Title:
The Un-Shored Composite Slab on Metal Deck Part III, Level Deflected Slab Strategies
Author(s):
Eldon Tipping and Bryan M. Birdwell
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
338
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
75-87
Keywords:
composite, deflection, elevation, gauging, level, metal deck
DOI:
10.14359/51724730
Date:
3/1/2020
Abstract:
This is the third of a three-part series, the goal of which is to provide the designer and contractor with tools necessary to produce level deflected slabs on metal deck. This third part provides the designer and contractor with strategies for producing level deflected slabs on metal deck. An approach by which elevation tolerances can be
successfully imposed on the erected steel frame is presented. The method requires that the designer first provide the contractor with desired relative elevation of splice points at each floor level and flexible column splice details. This information, provided by the designer, enables the contractor to establish desired relative elevations that can assist in achieving those tolerances. An effective cambering strategy that recognizes the differing behavior of members framing to columns and those that connect to girders is presented and discussed. The paper finally presents a floor
construction/monitoring program that identifies frame behavior during construction and provides both the designer
and contractor with the resources necessary to produce level deflected slabs. The program includes pre- and postplacement
surveys of structural steel frame, utilization of a controlled method of striking off the concrete, a survey of the completed slab surface, and use of the collected data to respond to unexpected structural behavior. Other tools, including the selective use of “loose shores” or a secondary placement can enable the contractor to produce
deflected slabs on metal deck with 80% or more of the surface within a 3/4 inch (19 mm) deep envelope.
Related References:
Lee, H., Gunnin, B., Neal, J., Platten, D., Thompson, S, and Tipping, E., “Report on Design and Construction Issues for Achieving Floors of Acceptable Flatness and Levelness,” Published by the Structural Engineers Association of Texas, April, 1994.
Tipping, E., and Rajagopalan, K.S., "Flatness and Levelness of Elevated Surfaces," Concrete International; Design & Construction, V.12, No. 1, January 1990, pp. 52-62."
Suprenant, B., "Construction of Elevated Concrete Slabs – Understanding the effect of Structural Systems," Concrete Construction, V.35, No. 11, November, 1990, pp. 32-42.
Tipping, E., and Suprenant, B., "Construction of Elevated Concrete Slabs - Practice and Procedures," Concrete Construction, V.36, No. 1, January, 1991, pp. 32-42.
Tipping, E., and Suprenant, B., "Construction of Elevated Concrete Slabs - Measuring and Evaluating Quality," Concrete Construction, V.36, No. 3, March, 1991, pp. 260-268.
Tipping, E., "Building Superior Quality Elevated Floors," Concrete Construction, V.37, No. 4, April, 1992, pp. 285-288.
Tipping, E., "Tolerance Conflicts and Omissions in Suspended Slab Construction," Concrete International; Design & Construction, V.14, No. 8, August, 1992, pp. 33-37.
Tipping, E., "Controlling the Quality of Suspended Slab Construction," Concrete International; Design & Construction, V.14, No. 8, August, 1992, pp. 38-40.
Tipping, E., "Achieving Level Composite Steel Floors," Proceedings of papers presented at the Structures Congress '93, V. 2, April 19-21, 1993, pp. 1497-1502.
Tipping, E. “Keys to Constructing Level Suspended Floors,” L&M Concrete News, V. 3, No. 1, Spring, 2002.