What are metal floor beams, how to calculate and install them?

Metal floors are a structure used as a building material in the construction of various private and industrial facilities.
Before purchasing the material, it is necessary to make the necessary calculations and make sure that the metal floor elements are suitable for the construction of the facility.

Let's consider and understand them in more detail.

What is it and what sizes do they come in?

The beam is one of the main elements of any structure; its function is to increase the stability of the structure and strengthen it. A beam (or transom) consists of flanges and walls of various sizes, connected by butt seams using welding. Elements are manufactured at equipped factories using special machines.

The manufacturing procedure is carried out in several stages, after which the finished product is checked for compliance with GOST standards.

Metal structures vary in size; for convenience, they have numbers , with which you can select the necessary material for construction.

• 
  “10” is a small product, used as a ceiling to strengthen moving elements in construction. Can be used as a guide for small lifts.

• “12” is a slightly larger structure size that can withstand a larger load. Used as a basis for frames, used in mechanisms.
• “14” - products of this size can be used in industrial production for installation in reinforced concrete structures.
• “16” is a durable structure that acts as a full-fledged support and can be used to move vehicles around the workshop.
• “18” is a reliable supporting element, used in the construction of buildings, it will ensure the stability of a large area.
• “20” is a large element that can serve as the basis for a column or frame. Often used in mechanical engineering.
• “25” - the product can serve as a support for large cranes and large-sized lifting mechanisms.
• “30” is the largest structure not used in residential construction. It is the basis for lifting mechanisms.

Scope of application

Metal floor beams have found their application in various fields. Can be used for :

• Roof strengthening in residential and industrial construction.
• Creation of interfloor ceilings.
• Construction of supports and various columns in industrial structures and architectural buildings.
• Installation of hangar frames.
• Mine shafts.
• Creation of various railway cars.
• Construction of bridges, overpasses.
• Construction of metal trusses.

Note : metal floor beams can also be used in the construction of low-rise private houses.

Flooring on I-beams - preparatory work

At the preparatory stage, perform the following activities:

1. Decide on the material that is supposed to be used to make the ceiling of the room, and also study the sequence of actions.
2. Develop a working drawing that provides complete information about the design features of the ceiling and the range of materials used.
3. Perform calculations confirming the strength characteristics of the building structure and the safety margin necessary for long-term operation.
4. Calculate the need for building materials, estimate the amount of expenses, and prepare tools.
5. Mount the I-beams, maintaining an interval between the supporting elements of 1–2 m and check the correct installation using a level.
6. Assemble panel collapsible formwork along the lower level of the I-beam using laminated plywood or planed boards, provide a flange 15–20 cm high.
7. Anchor wooden beams or steel spacers to ensure the formwork structure remains stationary and must support the mass of concrete.

When installing supports, install one wooden beam for each square meter of area, and metal elements 2 times less often. The use of telescopic racks will significantly facilitate the work of fixing the formwork structure. Having completed the preparatory activities, proceed to the main work.

Correct calculation of flooring on metal beams is very important

Varieties

Metal structures differ in many ways. It is recommended to take this into account when choosing a product.

By purpose

Using metal beams, you can create a high-quality durable floor by choosing one of the options.

1. 
   Monolithic . Concrete is poured into the formwork and reinforced with a grid of reinforcement. The surface is seamless and highly durable.

2. Monolithic-prefabricated . In this case, in addition to metal beams, concrete blocks are used, which are laid on a steel profile. The joint areas are filled with concrete.
3. Composite . A combination of materials is used, that is, slabs, boards, and panels are laid on load-bearing metal products. This option involves the creation of additional insulation and sound insulation of the surface.

By material: steel and aluminum

Metal structures can be made from different materials. The most popular are steel and aluminum floor beams.

• Steel products are made from steel alloy by cold or hot rolling.
  Steel structures come in several types: angle, channel, I-beam. The advantages of steel beams include fire resistance, resistance to rotting and external factors, and high strength. The main disadvantages are: high cost, low heat and sound insulation, risk of corrosion. Installation of steel structures cannot be carried out without the use of special equipment.
• Aluminum beams . In their manufacture, not just aluminum is used, but its alloys. In construction, such products are used less frequently than their steel counterparts, since they are inferior in terms of stability under heavy loads. Most often, aluminum beams are used in the construction of small-sized buildings. When constructing industrial facilities, products made from this metal are used only in combination with steel structures.

By design

In modern construction, several types of metal beams are used, varying in design.

1. 
   T-bars . The main section consists of a wall and a shelf in the shape of the letter “T”.

2. I-beam. The cross-section of rolled metal looks like the letter “H”. The product is more rigid than a T-bar due to the fact that it has an additional shelf on the opposite side.
   I-beam elements are divided into several types, each of which is marked:
   • B – standard I-beams.

   Ш – product with wide brim.

3. U - narrow-flange structures.
4. D – mid-shelf products.
5. K – column beams. The width of the shelf of such an element can be equal to the height of the product.

There are I-beams not with parallel, but with inclined shelves. They are classified into special and ordinary. Their characteristics are regulated by GOST 19425-74.

6. Channel . The cross section of the element is the letter “P”. These beams are considered universal and are used in all areas of industry.

