What are the safety considerations for steel decking

Steel decking has become an increasingly popular and effective way to construct a variety of structures, from parking garages to bridges. Steel decks are strong, long-lasting, and relatively inexpensive. However, as with any construction material, there are safety considerations that must be taken into account when using steel decking. This article will discuss the various safety considerations for steel decking, including proper installation, load capacity ，inspect on the spot.

Proper Installation of steel decking

One of the most important safety considerations for steel decks is proper installation. The steel deck is used as a formwork during the construction phase, as a platform to support the construction action, so it must be firmly fixed to the supporting structure to ensure its stability and structural integrity. The following points need attention:

The size of the steel decking

Steel decking is available in a variety of sizes, and it is important to choose the right size for the project. If the size is too small, it may not be able to hold the weight of the structure and could collapse. On the other hand, if the size is too large, it could be difficult to install and could be a safety hazard. For example, choosing 2” deck or 3” deck is very different, and the bearing capacity of each board type is also different.

Fixing of Steel floor Deck

The fixing of the steel floor deck is the first important thing for the installation. If the fixing of the steel floor deck does not comply with the regulations, it may cause the steel floor deck to slip and cause a safety accident. There are three main types of steel floor deck fixings: welding, bolting, and screwing. Among them, the steel deck for concrete is mostly fixed by welding, while the enclosure structure is mostly fixed by other methods. For welding, it is required to operate in strict accordance with the drawings; for bolts and screws, qualified products must be selected and constructed in strict accordance with the operation manual.

Lap joints for steel decks

There will be some laps between the steel decks, and there will be laps between the steel floor decks and the supporting structure, and the length and manner of the laps are particularly important. According to the regulations, the overlap between the steel deck and the steel structure is not less than 50 mm. Considering the reason of the error, the overlap length required by Solideck is not less than 80 mm to ensure the safety of fixing. There have been safety accidents because the overlap was only 30 mm, which caused the steel deck to overturn, which is really not worth it. Lap joint methods include butt joint, covering, etc., and the covering size should be ensured to avoid disengagement between steel decks.

load capacity of steel decking

The load calculation must be carried out before the construction of the steel deck to ensure the safety of each stage, including the structural designer and site designer. There are several main aspects to pay attention to.Regardless of the construction stage or the use stage, it is necessary to calculate the flexural bearing capacity, shear bearing capacity, and deflection.

Inspect on the spot

When there are no problems with the above, the rest is the safety inspection work before and during construction on site. it includes:

Inspect the Deck

Before installing any type of steel decking, it’s important to inspect the deck for any existing damage or signs of wear and tear. Check the size and length of the steel deck for errors，For example, don’t confuse 2” deck and 3” deck.If any of these issues are present, the deck should be repaired before any further installation is done.

Check for Corrosion

Steel is susceptible to corrosion, especially if it’s not properly treated or maintained. Corrosion can weaken the structure of the deck, which can lead to collapse or injury. It’s important to inspect the decking periodically for any signs of corrosion, such as rust or discoloration. If any corrosion is found, it should be addressed immediately.