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ecent changes in the steel construction and design codes allow much lighter steel frames BEFORE CONCRETE than previously considered practical. This is done by using thinner, narrower steel sections and by allowing higher stresses in them. I believe we are seeing more of these composite frames in bridges and buildings because designers are under increasing pressure to create more economical structures; because their staffs are encouraged, in schools and elsewhere, to use the natural advantages of composite action; and because contractors continue to bid by the pound and yard instead of by the work required.
enough strength to become part of the structure instead of just another load. This shoring keeps the steel beam in a no-load condition until the concrete has set. Then the supports are removed and the entire composite section acts to support both the dead and live loads. Shoring may be required by the s t ru c t u ral design, even when the s t ru c t u ral steel frame is able to support the weight of forms and freshly placed concrete. Shoring is frequently installed to control deflection. This can be important for both appearance and long-term serviceability of the structure.
Shored or unshored?
Composite construction may be either shored or unshored. Normally where steel beams are set in position and forms for the concrete deck are supported on them, the beams carry the dead load without any composite action. Composite action starts when the live load is applied. In order to make the system composite for both dead load and live load, it is necessary to support the steel beam until the concrete has
ly identified in the contract documents. The contract documents specify the sequence and schedule of placement of such elements. The erector determines the need and furnishes and installs the temporary supports in accordance with this information. The owner is responsible for the installation and timely completion of all elements not classified as St ru ctural Steel that are re q u i re d for stability of the frame. The other considerations mentioned in the editorial are from the AISC Manual of Steel Construction. They include the following: Adequate lateral support for the compression flange of the steel section will be provided by the concrete slab after hardening. During construction, howe ve r, lateral support must be provided, or working stresses must be reduced...Steel deck with adequate attachment to the compression flange, or properly constructed concrete f o rm s, will usually provide the necessary lateral support for the type of construction shown...[in the accompanying design tables]. For construction using fully encased beams, particular attention should be given to lateral support during construction. Thus the AISC documents provide some warnings about the need for supports, but may sometimes give a false sense of security with the statement that formwork usually provides the necessary support.
construction should be shown in the contract drawings or specifications. The warning is repeated in Section 5.4.1requirements for shoring or other deflection control should be clearly presented by the engineer-architect in the specifications. Since the need for shoring and bracing is determined by the design, the ACI guideline seems reasonable. The amount and kind of shoring and lateral bracing to stabilize or support the steel frame are best understood by the designer. Requirements for cambering the construction to compensate for future deflections should also be made clear. Ot h e rw i s e, the contractor may feel justified in supporting the formwork and its applied loads on the already placed steel frame. Howe ve r, as the editorial points out, when shoring and bracing needs for this type of construction are overlooked or misunderstood, objectionable deflection or hazardous conditions result. An alert con-
tractor under present conditions can either allow for shoring in his bid, or obtain positive assurance from the structural designer that it is not needed.
PUBLICATION #C840815
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