Requirements

All requirements for metal beams are clearly outlined in GOSTs and SNiPs. The main requirements are :

• Durability . Depending on the type of material used in the manufacture of the product, strength indicators may differ, but they must correspond to the values ​​​​specified in regulatory documents.
• Operating period . Metal structures, according to GOST, must last at least 80 years.
• Corrosion resistance . Finished elements must be additionally treated with compounds that prevent the formation of corrosion.

Characteristics

Floor beams, depending on the production technology, have different characteristics.

1. 
   I-beams with inclined shelves. The slope angle is 6-12 degrees. Main parameters:

   length – 10-60 cm;
2. width – 5.5-19 cm;
3. shelf thickness – 7.2 mm-1.8 cm;
4. wall thickness – 4.5mm-1.2 cm.
5. I-beams with parallel edges (GOST 26020, STO ASChM 20-93) have other characteristics:
   length - B-1 - 100 B-4;
6. shelf thickness – 5.7 mm-3.3 cm;
7. profile width – 55 mm-32 cm;
8. wall thickness – 4.1 mm-1.95 cm.
9. Wide-flange metal structures have the following characteristics:
   length - 20Ш1- 70Ш5;
10. profile width – 15-32 cm;
11. wall thickness – 6.0 mm - 2.3 cm;
12. shelf thickness – from 9 mm -3.65 cm.
13. Column beams have the following indicators:
    length – 20 K1-40 K5;
14. profile width – from 20 to 40 cm;
15. wall thickness – from 6.5 to 2.3 cm;
16. shelf thickness – 1-3.55 cm.

Hot-rolled steel I-beams with parallel flange edges according to GOST 26020-83

If there are GOSTs for I-beams, then the manufacture of the T-beam is carried out according to TU 14-2-685-86

The designation here is the same as for an I-beam.

Column brands and ShT brands according to TU 14-2-685-86 have the following dimensions

ShT brands according to TU 14-2-685-86. Profile name, weight.

Calculation

When planning the installation of a ceiling or floor using metal beams, it is recommended to correctly perform the necessary calculations.

What indicators to consider?

When carrying out calculations, a number of factors are taken into account simultaneously:

• surface area under construction;
• total weight;
• distance between metal beams;
• maximum possible load;
• span width.

The greater the span width, the greater the height of the metal products.

Formulas

The calculation is made based on the strength and rigidity of the product . By calculating the values ​​in the GOST tables, you can find the required rental number.

Linear load is calculated using the formula q = Q * p and is used in subsequent calculations.

The deflection calculation is calculated using the formula My = (q * L2) / 8 , where:

• q – linear load value;
• p – beam laying step;
• L is the length of the overlapped span.

The maximum moment of resistance of a beam section (Wy) is found by dividing the bending moment by the design resistance of the material.

Stiffness calculations are carried out using the formula f = 5 * q * L4 / (384 * E * Jy) , where:

• q – linear load on the beam;
• L – span length;
• E – elastic modulus of the material
• Jy is the minimum moment of inertia.

We install a monolithic ceiling on metal beams

Developers are attracted by the solid structure, made of concrete reinforced with reinforcing lattice.

After installing the metal beams, constructing the formwork and ensuring its stability, carry out work on forming a monolithic reinforced concrete slab according to the following algorithm:

1. Check for any gaps in the wooden formwork and, if necessary, seal them.
2. Assemble the reinforcement frame using metal rods with a section size of 10–12 mm.
3. Place the frame in the formwork, ensuring a constant interval of 4–5 cm to the surface of the future concrete slab.
4. Pour the concrete mixture into the formwork and thoroughly compact the concrete mass using a vibrator.
5. Do not expose the hardening mortar to loads for 4 weeks and then dismantle the formwork.

Pay attention to the size of the supporting surface around the perimeter of the slab, which should be more than 150 mm.

Features of the installation process

The procedure for installing floors using metal beams has certain features that must be known and strictly followed.

1. 
   It is necessary to have a clear construction plan with calculations made for the strength and bending of products.

2. Bars with a section of 60x60 are attached to the side faces of the beams, after which a roll of boards is placed.
3. The roll-up is covered with a layer of insulation that performs the functions of sound and heat insulation.
4. The step between steel beams should not exceed 150 cm, the optimal distance is 100 cm.
5. The depth of support of the ends of metal structures on the walls is a maximum of 25 cm.
6. To achieve greater sound insulation, you can use spring brackets rather than ordinary ones.

Pros and cons of use in buildings

Metal structures have a number of advantages, due to which the material is widely used:

• increased strength;
• fire resistance;
• resistance to external factors;
• increased reliability;
• long period of operation;
• the ability to strengthen an already constructed building;
• increased load-bearing capacity.

However, such beams also have their disadvantages, which should also be taken into account :

• complexity of construction work;
• the need to use heavy equipment;
• metal may corrode;
• complex calculations are required, which can be very difficult for a beginner.

Prices for all types

In construction, I-beams are most often used. The average cost of production is presented in the table.

ShT brands according to TU 14-2-685-86. Profile name, weight.

Column brands according to TU 14-2-685-86. Profile name and weight