Title:
Advances in Medium-Rise Building Construction using a Long-Spanning Composite Flooring System
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Publication:
CIA
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DOI:
Date:
2/28/2011
Abstract:
A unique, long-spanning composite flooring system has been used in a wide range of building projects over the past decade. Some have involved medium-rise buildings, in which the design engineers and builders have made significant advances that are explained in case studies, with references to a new, comprehensive design manual. A major advance has involved completely avoiding temporary propping. Moreover, the steel panels can span up to 8.5 metres, so many permanent load-bearing elements such as beams and walls can be eliminated. The steel panels are cambered for a flat composite slab soffit, and fitting final separating walls, services and finishes begins immediately after the pour. The light steel panels are manually placed, minimising cranage requirements. Also, serving as permanent formwork, the steel panels remain in the hardened concrete after the pour, their steel-plate components acting compositely as top and bottom main reinforcement. These features significantly reduce on-site manpower and speed up construction. Astute builders recognise the overall commercial benefits that arise from these advances.