Topic Summary
Before the steel joists arrive at the site, the structural members have been labeled so that installation is made easier. By using the diagrams or drawings provided, locating the next piece of steel and maneuvering it into place is less time consuming. This system is relatively easy and installation is quick, with little to no on-site waste.
An important advantage to steel joists are the open web design. The open web design creates ready made passages for routing building systems such as sprinklers, mechanical, electrical and plumbing. Routing the building systems in the joist space can effectively reduce the overall building height and provide additional cost savings.
Types of Steel Joists
- Open web steel joists, K-Series, are primarily designed to support the floors and roofs of buildings. K-Series joists are available in depths from 8 to 30 inches and can span up to 60 feet in length.
- Longspan steel joists, LH-Series, are designed to span longer distances than the K-Series. They are available in depths from 18 to 48 inches and can span up to 96 feet in length.
- Deep longspan steel joists, DLH-Series, are designed to span longer distances than the LH-Series. They are available in depths from 52 to 72 inches and can span up to 144 feet in length.
There are several styles or designs available for the LH-Series or DLH-Series joists. These styles include: parallel chords underslung, parallel chords square ends, top chord pitched one way underslung, top chord pitched one way square ends, top chord pitched two ways underslung, and top chord pitched two ways square ends.
