STEEL DECK

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SDI COSP - 2017

Code of Standard Practice
(Approved by Steel Deck Institute on May 2, 2017)

s copyright 2017 steel deck institute

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Section 1 General
1.1 Scope: In the absence of specific instructions to the contrary in the Contract
Documents or the Sales Contract, the trade practices that are defined in the Steel
Deck Institute Code of Standard Practice (herein referred to as the Code) shall
govern the sale, manufacture and installation of steel deck. This Code shall govern
where building codes, designer’s plans and specifications or contracts are
incomplete or unclear. There shall be no conflict between this Code and any legal
building regulation; it shall only supplement and amplify such laws. Unless specific
provisions to the contrary are made in a contract for the purchase of steel deck, this
code is understood to govern the interpretation of such a contract.

User Note: The practices defined in this Code are the commonly accepted
standards of custom and usage for steel deck, which generally represent the most
efficient approach. This Code is not intended to define a professional standard of
care for the designer, change the duties and responsibilities of the owner, owner’s
representative for construction, or designer, from those set forth in the Contract
Documents, or assign to the owner or designer any duty or authority to undertake
responsibility inconsistent with the provisions of the Contract Documents.

User Note: The User Notes provide brief clarification of the requirements of this
Code. This Code is supplemented by a Commentary, which should be referred to
for additional information.

1.2 Reference Specifications, Codes, and Standards: The following documents or

portions thereof are referenced in this standard and shall be considered part of the
requirements of this Code, unless otherwise required.
1.2.1 Steel Deck Institute (SDI)
A. SDI C-2017, Standard for Composite Steel Floor Deck-Slabs
B. SDI NC-2017, Standard for Non-Composite Steel Floor Deck
C. SDI RD-2017, Standard for Steel Roof Deck

1.3 Definitions:
Accessories: Cold-formed steel components of the steel deck system
other than the steel deck, which may include, but are not
limited to; gage metal pour stops, girder fillers, ridge, hip
and valley plates, end closures, and sump pans.
Approval Drawings: Documents developed by the steel deck
manufacturer/supplier, indicating their interpretation of the
design documents for the purpose of fabricating and
installing steel deck and accessories. (See Submittal
Drawings)
Buyer: The entity that purchases the steel deck from the seller.
This is usually the steel fabricator, general contractor, the
construction manager, or similar authority at the job site.

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Contract Documents: The documents that define the responsibilities of the

parties that are involved in bidding, manufacturing, and
installing steel deck. These documents are prepared under
the direction of the Designer, and normally include the
design drawings, specifications and the sales contract.
Deck: Roof deck, non-composite floor deck, and composite
floor deck, cold-formed from sheet steel.
Design Drawings: The graphic and pictorial portions of the Contract
Documents showing the design, location and dimensions
of the work. These documents generally include plans,
elevations, sections, details, schedules, diagrams and notes.
Designer: The licensed professional responsible for the content of
the Contract Documents from which the project,
including the steel deck, is to be built.
Installation Drawings: Floor or roof plans that identify individual marks,
components, and accessories furnished by the steel deck
manufacturer in a detailed manner to instruct proper
placement and securement of the steel deck and related
accessories. Prior to becoming Installation Drawings,
they are referred to as Submittal Drawings, typically
routed for review and approval to those parties involved
in the design and construction of the building structure.
Installer: The entity engaged in the placement and securement of
the steel deck and accessories.
Manufacturer: The entity engaged in the production (manufacture) of
steel deck from sheet steel.
Owner: The entity that is identified as such in the Contract
Documents.
Owner's Representative The Owner or the entity that is responsible to the Owner
for Construction (ORC): for the overall construction of the project, including its
planning, quality, and completion.

User Note: This is usually the general contractor, the

construction manager, or similar authority at the job site.

Sales Contract: The agreement by which the seller sells the deck and
accessories to the buyer.
Seller: The entity engaged in the sale of steel deck to the buyer.
The seller in most instances is also the manufacturer, but
it may be another entity, such as a broker.

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Specifications: The portion of the Contract Documents that consists of

the written requirements for materials, standards and
workmanship.
Structural Drawings: The design drawings which contain the structural design
elements of the structure, including the steel deck, and
which are labeled as "Structural."

