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Structural Steel Decking

COMPARE THE ADVANTAGES – COMPARE THE COSTS

Steel decking is cheaper to install than reinforced concrete. The significant savings on site from using steel deck outweigh the initial cost savings of buying reinforced concrete.

The reason behind the savings is the speed and ease of installing steel decking compared with pre-cast concrete slabs. This means that buildings can be erected faster, enabling projects to be completed earlier and within budget without compromising on quality.

How much time can you save by using steel floor deck? 7.5% FASTER

Industry research carried out by British Steel Advisory Service into construction times for composite steel decking compared with reinforced concrete shows that, construction spread nationally, teams can save 7.5% on overall construction times.

Source: Steel or Concrete – The Economics of Commercial Buildings – summary of SCI report

How much lighter is steel floor deck? 12.3% LIGHTER

Steel decking averages out to be 12.3% lighter than concrete floors for similar buildings. Foundation and structural cost are reduced due to shallow floor zones and lighter weight of steel floors.

Advantages of steel over concrete

FEATURES   BENEFITS
Ease of installation   Quicker project time, saving on crane time and site costs
Steel floor deck provides a stable working platform instantly   Complies with CDM regulations. Enables crews to work underneath at an earlier stage
Steel floor deck arrives on site in lightweight sheets, cut to length   Reduces cranage cost. Decking can be manhandled, saving installation time
Easy to fix using studs, clips and screws   Minimises installation time
Pumping concrete as opposed to pre-cast units   Saves cranage time and minimises installation time
When installed the deck acts as a diaphragm   Adds stability to the support structure
Thinner, lighter slabs.   Overall ceiling and floor zone. Outer façade is reduced, a particular cost advantage in multi-storey buildings. Lighter support steelwork

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