Composite Steel Beam Economics

[KootK]

I'd like to know some good rules of thumb for choosing economical deck and slab thickness for composite steel beams. In particular:

- 1.5" vs 3" deck?
- Does deck gauge affect the overall economy greatly?
- Typical % composite?

My inclination is to go with 3" deck spanning as far as possible with a concrete thickness sufficient to eliminate the need for fireproofing the deck. Having asked around my office, however, I've received a variety of answers. I'm curious to know what others think.

Additionally, is it best to always stick to standard nelson stud sizes (my preference)? Or should one extend the studs as high as possible given the cover requirements?

Thanks,

KootK

 

[a2mfk]

Just used this on a project, and it is fairly common and ecomical for office floors:
10' oc WF composite beams
3VLI 20ga composite deck w/ 3.5" concrete (6.5" total thickness)
3/4" dia x 5" studs
Our bays were mostly 40x'40'.

Be careful with your camber, deflection, and stud height- make sure they are compatible.

I think this deck and slab gives you a 1 hr fire rating with no additional protection, but its been a while since I looked that up.

For overall economics questions, Modern Steel has many articles online, as does AISC...