User Note: The structural drawings are normally prepared

by the structural Engineer of Record or other designer, and
are normally labeled as "S" sheets.

Submittal Drawings: Documents developed by the steel deck

manufacturer/supplier, indicating their interpretation of
the design documents for the purpose of fabricating and
installing steel deck and accessories. (See Approval
Drawings)

1.4 Design:

1.4.1 Controlling Standards: In the absence of ordinances, specifications, or

contracts to the contrary, design shall be in accordance with the current
Standards of the Steel Deck Institute listed in Section 1.2.1. Where other
specifications or standards are specified by the Contract Documents, the
requirements set forth in the current Standards of the Steel Deck Institute
shall be followed to the extent that they do not conflict with other
requirements of the Contract Documents.

1.4.2 Responsibility for Design: The seller and manufacturer shall assume no
responsibility other than to furnish materials as specified.

1.4.3 Responsibility for Shear Connectors: The design, layout, numbering, and
sizing of shear connectors are not the responsibility of the seller or
manufacturer.

1.4.4 Responsibility for Fire Rating Design: The designer is responsible for
determining fire-rating requirements and for selecting floor and roof systems
that comply with these requirements.

1.4.5 Responsibility for Temporary Shoring Design: Neither the seller,

manufacturer, nor installer shall be responsible for the design of any
temporary shoring required for deck erection or concrete placement.

1.4.6 Responsibility for Deck Support Design: The design of deck supporting
elements or members shall be the responsibility of the designer.

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Section 2 Materials
2.1 Steel: Steel shall be provided in accordance with the applicable SDI Standard.

2.1.1 Lubrication: Steel deck panels shall be shipped to the jobsite without
visible liquid lubricants, or for those shipped with such lubricants, shall
have warning labels indicating that a slipping hazard may be present
and instructing those who may walk on the surface to wear appropriate
fall protection.

2.1.2. Thickness: It shall be permitted to specify deck base steel thickness either
by dimensional thickness, or by gage when the manufacturer has defined the
relationship of base steel thickness to gage.

2.2 Paint: When required by the Contract Documents, a shop coat of primer shall be
provided by the manufacturer. The primer shall be permitted to be shop applied or
provided as prepainted steel coils, at the manufacturer’s option.

Section 3 Quality and Scope of Responsibility

3.1 Product Quality: The following shall not be cause for rejection of steel deck or
accessories:
3.1.1 Oil canning
3.1.2 Denting or crushing due to shipping, storage, or installation, that does not
adversely affect the structural performance of the deck or accessory
3.1.3 Damage to primer or other surface coating that can be repaired in
accordance with Section 3.5.

3.2 Corrosive Materials in Contact with Steel Deck: Steel deck shall be protected
against contact with materials that cause, or can be shown to cause, corrosion or
other deterioration of the deck and accessories. Neither the seller, manufacturer, nor
installer shall be responsible for compliance with this requirement.

3.3 Acoustical Elements:

When open rib fluted type acoustical deck is provided, sound absorbing acoustical
elements (manufacturer's standard type) shall be provided by the seller unless
specified otherwise by the buyer and shall be installed in the field by the ORC.
Acoustical elements shall be stored at the jobsite by the ORC in such a manner as to
ensure adequate protection prior to installation. If acoustical elements become wet,
it shall be allowed to thoroughly dry without being compressed before installation.
Wet elements shall not be installed in the deck and overlying roofing materials shall
not be installed over wet acoustical elements.

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When closed rib cellular type acoustical deck is provided, sound absorbing
acoustical elements (manufacturer's standard type) shall be provided by the seller
and shall be factory installed by the manufacturer unless specified otherwise by the
buyer. Cellular deck units with factory installed acoustical elements shall be stored
at the jobsite by the ORC in such a manner as to ensure adequate protection of the
deck and the acoustical elements prior to installation. Under normal weather
conditions, it is not necessary to cover the ends of cellular deck units with factory
installed acoustical elements if installation of overlying roofing materials is to be
completed within a short period of time after installation of these units.

Acoustical elements that have been contaminated with any substance other than
clean water shall be replaced. The cost of replacement shall not be the responsibility
of the seller or manufacturer.

User Note: The manufacturer's standard acoustical elements are usually fiberglass
insulation.

