Steel can be used as a substitute for timber and, in addition, can provide many significant advantages; however, the cost differential fluctuates. Steel has traditionally been slightly more expensive on a material basis, but savings offset this in greater structural efficiency, rapid assembly and reduction in rework costs experienced with poor quality timber. Increased global timber demand and diminishing resources are causing erratic timber price increases that are threatening the traditional raw material competitiveness. Steel has a fairly static international base cost. There is also a minimal waste of base material during manufacture, with steel having 1-2% wastage and Timber 5-11% wastage. In this research two steel joist systems are proposed, designed and engineered for flooring and based on manufacturing, design and serviceability criteria are assessed. Practical conclusions are made.
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