is 520 kg/cm². Dynamic load arises from movement, i.e. when forklifts and pallet trucks drive over the floor or heavy objects are moved across it, and is given in kilograms according to the type of wheel.

Can a PVC floor carry a forklift?

Yes, if you choose the right range. When loose-laid, both Industry and Industry Ultra can carry a forklift or car with pneumatic tyres of up to 6,600 kg. For trucks with PU or rubber wheels the limits are lower and vary by type, with Industry Ultra having the highest. For continuous operation of heavy trucks with small wheels, we recommend testing the tiles first and then fixing or gluing them.

When should I choose Industry Ultra instead of Industry?

When electric forklifts, reach trucks or heavy pallet trucks with PU wheels run on the floor, or in continuous operation. Industry Ultra is 10 mm thick and, when loose-laid, can carry for example an electric pallet truck of up to 1,700 kg, whereas Industry can carry up to 700 kg. The 7 mm thick Industry is sufficient for normal heavy loads.

Will a PVC tile crack if a hammer falls on it?

No. Flexible PVC absorbs impacts, so the tile does not break or crumble like concrete or ceramic tiles when a tool or component is dropped. The cushioning also reduces the risk of a falling fragile object breaking. If a tile does get damaged, only that one piece is replaced.

Do the tiles have to be glued in a hall with forklifts?

Loose laying is usually sufficient, as long as you stay within the maximum load capacity of the chosen range. Gluing or fixing is recommended for heavy trucks with small wheels in continuous operation, for temperature fluctuations of more than 15 °C, in direct sunlight and, to achieve the maximum dynamic load capacity, also at temperatures above 27 °C.

How can I mark out routes and work zones in a hall?

With coloured tiles and marking strips. The strips for Industry, Industry Ultra and XL fit into the grid without cutting and are used to mark pedestrian walkways, handling routes or areas for goods. Industry Ultra in Green is designed to distinguish traffic routes and safety corridors. The markings can be changed at any time by swapping tiles.