What is Metal Decking?
Composite concrete slabs consist of profiled steel decking with an in-situ reinforced concrete topping. During concreting, the metal decking supports the weight of the wet concrete and reinforcement, together with the temporary loads of the construction process.
Composite steel decking construction has contributed significantly to the dominance of steel frames in the commercial building sector in the UK. Steel Decking may also be supported off masonry or concrete components and is increasingly being used in the residential sector.
The main advantages of using steel decking for composite slab construction are:-
Speed of Construction
As steel decking sheets are laid by hand and not by crane, this method is far less time consuming that other methods of floor construction which require cranes to install. This method not only speeds up construction but also dramatically reduces costs as no heavy duty machines are required.
Saving in weight
Composite slabs using steel decking are considerable stiffer and stronger than many other flooring systems, so the weight and size of the primary structure can be reduced. Consequently, foundation sizes can also be reduced.
Easy Installation of services
Cable trays and pipes can be hung from the underside of the steel decking by attaching them to special ‘dovetail’ recesses fixed into the decking profile. Using this relatively inexpensive method often leads to a saving in cost compared to other flooring systems where the installation of services is far more complex and more expensive.
Less Concrete Usage
Due to the ribbed design of the Metfloor 80, Metfloor 60 and Metfloor 55, this means concrete required for the slab is dramatically reduced for any slab depth without compromising the strength of the structure or the fire performance.
Lead Times
Where as lead time for other flooring systems may be 2-4 weeks minimum, due to our high stock levels of steel decking and transport divisions able to deliver throughout the UK, lead times for our Metfloor steel decking are never more than 5 working days.
Click here to download the Metfloor Technical Manual