Steel deck is a steel sheeting that provides strength and support for floors and roofs of many commercial buildings. It is used to eliminate the need for shoring concrete until it cures and allows for more structural flexibility during construction. There are several different types of metal roof and floor decking with unique characteristics that make them more suitable for specific applications. The type of metal deck that is required for a particular job can be determined by the shape and rib profile of the sheet, as well as the load requirements of the structure.
Metal deck is made by cold forming structural grade steel coils into a pattern of flutes and ribs. The profile of the ribs and their heights are designed to optimize the strength-to-weight ratio for each application. The various shapes and profiles allow engineers to construct structures that can withstand different weights, spans and loads. The thickness of the metal deck is also important, as it determines how heavy or light it can be.
For example, some metal decking has shear studs that create a composite action with the concrete slab and improve fire performance and crack control. Other designs use a mesh grid reinforcement, which helps with lateral stability and provides a more flexible slab surface for services. These features help increase the life cycle of the building while allowing for future modifications or relocations without the need to destroy or replace concrete.
The benefits of using steel deck during floor construction include its lightweight design and accelerated construction time. This means that the project can move forward faster, which in turn saves money on labour costs. Steel deck also provides better tensile strength than concrete, so it can withstand higher loads and requires less structural steel support. Additionally, it is easier to lay than concrete, which reduces the amount of manual labor that is needed for installation.
Lastly, steel deck has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than other structural materials, which allows for lower material and freight costs. In addition, it is available in a wide range of sizes and is easily cut to fit a variety of different applications. The versatility of steel deck makes it a highly effective choice for both temporary and permanent floors and roofs.
Union Galvasteel offers a full range of steel decking from leading manufacturers like Kingspan Multideck. This metal flooring solution includes five different profiles with spans of up to 6 meters and fire ratings up to 4 hours. For additional protection, this steel floor and roof deck can be ordered with a Magnelis coating, which provides superior corrosion resistance in aggressive environments. To learn more about the benefits of using metal deck on your next construction project, contact us today. We can discuss your specific requirements and recommend the best option for your project. Our team of experts is here to answer any questions you may have about our products or services. We look forward to working with you!