Among modern construction materials, corrugated steel decking is widely recognized as one of the most cost-efficient methods of reducing construction times. It’s used to fulfill key aspects of the building process while ensuring the resulting structure is sturdy while reducing some of the more cumbersome costs of traditional construction methods. Here’s an in-depth look at how this material can benefit your next construction project.

Common Uses of Corrugated Steel Decking

Corrugated steel decking consists of sheets of ridged galvanized steel. These sheets are laid across steel joists and beams to form a sturdy base for concrete floors and roofs.

To create a composite concrete floor slab, steel decking is first placed on supportive beams and capped and finished at the edges. A layer of steel fibers or mesh is then laid over the decking, after which concrete is poured and screed onto the base. The reinforcing mesh or fibers prevent cracking and shifting, while the indentations in the steel help to evenly distribute the weight of the concrete.

Advantages of Steel Decking

Traditionally, concrete is poured over rebar in molds to form the columns and beams needed to provide a secure base for floors and roofs in commercial buildings. While this method is effective and still in use, it’s also more time-consuming and requires greater skill and the use of heavy machinery like cranes to complete.

Corrugated steel decking is instead laid by hand, thus eliminating the need for cranes and the accompanying need for specialized labor. As a result, regular construction crews can prepare composite concrete floor slabs with minimal effort and time, thus reducing construction costs and times. The amount of concrete needed on-site is also reduced.

Due to the superior strength of steel, the combination of steel decking and support members results in a durable structure with a high strength-to-weight ratio. The finished structure is lighter while offering equal or greater strength to all-concrete structures. The indentations on the underside of each slab further facilitate construction as utility lines can be installed directly into them, thus reducing the need for large amounts of ceiling material seen in other methods.

If you’re interested in maximizing efficiency and savings for your next construction project with corrugated steel decking, contact Magna Steel Sales. Based in Beacon Falls, CT, this trusted steel supplier has served businesses throughout much of the state and the Westchester, NY, area since 1984. They offer a wide variety of steel products, including steel sheets, grating, rebar, and custom products, and they don’t require a minimum order, allowing you to purchase precisely as much material as you require. Call (203) 888-0300 to place an order or visit them online to review their list of products.