3.4 Fireproofing: Neither the seller, manufacturer, nor installer shall be responsible for
ensuring the bonding of fireproofing materials.

3.5 Field Painting: Neither the seller, manufacturer, nor installer shall be responsible
for field painting, either as a full finish coat or as “touch-up.” Field painting is the
sole responsibility of the ORC to assure that the surface is properly prepared and
that the coating is properly applied. Neither the seller, manufacturer nor installer
will accept responsibility for adhesion or compatibility of the field coating or for
other causes leading to unsatisfactory painting results.

3.6 Repair of Deck Finish at Welds: Unless otherwise required by the Contract
Documents, where deck welds are not directly exposed to a corrosive environment,
it shall not be required to repair painted or galvanized finishes. Neither the seller,
manufacturer, nor installer will accept responsibility for repair of deck finish at
weld areas.

Section 4 Estimating and Bidding

4.1 Drawings and Specifications for Bidding or Quotation: Drawings and
specifications provided for bidding or quotation shall clearly show details and shall be
complete as to the extent of deck and accessories to be furnished by the seller. All
dimensions necessary to perform an accurate estimate of the required quantity of
materials shall be provided on the structural drawings. Accurately scaled drawings shall
be permitted to be provided as an alternate to fully dimensioned drawings. Acceptance
of an estimate based on scaled drawings shall be the responsibility of the buyer.
Incomplete drawings and specifications shall be bid on the basis that the seller shall
provide material as shown in those drawings and specifications.

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4.1.1 All deck which is exposed in the finished structure and for which the
aesthetics of the erected product are an important consideration, shall be
clearly indicated in the structural drawings. If not otherwise indicated it
shall be assumed that aesthetics are not a consideration and the bid or
quotation will be submitted using this assumption.

4.1.2 All deck to which sprayed fireproofing is to be field applied shall be clearly
indicated in the structural drawings. Unless otherwise indicated, it shall be
assumed that sprayed fireproofing is not being applied to the deck and the
bid or quotation will be submitted using this assumption.

4.2 Base Bids: Unless otherwise specified, base bids shall be based on the following
scopes:

4.2.1 Roof Deck: Base bids for roof deck shall include roof deck as shown in plan
on the structural drawings. Base bid shall also include ridge, hip and valley
plates which are specifically designated on the structural drawings, which
are not part of the vertical load resisting system, and sump pans per
architectural drawings and specifications. No other deck or accessories shall
be included unless specified.

4.2.2 Composite Floor Deck and Non-Composite Floor Deck: Base bids shall
include deck as shown in plan on the structural drawings and only those
sheet steel accessories specifically designated on the structural drawings and
called for in the appropriate division of the specifications. No other deck or
accessories shall be included unless specified.

User Note: Deck manufacturers do not typically supply hot-rolled structural

members as deck accessories. Sheet steel accessories are cold-formed and
commonly available as thick as 10 gage (0.1345 in.) nominal.

4.2.4 Special Details: Deck shall be furnished in sheet lengths of 6 feet (2.0 m) or
greater. Any deck sheets requiring lengths less than 6 feet (2.0 m) shall be
field cut by others, unless specifically noted within the scope.

4.3 Excluded Materials: Unless otherwise specified, the following materials are
excluded from the bid.

4.3.1 Sheet Metal Work: All closures, flashing, and other similar items, used in
deck construction, unless otherwise specified, shall be detailed and
furnished by others.

4.3.2 Shear Connectors: Shear connectors and related placement plans and
details are not the responsibility of the seller or manufacturer.

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4.3.3 Mechanical Fasteners: Mechanical fasteners, such as screws or power-

actuated fasteners, and mechanical fastener installation tools, are not the
responsibility of the seller or manufacturer, unless specifically noted in the
sales contract.

4.3.4 Welding Materials: Consumables used for field welding of deck or

accessories are not the responsibility of the seller or manufacturer.

4.3.5 Support Materials: Deck supporting members, including but not limited to
ridges, hips, valleys, span direction changes and floor deck shoring.

