The lightest
floor system in common use is the open-web steel joist construction. It is
popular for all types of light occupancies, principally because of initial low
cost.
Many types
of open-web joists are available. Some employ bars in their makeup, while
others are entirely of rolled shapes; they all conform to standards and good
practice specifications promulgated by the Steel Joist Institute and the
American Institute of Steel Construction.
All joists
conform to the standard loading tables and carry the same size designation so
that designers need only indicate on project drawings the standard marking
without reference to manufacturer, just as for a steel beam or column section.
Satisfactory
joists construction is assured by adhering to SJI and AISC recommendations.
Joists generally are spaced 2 ft c to c. They should be adequately braced (with
bridging) during construction to prevent rotation or buckling, and to avoid
‘‘springy’’ floors, they should be carefully selected to provide sufficient depth.
This system
has many advantages: Falsework is eliminated. Joists are easily handled,
erected, and connected to supporting beams—usually by tack welding.
Temporary
coverage and working platforms are quickly placed. The open space between
joists, and through the webs, may be utilized for ducts, cables, light
fixtures, and piping. A thin floor slab may be cast on steel lath,
corrugated-steel sheets, or wire-reinforced paper lath laid on top of the
joists. A plaster ceiling may be suspended or attached directly to the bottom
flange of the joists.
Lightweight
beams, or so-called ‘‘junior’’ beams, are also used in the same manner as
open-web joists, and with the same advantages and economy, except that the
solid webs do not allow as much freedom in installation of utilities.
Beams may be
spaced according to their safe load capacity; 3- and 4-ft spacings are common. As
a type, therefore, the lightweight-steel-beam floor is intermediate between concrete
arches and open-web joists.
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