Benefits of composite floor deck

Composite floor deck has contributed significantly to the dominance of steel frames in the commercial building sector in the China. The main benefits of composite construction are:  

Speed of construction

Bundles of decking can be positioned on the structure by crane and the individual sheets then installed by hand. Using this process, crane time is minimal, and in excess of 400 m² of decking can be installed by one team in a day, depending on the shape and size of the building footprint. The use of the decking as a working platform speeds up the construction process for following trades. Minimal reinforcement is required, and large areas of floor can be poured quickly. Floors can be concreted in rapid succession. The use of fibre reinforced concrete can further reduce the programme, as the reinforcement installation period is significantly reduced.

Safe method of construction

The decking can provide a safe working platform and act as a safety ‘canopy’ to protect workers below from falling objects.

Saving in weight

Composite construction is considerably stiffer and stronger than many other floor systems, so the weight and size of the primary structure can be reduced. Consequently, foundation sizes can also be reduced.

Saving in transport

Decking is light and is delivered in pre-cut lengths that are tightly packed into bundles. Typically, one lorry can transport in excess of 1000 m2 of decking. Therefore, a smaller number of deliveries are required when compared to other forms of construction.

Structural stability

The decking can act as an effective lateral restraint for the beams, provided that the decking fixings have been designed to carry the necessary loads and specified accordingly. The decking may also be designed to act as a large floor diaphragm to redistribute wind loads in the construction stage, and the composite slab can act as a diaphragm in the completed structure. The floor

construction is robust due to the continuity achieved between the decking, reinforcement, concrete and primary structure.

Shallower construction

The stiffness and bending resistance of composite beams means that shallower floors can be achieved than in non-composite construction. This may lead to smaller storey heights, more room to accommodate services in a limited ceiling to floor zone, or more storeys for the same overall height. This is especially

true for slim floor construction, whereby the beam depth is contained within the slab depth .

Sustainability

Steel has the ability to be recycled repeatedly without reducing its inherent properties. This makes steel framed composite construction a sustainable solution. ‘Sustainability’ is a key factor for clients, and at least 94% of all steel construction products can be either re-used or recycled upon demolition of a building.

Easy installation of services

Cable trays and pipes can be hung from hangers that are attached using special ‘dovetail’ recesses rolled into the decking profile, thereby facilitating the installation of services such as electricity, telephone and information technology network cabling. These hangers also allow for convenient installation of false ceilings and ventilation equipment.