4.3.6 Touch-up Paint: Paint used in field to touch-up painted or galvanized deck
surfaces.

Section 5 Drawings and Specifications:

5.1 Discrepancies in Contract Documents
When discrepancies exist between the design drawings and specifications, the
design drawings shall govern. When discrepancies exist between scale dimensions
in the design drawings and the figures written in them, the figures shall govern.
When discrepancies exist between the structural design drawings and the
architectural, electrical or mechanical design drawings or design drawings for other
trades, the structural design drawings shall govern. When a discrepancy is
discovered in the Contract Documents in the course of the seller’s work, the seller
shall promptly notify the buyer so that the designer can resolve the discrepancy.
Such resolution shall be timely so as not to delay the seller’s, manufacturer’s, or
installer’s work.

User Note: While it is the seller’s and manufacturer’s responsibility to report any
discrepancies that are discovered in the Contract Documents, it is not the seller’s nor
manufacturer’s responsibility to discover discrepancies. The quality of the Contract
Documents is the responsibility of the entities that produce those documents.

5.2 Installation Drawings Prepared by Seller

5.2.1 Furnished by the Buyer: The buyer shall furnish to the seller complete
architectural and structural drawings and specifications prepared by the
designer, all correctly dimensioned.

5.2.2 Furnished by the Seller: The seller shall furnish to the buyer installation
drawings clearly showing the location of all deck sheets. Unless otherwise
agreed to, the seller shall provide the buyer with one electronic file in PDF
or other mutually agreed upon format, or a reproducible and three prints of

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drawings for “approval” and again for “field use”. If additional copies are
required or desired, they shall be provided at an additional cost at the
discretion of the seller.

User Note: Methods of submission should be agreed upon as part of the

sales contract.

5.2.3 Approval: The installation drawings shall be submitted by the seller to the
buyer for approval, unless the buyer instructs the seller to submit same
directly to the designer or waives his right of approval. Within 14 calendar
days, the buyer (or designer) shall return to the seller one copy marked with
noted approval or with such corrections as deemed necessary. Resubmission
of approval drawings, if required, shall be made only after all requested
dimensions and information are provided by the approving entity. The seller
shall not be required to direct commencement of manufacture prior to final
approval of the seller’s drawings, unless such approval is waived. Once the
seller has received final approval drawings or a waiver, distribution (field
use) drawings will be prepared, and deck manufacture can commence.

Approval of the installation drawings, approval subject to corrections noted

and similar approvals shall constitute the following:
(a) Confirmation that the seller has correctly interpreted the
Contract Documents in the preparation of those submittals;
and
(b) Release by the designer and ORC to begin manufacture using
the approved submittals.

User Note: As used in this Code, the 14-day allotment for the return of shop
and installation drawings is intended to represent the seller’s door-to-door
time. The intent in this Code is that, in the absence of information to the
contrary in the Contract Documents, 14 days may be assumed for the
purposes of bidding, contracting and scheduling. When additional time is
desired, the modified allotment should be specified in the Contract
Documents.

If installation drawings are approved subject to corrections noted, the ORC

may or may not require that it be re-submitted for record purposes following
correction. If an installation drawing is not approved, revisions must be
made and the drawing re-submitted until approval is achieved.

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5.3 Installation Drawings Prepared by Buyer

5.3.1 Furnished by the Buyer: The buyer shall furnish to the seller complete
installation drawings and bill of materials, all correctly dimensioned.

5.3.2 Discrepancies: The buyers’s plans and bill of materials shall be assumed to
be correct in the absence of written notice from the buyer to the contrary.

5.3.3 Approval: Responsibility for obtaining approval for installation drawings is

the responsibility of the buyer.

5.4 Sign and Seal of Installation Drawings: Neither the seller, manufacturer, nor
installer shall be responsible for putting a professional seal or signature on
installation drawings.

5.5 Changes by Buyer After Agreement: When changes in the project scope as
contracted are made via revised contract drawings, steel erection drawings,
modified approval drawings, response to RFI’s, or other modifications, an extra for
material and/or redetailing costs shall be paid by the buyer at a cost agreed upon by
the buyer and seller.

5.6 Calculations: Neither the seller nor manufacturer shall be responsible for providing
design calculations, test reports, nor other acceptance reports, with or without a
professional seal.

However, for each deck type and gage provided for the project by the manufacturer,
the manufacturer shall be responsible to provide to the designer either A or B, when
requested:

A. Design yield stress, deck sheet coverage, deck weight, positive and negative
section property values, shear capacity, and web crippling capacity for
interior and exterior bearing conditions.

