Technical Overview of GI Steel Grades for Decking Sheets and Composite Floor Decks

Introduction

DANA Steel is a leading manufacturer and supplier of GI decking sheets, widely used in construction for composite floor decking systems. Galvanized Iron (GI) decking sheets are an essential component for creating strong and durable composite floor decks. These sheets, manufactured from high-quality steel, are coated with zinc for corrosion protection, ensuring long-term reliability and strength in construction projects. Popular sizes offered by DANA include 45/150 and 75/305, with thicknesses ranging from 0.5mm to 1.2mm.

GI Decking Sheets and Their Applications

GI decking sheets are steel sheets coated with zinc to protect them from corrosion. These sheets are commonly used in composite floor systems where they act as a permanent formwork as well as a tensile reinforcement for the concrete slab. Composite floor decks, such as DSD45/150 and 75/305, provide excellent strength-to-weight ratios, making them ideal for multi-story buildings, bridges, and industrial facilities.

DANA's GI decking sheets are renowned in the GCC and African markets due to their superior quality and versatility. The company provides decking sheets that comply with international standards, such as ASTM A653, with a variety of zinc coating options, ensuring optimal performance based on project-specific needs.

Steel Grades for Decking Sheets

When producing GI decking sheets, the steel grade is a critical factor. DANA Steel offers decking sheets in different steel grades, the most popular being ASTM A653 Gr80 and Gr50. These grades have different mechanical properties, which makes them suitable for various construction applications.

ASTM A653 Gr80 vs. Gr50 for Decking Sheets

Both ASTM A653 Gr80 and Gr50 are widely used for manufacturing decking sheets, but they differ in terms of tensile strength and yield strength:

• ASTM A653 Gr80:
• ASTM A653 Gr50:

In essence, ASTM A653 Gr80 provides higher strength and load-bearing capacity, while Gr50 offers more flexibility and cost-effectiveness for lighter applications.

Zinc Coating Options for Corrosion Resistance

Zinc coatings on GI decking sheets provide a layer of protection against rust and corrosion, significantly increasing the longevity of the steel in harsh environmental conditions. DANA offers a range of zinc coating thicknesses to suit the specific requirements of each project:

• Z80: Minimum zinc coating of 80 g/m2 (total both sides)
• Z90: Minimum zinc coating of 90 g/m2
• Z120: Minimum zinc coating of 120 g/m2
• Z180: Minimum zinc coating of 180 g/m2
• Z275: Minimum zinc coating of 275 g/m2

Choosing the Right Zinc Coating

• Z80 and Z90: These lighter coatings are ideal for indoor or less corrosive environments where exposure to moisture is minimal. They provide adequate protection in controlled environments or temporary construction.
• Z120 and Z180: Suitable for semi-exposed or moderately corrosive environments. These coatings are typically used in residential buildings or commercial structures where the steel decking is not directly exposed to harsh weather.
• Z275: This is the most robust zinc coating available and is recommended for environments with high exposure to moisture, such as marine structures or exterior applications where the decking will be exposed to severe weather conditions.

DANA Steel can also produce customized zinc coatings based on client requirements, allowing for greater flexibility in addressing specific environmental challenges.

DANA Steel’s Popular GI Decking Sheet Profiles

DANA Steel offers several popular decking sheet profiles, including:

• DSD45/150: This profile features a height of 45mm and a width of 150mm between ribs, providing excellent structural support for medium-load applications. It is widely used in residential and commercial construction for multi-story buildings.

• DSD75/305: This profile has a height of 75mm and a rib width of 305mm, designed for heavier load-bearing applications. It is ideal for industrial structures and high-rise buildings where increased strength is required.

Both profiles are available in various thicknesses, ranging from 0.5mm to 1.2mm, allowing DANA to cater to a wide range of project requirements.

Conclusion

DANA Steel is a trusted provider of GI decking sheets and composite floor decks in the GCC and African markets. With a wide selection of ASTM A653 steel grades, zinc coating options, and customizable profiles, DANA Steel ensures that each project is equipped with the most suitable materials for optimal structural performance. Whether the requirement is for high-strength applications using Gr80 or flexible, cost-efficient solutions with Gr50, DANA offers a comprehensive range of products to meet every need. The company’s popular profiles, such as 45/150 and 75/305, are designed to offer superior performance in construction projects, making them a preferred choice for architects, engineers, and builders worldwide.