STEEL DECKSteel deck or metal deck is the material used along with concrete slab and steel frame for composite floor decks construction. They serve as a flat surface for either floor or roof. It is used for establishing a composite flooring system or built-up roof system, that does not require the use of expensive, bulky and traditional formwork like wood.
The base material of steel decks is sheet steel formed to be fastened together across joists. Its main role is to support the bottom of concrete and prevent it from falling down. The decking typically comes in two different profiles, named for their specific shapes – Flat (aka dovetail, re-entrant) and Web (trapezoidal). Their design is able to efficiently utilize the tensile steel and compressive concrete in order to create a high strength-to-weight ratio, this brings several advantages in erecting multi storey structures. Moreover, they have been widely practiced and applied to different applications (agricultural, residential commercial and industrial) for a long period of time and has been proven effective due to its inexpensiveness and durability. |
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KINDS OF STEEL DECKING
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MORE ON STEEL DECKINGEase in Construction
Installation is rapid, even on complex steel layouts, reducing overall programme. The decking acts as a safe working platform and facilitates following trades immediately after installation. There’s an overall reduction in slab self-weight and therefore in loading on the steel frame and foundations, leading to a corresponding reduction in materials. Appearance Even though that steel decks are for structural purposes, it can be visually attractive when left in its raw form. Additional aesthetic paints can also be applied below the material when used as a ceiling. This gives designers an added flexibility with their conceptual design. Weather Resistant, Fire Retardant and Safety Canopy Unlike the traditional flooring system, they can be constructed in most weather conditions. This eliminates delays of the completion time of the project. Metal is a natural fire retardant that helps in construction and accidents. Moreover, once the steel deck has been constructed, it can act as a cover for workers below from weather and debris. Durability – High Strength to Weight Ratio Because of the composition of the floor slab (the combination between rebars, steel deck and concrete), this results to the maximum efficiency of steel. The decking contributes to lateral restraint of the frame and provides tensile reinforcement of the concrete slab. Proven Experience The application of steel decks in building composite slabs has been practiced for over 60 years. Through the years they have been proven to be effective in across all industries weather agricultural, residential, commerial and industrial. |
Flexibility
The lightweight property of steel decks make it easy to move them from one place to another. From manufacturing to transportation to installation, they are considered to be one of the simplest material to be handled in construction. Correspondingly, the metal decks will have the same length. Because of this, they can be transported by less weight/length intensive vehicles. Economy and Value This is related to the previous benefit discussed above. Because of the fewer materials needed to construct floor system, this results to cheaper overall material costs. Aside from initial costs, they also bring longevity in their lifecycle as they are resistant to moisture and pest deterioration. This contributes to the overall value of the material. |
