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# Overloading of the floor and the expansion of absorbent materials Many manufacturing processes require large quantities of materials that readily absorb water. Examples of these materials include: * Rolled newsprint * Baled rags * Baled cotton When hose streams are applied to these items, or w...

# Overloading of the floor and the expansion of absorbent materials Many manufacturing processes require large quantities of materials that readily absorb water. Examples of these materials include: * Rolled newsprint * Baled rags * Baled cotton When hose streams are applied to these items, or when runoff water drips down from operations above them, there are two effects that threaten to cause collapse. 1. **Weight:** Many bales weigh more than 1,000lb dry and can absorb their full weight, or more, in water. This added weight alone can cause collapse if the floor load is even close to the allowed maximum. 2. **Swelling:** When these rolls or bales absorb water, they tend to swell up. This swelling can push out walls and knock columns out of plumb.