B. Design yield stress, deck sheet coverage, positive and negative section
property values, maximum allowable construction spans based on minimum
SDI design criteria, and maximum allowable design loads for applicable
project spans based on SDI design criteria. Steel deck design based on
criteria or conditions not covered in the applicable ANSI/SDI specifications
shall be the responsibility of the designer.

5.7 As Built Drawings: Neither the seller, manufacturer, nor installer shall be
responsible for “as built” drawings.

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Section 6 Handling and Protection

6.1 Site Storage: Neither the seller nor manufacturer will assume responsibility for
damage to steel deck resulting from improper storage protection in the field when
the deck is no longer under either the seller or manufacturer’s control. Neither the
seller nor manufacturer will accept responsibility for surface corrosion or damage to
deck finish for steel deck that is delivered to the site and stored for an excessive
length of time. This applies whether the steel deck was stored properly or not.

6.2 Protection After Erection: Steel deck shall be protected by the ORC to avoid any
damage to or deterioration of the deck. This protection shall include avoiding
extended exposure to aggressive atmospheric conditions, protection from erection
traffic and/or handling that might be abrasive to the deck finish, and protection
against interior conditions that would cause excess moisture to form on the deck.
Deck protection after erection and any cost associated therewith shall be the
responsibility of the ORC and is not the responsibility of the seller, manufacturer,
nor installer.

6.3 Deck Exposed in the Finished Structure: If aesthetics of the erected product is
an important consideration, care shall be taken by the installer and ORC to
protect the steel deck during the pre-erection storage as well as throughout the
installation process.

Section 7 Installation of Deck and Accessories

7.1 All State and Federal OSHA rules for steel erection shall be followed by the
installer and ORC.

7.2 Deck panels and accessories shall be installed in accordance with the Contract
Documents, installation drawings, the requirements of this Code and installation
requirements of SDI C, SDI NC, and SDI RD (as applicable).

7.3 Deck areas subject to heavy or repeated traffic, concentrated loads, impact loads,
wheel loads, or other like loading, shall be adequately protected by planking or
other means to avoid overloading or damage. Planking or any other means of
protection is the responsibility of the ORC.

7.4 Neither the seller, manufacturer, nor installer shall be responsible for repairs or
reinforcement of the deck required by unscheduled openings cut through the deck.

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7.5 Temporary shoring of floor deck, if required, shall be designed to the loading
indicated in SDI C or SDI NC, as appropriate, or for greater loads as may be
required by Section 8.2. Shoring design shall not be the responsibility of the seller,
manufacturer, nor installer.

User Note: According to ACI 318 and ACI 347.2R, temporary shoring design is
the responsibility of the designer, or if delegated, the contractor or the
formwork/shoring engineer hired by the contractor. Responsibility for delegated
shoring design shall be delegated in the contract documents. When temporary
shoring is required for concrete slabs, the shoring is commonly left in place until
the concrete attains at least 75% of its specified strength. Requirements for
removal shall be designated by the shoring designer.

7.6 Staggering deck end laps shall not be required.

7.7 Fire sprinkler lines, piping carrying fluids, or roof drain lines, shall not be
suspended from roof deck unless specifically permitted by the Designer.

User Note: Concentrated loads from hanger rods, unless specifically designed for
the purpose, can pull through steel roof deck, or may damage the deck.

7.8 Anchorage for fall arrest devices shall not be connected to steel roof deck unless the
deck and the device are specifically designed for this application.

User Note: The load that a fall arrest device will transfer to steel roof deck will
exceed the capacity of the steel deck. Fall arrest devices should be attached to,
and transfer force to, structural framing below the deck that is designed to carry
these forces.

Section 8 Concrete Design and Placement

8.1 Concrete shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of SDI C or SDI
NC, as applicable. The designer shall be responsible for concrete design.

8.2 The ORC shall be responsible for verifying the adequacy of the construction loads
assumed in the design of the deck as a form for the intended concrete placement
equipment being used and the concrete placement operations. Neither the seller,
manufacturer, nor installer shall be responsible for performance of this task.

