What is Composite Floor Decking & How Does it Work?
When a multi story or single story steel building is being designed there are many components that you have to consider. From the frame, walls, roof, floor and so on, the engineer has many factors that need to be accounted for.
With competitive price and timely delivery, KAIYAO sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
One major component is the metal decking floor system. There are many ways to design and construct a stronger metal decking floor system. However, not all design options are best.
Most of your options to make the floor system stronger require adding extra weight, which has an impact on other aspects of the building such as the steel framing.
Composite metal floor deck systems are designed to be a solution to this specific problem. The main benefit of a composite metal floor deck is strengthening your floor system without adding extra weight.
Composite metal floor deck comes in different profile types, gauges and lengths. Each profile type and gauge is engineered for different concrete slabs and yields different values in strength. Not all projects are engineered the same. Some areas may require more strength and that requires a heavier gauge or different profile type. Western Metal Deck stocks a large assortment of composite metal floor deck in different profiles, types, and gauges.
In this article we will cover:
What is Composite Floor Decking?
Composite metal floor decking is metal floor deck with an embossment pattern manufactured into the sides (flutes) at regular intervals. The embossments allow the concrete to bond with the metal decking panel as the concrete cures. The main difference between a floor deck and a roof deck is that roof deck does not have the embossments.
Once the concrete curing process is completed the metal decking and concrete become one item bonded together. They become a composite metal floor deck. The strength of this new composite product is greater than the strength of the sum of the two individual parts.
The embossment pattern that is manufactured onto the panel is referred to by different names depending on the decking manufacturer. Verco Decking, for instance, refers to their embossment pattern as FormLok&#;.
What is FormLok&#;?
FormLok is the embossment pattern that is manufactured onto Verco metal floor deck panels. The formlok embossment pattern is different on each composite metal deck profile. The FormLok pattern is tested to calculate the strength for different composite deck slabs.
Types of Composite Metal Floor Deck
There are several options when it comes to composite metal floor decking. It is made up of different profiles, which each offer different values in strength. There are 3 different depths of Formlok Composite Metal Decks. Each depth allows for different concrete slab thicknesses. Below are the different types of Formlok Composite Metal Decks.
1 ½&#; Composite Metal Deck Type B-36 Formlok
Type B-36 FormLok is a low profile deck. It is 1.5&#; Deep, 3&#; Wide Panel. It allows for normal weight concrete slab thicknesses of between 3.5&#; to 7.5&#;. This type of panel is used in short span conditions.
2&#; Composite Metal Deck Type W2-36 Formlok
Type W2-36 FormLok is a 2&#; Deep, 3&#; Wide panel. It allows for a normal weight concrete slab thickness of between 4&#; to 8&#;. It allows for longer span conditions than the 1.5&#; deep panels.
3&#; Composite Metal Deck Type W3-36 Formlok
Type W3-36 FormLok is 3&#; Deep, 36&#; Wide. It is a long span floor deck panel. It can support normal weight concrete slab thicknesses of between 5&#; to 9&#;.
3&#; Composite Metal Deck Type N-24 Formlok
Type N-24 FormLok is another 3&#; Deep panel. It is only 24&#; wide and is used in long span floor conditions. It allows for a normal weight concrete slab thickness of 5&#; to 9&#;.
3&#; Composite Metal Deck Type N3-32 Formlok
Type N3-32 FormLok is another option for a 3&#; Deep panel. This panel comes 32&#; wide and is also used in long span floor conditions. It allows for a normal weight concrete slab thickness of 5&#; to 9&#;.
Composite Metal Floor Deck: Side Lap Types
Composite Metal Floor Deck can be manufactured with 2 different types of side laps. It can be made with the standard interlocking side lap or a screw fastened side lap.
The most common side lap connection type specified on composite metal floor deck is the standard interlocking side lap. It allows the side laps to be connected by Button Punch, PunchLok, or Top Seam Weld. The project plans will specify how the side laps will be connected.
Alternatives to Composite Metal Floor Decking
If you are trying to increase the strength of your floor deck, there are alternatives to using composite metal floor deck or in addition to using composite metal decking.
- Use heavier gauge metal decking
- Locate your secondary steel framing closer together to reduce the metal decking span
- Increase size of your secondary beams
- Put rebar in the slab
- Use deeper metal decking
- Increase the thickness of the concrete pour
One of the main problems with most options is that they add weight to the floor slab, which has a ripple effect. The added weight needs to be supported by the steel framing, connections, columns and footings. The more floors that your building has the bigger problem the additional weight becomes. When you add up all of the affected items, all of the additional weight can end up costing a large amount.
Benefits of Composite Metal Floor Decking
There are a few major benefits of using composite metal floor decking. The first one is the added strength. As mentioned earlier, that strength is produced when FormLok&#; embossments allow the concrete to bond with the metal decking panel as the concrete cures.
The second benefit is the FormLok&#; embossments do not add any extra weight. The weight of a non-embossed panel and an embossed panel is identical. However, when you add extra weight, you have to account for it in multiple areas. That makes the value of embossed panels much higher when you&#;re looking to strengthen your floor system.
Cost is another benefit of going with FormLok decking. The cost to add the FormLok embossment is only 1¢ per square foot or $1 per 100 square feet. The FormLok embossment manages to add strength to the composite deck slab at a very low cost.
If you have additional questions on the cost of metal decking we suggest this article:
Want more information on metal flooring? Feel free to contact us.
