Composite Metal deck design
Composite Metal deck design
(OP)
I am designing composite metal/concrete floor with beam supports. The floor will serve as a warehouse and have a forklift running on it. I have looked every where to find what a reasonable impact factor I should add to the forklift for design purposes. The forklift is about 12,000 lbs fully loaded. I am thinking that between 10% to 25% would be a reasonable impact factor. Is this reasonable or is there some where in IBC or somewhere else I can find the impact factor for a forklift?






RE: Composite Metal deck design
I would also use a larger impact factor. Something in the range of 1.5 to 2.0. That is not taken from a code, but just based on my engineering judgment. Elevator supports are designed for a factor of 2.0. Forklifts do not have the entire load starting and stopping vertically like an elevator, but it is similar.
RE: Composite Metal deck design
Make sure you design the rebar for positive moment, negative moment and bottom distribution steel. Design your slab for the following conditions:
1) two loaded forklifts passing in an aisle. Arrange the trucks in both directions, since either may control.
2) one loaded forklift stacking adjacent to a fully loaded floor.
I typically have used 30% impact. This corresponds to impact recommended by AASHTO for vehicles on short span bridges.
RE: Composite Metal deck design
This sounds like something that really should be designed by a structural engineer - we are cheap compared to you mech. guys.
For example - have you considered the effects of point loads on your slab?
RE: Composite Metal deck design
Thanks for your valuable input. I did not fully discuss the composite conc/metal deck approach I am taking. I agree with the suggestion of using the metal deck as a form and not use it in the design of the slab and this is my approach for the slab. I am also designing for both positive and negative moments for the slab and checking the shear on the design. Again, you all for your input
Regards
RE: Composite Metal deck design
That is not what I meant. Do you know what effective width you need to take for design?