Floor Construction in Light Gauge Steel Structures

Floor Construction in Light Gauge Steel Structures: Today, light gauge steel structures have gained popularity due to their high durability, flexibility, and fast installation advantages. These building systems are used in a wide range of applications, from residential to commercial buildings. Especially in multi-story light gauge steel structures, floor construction is one of the most important aspects to consider. A solid floor not only increases the building’s durability but also plays a significant role in insulation and comfort. In this section, we will elaborate on the layers used in floor construction in light gauge steel structures and the advantages they provide.

Floor Construction in Light Gauge Steel Structures:

Components of the Floor Structure:

The flooring system used in multi-story light gauge steel buildings has a layered structure. These layers consist of various materials, each serving a different purpose. Here are the details of these layers:

1.Joists and Truss Beams Joists and truss beams, which form the main skeleton supporting the entire floor system and the upper floor load, are the fundamental elements in floor construction in light gauge steel structures. Joists serve as a layer that carries the weight of the structure and ensures stability. Although lightweight, joists provide high durability, allowing the weight of the upper floors and roof to be transferred effectively to the ground floor panels in multi-story buildings.

2. Trapezoidal Sheet Placed on top of the joists, the trapezoidal sheet forms the mold for pouring the C25-C30 concrete. The trapezoidal sheet is fastened to the joists at regular intervals. Its corrugated shape allows for better adhesion of the poured concrete to the surface. This layer enhances the durability of the flooring system, creating a strong floor in conjunction with the concrete.

3. C25-C30 Concrete and Steel Mesh Reinforcement It is necessary to lay steel mesh within the trapezoidal sheet; otherwise, the concrete will crack, break, and fail to provide the required strength. After the steel mesh is laid, C25-C30 concrete should be poured with a minimum thickness of 8-10 cm. This application prevents the floor from vibrating, swaying, and bending. One of the most common concerns in light gauge steel structures is floor deflection, squeaking, and trembling. This application addresses these issues, providing additional thermal and sound insulation.

4. Screed Concrete If underfloor heating will be used, after laying the heating pipes and polystyrene, a water test is conducted, and a screed concrete layer (5-6 cm) is applied, making the floor ready for the final flooring. If underfloor heating is not required, a 2-3 cm screed concrete layer is applied, preparing the floor for the final finish.

5. Adhesive Mortar Adhesive mortar is a specialized bonding material used in construction to securely fix tiles, bricks, or other building components in place. This type of mortar is formulated to provide a strong and durable bond between surfaces, ensuring structural stability. It is especially ideal for applications requiring precision and strength, such as tile installation, stonework, or the bonding of insulation panels.

6. Flooring Adhesive mortar is also used to firmly secure ceramic, marble, or other building elements in construction. This type of mortar is formulated to provide a strong and durable bond between surfaces, ensuring structural integrity. It is ideal for applications that require precision and durability, such as ceramic tiling, stonework, or bonding insulation panels. If wood flooring is preferred, a necessary underlay or foam (available with thermal insulation) is laid over the screed, and parquet is applied over it. This layer ensures the floor is presented to the end-user in the most suitable and comfortable way. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, it also provides durability against wear and tear from everyday use.

Advantages of Layered Floor Systems in Light Gauge Steel Structures

Layered floor systems used in light gauge steel buildings offer numerous advantages over traditional building materials:

Durability The concrete floor in the upper levels prevents swaying and vibration that could occur while walking on the floors, creating a solid foundation. This creates a robust, reinforced concrete-style structure in multi-story buildings.
Insulation Properties The insulation foam placed between the joists minimizes heat loss from the structure, provides sound insulation, and enhances energy efficiency. Additionally, acoustic comfort is improved thanks to the sound insulation.
Underfloor Heating Underfloor heating systems are applied on top of the C25-C30 concrete in intermediate floors. This ensures efficient heating of the floor.
Long-lasting Use The steel, concrete, and other materials used in light gauge steel flooring systems have high durability characteristics. This layered structure supports long-term use and reduces maintenance costs.
Reducing Earthquake Tremors Since the upper floor is supported by concrete and screed, the swaying during an earthquake is less compared to light gauge steel structures built without this system. Additionally, the collaboration of all the joists in the flooring system and their shared load-bearing function significantly contributes to stability.

Intermediate (Lattice – Floor) Joist Construction in Light Gauge Steel Structures: Layered flooring systems used in light gauge steel structures add durability, comfort, and aesthetic value to the building. This system ensures that floors in multi-story buildings are safe and long-lasting, while also standing out for its fast installation advantage. Light gauge steel buildings continue to offer sustainable and efficient solutions in modern construction projects, and the layered flooring structure plays a critical role within these systems.

Thanks to this flooring structure, the popularity of light gauge steel structures for both residential and commercial spaces is increasing, and these systems are expected to gain more prominence in the future construction industry. The strength, insulation, and aesthetic benefits offered by the flooring layers in light gauge steel structures make them an excellent solution for modern construction projects.

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