If you have a job calling for a composite metal floor deck, we stock 1.5&#; deep, 2&#; Deep and 3&#; deep floor deck in 20 Gauge, 18 Gauge and 16 Gauge in Galvanized G-60 finish. We stock it with the standard interlocking side lap in multiple lengths.
What Is Metal Decking and Where Is It Used?
In construction, the term &#;metal decking&#; is often tossed around.
What does it mean? As a general understanding, metal decking has nothing to do with your backyard deck. Metal decking, or steel decking as it is sometimes called, is a broad term used to refer to corrugated metal sheeting used as a structural roof or floor deck.
Following the recent changes in building regulations, there&#;s a need to rethink decking and cladding options for use in high-rise building projects. Metal decking, particularly composite decking options, has evolved a lot in the past decade, and there&#;s a wide variety to choose from.
In this guide, we&#;ll cover everything you need to know about metal decking, including where it&#;s used and the various types available.
What Is Metal Decking?
In the construction industry, the term &#;metal decking&#; covers all forms of profiled steel sheeting that, together with steelwork and concrete, form the basis for setting up a flooring system or building a structure for roof construction.
Metal decking is usually supported by joists or steel beams. Its purpose is to support the insulating roof membrane or bond with the concrete to build a composite metal floor deck.
One advantage of metal decking is that it has a high strength-to-weight ratio, which decreases the material handling cost. It&#;s perfect for multi-story buildings as it significantly brings down the weight of the entire project, allowing for smaller foundational sizes. It also eliminates the need for or reduces the number of support props required for slab casting.
Where Is Metal Decking Used?
Metal decking is typically used in roofing and flooring applications
Metal Roof Decking
As the name implies, metal roof decking can be used in various roofing applications to provide a solid platform for installing roofing materials. It&#;s usually installed over steel joists or beams and mostly attached with screws or fasteners.
Typical uses for metal roof decking include:
Support the roof system of a building
Steel canopies&#;an overhead structure used to provide shelter and shade
Mezzanines, which are intermediate floors covered with plywood
Metal Floor Decking
Metal floor decking is used for floor applications.
Metal floor deck acts as a base for flooring systems. It&#;s installed over steel beams and joints and supports wet concrete. Once the metal floor deck is laid down, concrete is poured to create a strong foundation.
Metal decking combined with a concrete slab and a steel frame forms a lightweight, cost-effective floor construction that doesn&#;t require props.
Metal floor decks can be formed in various widths, depths, and gauges to fit the needs of residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects.
Typical uses for metal floor decking include:
Laying a strong foundation for multi-story buildings
To stabilize the frame of a building
To create a composite floor deck system that carries the design of the building
Types and Uses of Metal Floor Decks
There are various types of metal floor decks, each with different uses.
- Composite Deck
A composite deck is a thin, profiled steel sheet designed to provide extra strength for flooring systems without adding too much weight.
Composite metal floor decks are strong and lightweight and can have deep or shallow profiles depending on the end requirement. The three common types of composite floor decks are 1.5-inch, 2-inch, and 3-inch composite decks.
1.5-Inch Composite Deck
The 1-5 inches composite metal decks, sometimes known as Type B, are durable and easy-to-install metal floor decking. These decks are used in many outdoor flooring applications and are ideal for short spans.
2-Inch Composite Deck
Compared to 1.5-inch decks, these composite metal floor decks can handle thicker concrete slabs. They&#;re mostly used for medium-span applications.
3-Inch Composite Deck
These are the deepest composite decks available. 3-inch composite decks can support thicker concrete slabs than 2-inch and 1.5-inch decks, making them extremely sturdy for flooring. Typically, 3-inch composite decks are used for long-span outdoor flooring applications.
- Form Deck
Form deck is a workhorse in flooring applications, used extensively to support concrete slabs during erection. It&#;s commonly used as a permanent steel base for reinforced concrete slabs.
Form decking is popular because its economical and assumes a permanent form. In other words, it doesn&#;t have to be removed when the concrete is cured. Unlike a concrete deck, a metal form deck doesn&#;t have embossment.
Benefits of Metal Decking
Metal decking offers a myriad of benefits during construction, including:
- Cost Saving
Metal decking reduces the weight of your project across the board, meaning you can spend less on other materials, such as reinforcements. You can use the scaled-back costs to acquire quality materials or cover other expenses.
- Less Weight
As mentioned, metal decking has a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning you can expect to work with less weight in your projects.
Compared to traditional concrete slabs, slabs made with steel decking are lighter and have high structural strength. This can be beneficial for multi-story buildings as they significantly reduce the construction&#;s weight.
- High Strength
Using metal decking in your concrete slabs will significantly increase the strength of the material. The increased strength means it will withstand greater load over a long period.
- Easy Handling
Another benefit of metal decking is the ease of handling, both onsite and offsite.
Metal decks are easy to handle, even during construction. You can cut it to your unique requirements before transporting it to the construction site, making it easier to carry.
Wrapping Up
Metal decking is an excellent choice for roof or floor decking due to its many benefits. It&#;s inexpensive, lightweight, easy to handle, and offers a high strength-to-weight ratio.
If you&#;re looking for a reliable metal decking supplier, get in touch with us today. Whatever your project requires, we can provide a composite steel decking to suit. We have metal decks in stock at 30 locations, so you can expect timely delivery no matter where you&#;re located.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of stainless steel floor tile. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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