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:
[Link] 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.
Roof Construction in Light Steel Structures:
In light steel structures, the roofing system has a multi-layered design, with each layer
serving a different function. This layered system maximizes the thermal, acoustic, and water
insulation of the interior while enhancing the roof’s durability. Here are the standard layers
used in a light steel roof:
1. Steel Frame (Primary Support)
The steel frame forms the primary skeleton of the roof, providing a strong and
durable foundation for the structure. This lightweight steel frame reduces the overall
weight of the roof structure while offering robust support. It helps ensure the roof
remains stable for years and provides resistance to natural disasters.
2. 11mm OSB Board
The 11mm-thick OSB board placed on the steel frame adds rigidity to the roof. The
OSB board creates a structural bond between the layers, enhancing the roof’s
durability. It also provides a smooth surface for the placement of additional
insulation layers.
3. 5cm, 120 kg/m³ Density Rock Wool
Placed on the OSB board, the 5cm thick and 120 kg/m³ density rock wool provides
thermal and acoustic insulation. Rock wool improves the building’s energy efficiency
by offering high insulation and prevents external sounds from entering the interior.
This layer maintains interior comfort in both hot and cold weather conditions.
4. 15mm OSB Board (Second Layer)
The second layer of 15mm OSB board placed on the rock wool protects the
insulation layer and further increases the roof’s rigidity. This layer supports the water
insulation membrane and maintains the roof’s structural integrity.
5. Waterproof Membrane
The waterproof membrane applied on top of the OSB layers protects the roof against
water. This layer prevents rain, snow, and moisture from penetrating the roof,
protecting the structure. Waterproofing significantly enhances the durability and
longevity of the roof, especially in rainy regions.
6. 5×10 Double-Sided Batten Frame
A 5×10 cm double-sided batten frame is added to create an air gap that helps in
ventilation and prevents moisture buildup under the roofing material. This frame
also provides additional support for the tile covering and enhances the durability of
the overall roofing structure.
7. Concrete Tile Covering
The concrete tiles on the top layer of the roof provide an aesthetic appearance while
ensuring high resistance to external weather conditions. Concrete tile covering
protects all layers of the light steel structure, maintaining the structural integrity of
the building and ensuring waterproofing.
Static Analysis in Light Gauge Steel Structures
Another important factor in the static calculations of gauge steel structures is the precision
of rollform machines, which produce steel profiles. Rollform machines precisely shape steel
sheets and bring them to the desired dimensions. These machines enable the production of
highly accurate steel profiles, ensuring that every structural element fits perfectly into place.
This enhances the reliability of static calculations.
Rollform technology plays a crucial role in producing the profiles that form the structural
backbone of gauge steel buildings. These profiles are selected and optimized based on the
results of static calculations. Additionally, the proper installation of rollformed profiles
contributes to making gauge steel structures more resistant to earthquakes and other
external forces.
Compared to prefabricated structures, light gauge steel buildings offer several significant
static advantages:
1. Lighter and More Flexible Material: Light gauge steel structures are lighter than
prefabricated buildings made of materials like concrete or wood. As a result, they
behave more flexibly under external forces, such as earthquakes, reducing the risk of
damage.
2. Higher Durability: Steel is particularly strong in terms of tensile strength. Materials
used in prefabricated structures are comparatively weaker in this regard, making
gauge steel structures more durable in the long run.
3. Precision Manufacturing and Assembly: The steel profiles produced by rollform
machines adhere to much stricter manufacturing standards compared to
prefabricated building components, resulting in more reliable static calculations.
4. Fast and Safe Construction: While the assembly of gauge steel structures is faster
than that of prefabricated buildings, accurate static calculations ensure a safe
structure. In contrast, the quick assembly process in prefabricated buildings can
sometimes lead to less meticulous attention to static calculations.
Key Considerations for Static Calculations in Light Gauge Steel Structures
When performing static calculations for light gauge steel structures, several important factors
must be considered:
Building Location: The design should account for external factors such as wind,
earthquakes, and snow loads.
Load-Bearing Capacity of Structural Elements: The proper selection of steel profiles
directly affects the stability of the building.
Correct Material Usage: The quality of the steel profiles produced by rollform
machines enhances the accuracy of static calculations.
The Use of Magnesium-Coated Steel in Light Steel Structures
Galvanized vs. Magnelized Steel: Why Magnelized Steel is More Suitable for LGSF: Why
Magnelized Steel is More Suitable for LGSF: In the construction world, materials matter
greatly. Especially in light steel frame (LGS) systems, the type of steel used plays a crucial
role in the durability, corrosion resistance, and overall performance of the structures. Two
steel coating types frequently discussed in the industry are galvanized steel and magnelized
steel. While both options have their own advantages, magnalized steel is emerging as the
superior material for light steel structure projects due to its enhanced properties.
In this blog post, we will explore the main differences between galvanized and magnelized
steel, and explain why magnelized steel is increasingly considered the optimal choice
for light steel frame construction.
1. What is Galvanized Steel?
Galvanized steel is steel that has been coated with zinc. This coating is applied through a
process called galvanization, where the steel is dipped into molten zinc, creating a zinc layer
on the surface. The zinc coating protects the steel from corrosion by acting as a barrier
against external elements, preventing rusting.
Key advantages of galvanized steel include:
Corrosion resistance: The zinc layer provides good protection against corrosion,
particularly in regular outdoor environments.
Cost-effective: Galvanized steel is relatively affordable and easy to produce.
Durability: It offers long-lasting performance and requires little maintenance over
time.
However, galvanized steel does have some weaknesses. In environments with high
humidity or saltwater exposure, the zinc coating can gradually wear off, leaving the steel
vulnerable to rust.
2. What is Magnelized Steel?
Magnelized steel is an advanced steel material coated with a zinc, magnesium, and
aluminum alloy. This coating significantly enhances the steel’s corrosion resistance,
outperforming traditional galvanized steel. The magnelized coating creates a stronger barrier
and ensures that the steel lasts much longer, even under extreme conditions.
Magnelized steel offers several key benefits:
Higher corrosion resistance: The zinc-magnesium-aluminum alloy provides excellent
protection, even in harsh environments.
Longer lifespan: The coating on magnelized steel lasts much longer than that of
galvanized steel, requiring less maintenance.
Eco-friendly: Because the coating is thinner, it uses fewer raw materials, reducing
environmental impact.
3. Differences Between Galvanized and Magnelized Steel
The differences between galvanized and magnelized steel become especially clear when
considering corrosion resistance and longevity. Below is a comparison of the two materials:
Property Galvanized Steel Magnelized Steel
Corrosion Resistance Moderate, weaker in saltwater and humid environments Superior, excellent even in extreme conditions
Lifespan Shorter, the coating wears off over time Much longer, minimal maintenance required
Environmental Impact Zinc coating may have a higher environmental footprint Thinner coating, more environmentally friendly
Cost More affordable Slightly more expensive but cost-effective in the