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User Note: SDI C and SDI NC contain minimum construction live load
requirements; however, bulk dumping of concrete using buckets, chutes, or handcarts,
or the use of heavier motorized finishing equipment such as power screeds, may
require heavier construction live loads than contained in those Standards. The
designer typically has little control over means-and-methods of construction, and
should include in the Contract Documents a requirement that the ORC verify the
adequacy of the assumed construction live loads.

8.3 Planking or other protection shall be placed when buggies, wheeled laser screeding
apparatus, or like equipment are utilized in the concreting operation. Planks or other
protection shall be of adequate stiffness to transfer loads to the steel deck without
damaging the deck. Planking or any other means of protection is the responsibility
of the ORC.

8.4 Prior to concrete placement, the steel deck shall be free of soil, debris, oil, standing
water and all other foreign matter. Neither the seller, manufacturer, nor installer
shall be responsible for any required cleaning or debris removal.

8.5 Concrete shall be placed such that the deck will not be damaged by impact or
overloading. The ORC retains responsibility for ensuring proper concrete placement
methods are followed. Neither the seller, installer, nor manufacturer shall be
responsible for specifying concrete placement methods.

8.6 Concrete construction joints shall be designed and location determined by the
designer.

8.7 When an increase in local slab thickness is used to compensate for differential floor
deflection, the ORC shall secure permission from the designer to exceed the slab
thickness before construction. Neither the seller, manufacturer, nor installer shall be
responsible for concrete volume overages beyond the theoretical volume required
by an undeflected floor system. All deflections of the steel deck shall be measured
relative to the deflected position of the floor framing.

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COMMENTARY
® COMMENTARY TO SDI COSP-2017 CODE OF STANDARD PRACTICE

Section 1 General
C-1.1 Scope
The SDI Floor Deck Design Manual and the SDI Roof Deck Design Manual are
sources of additional information regarding design and installation of floor deck and
roof deck, respectively.

Structural Steel decking is intended to be a structural member to resist vertical and

horizontal loads and is not to be considered a water-tight membrane by itself.
Neither interlocking nor nestable side laps nor end laps are designed for the
installation of sealant as it could negatively impact the installation and structural
performance of sheet to structure or sheet to sheet connections. SDI therefore
recommends that no sealant or other material be placed between the deck sheets at
the deck end laps or side laps.

C-1.2 Reference Specifications, Codes, and Standards

The following documents are referenced within the commentary or user notes:
1. Steel Deck Institute (SDI) – (All SDI Publications are available from SDI website)
A. SDI Floor Deck Design Manual, 1st Edition, 2014
B. SDI Roof Deck Design Manual, 1st Edition, 2013
C. SDI-MOC, Manual of Construction with Steel Deck, 3rd Edition
D. SDI White Paper, “Fundamentals of Corrosion and Their Application to
Steel Deck”, 2015.
E. SDI White Paper, “Jobsite Storage Requirements for Steel Deck”, 2006.
F. SDI White Paper, “Damaged Composite Steel Deck”, 2008
G. SDI White Paper, “Deck Damage and Penetrations”, 2000
2. American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI)
A. AISI S100-16, North American Specification for the Design of Cold-
Formed Steel Structural Members
3. Steel Coalition Lubricant Task Group
A. “Steel Coalition Lubricant Task Group – Final Report”, May 14,
2002 (Available through SDI website)
4. Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
A. Fire Resistance Directory
5. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
A. ASTM C1338 – 14, “Standard Test Method for Determining Fungi
Resistance of Insulation Materials and Facings”
B. ASTM C1320 - 10(2016), “Standard Practice for Installation of
Mineral Fiber Batt and Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame
Construction”
C. ASTM E119 - 16a, "Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of
Building Construction and Materials"
6. American Concrete Institute (ACI)
A. ACI 318-14 "Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete"
B. ACI 347R-14 "Guide to Formwork for Concrete"

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C-1.4.1 Controlling Standards

C-1.4.1 Controlling
Steel roof deck Standards
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C-1.4.3 Responsibility for Shear Connectors
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C-1.4.4 Responsibility for Fire Rating Design
C-1.4.4 Responsibility for Fire Rating
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Fire rating
rated requirements
assemblies that use may dictateorthe
composite concrete strength
non-composite or density.
floor decks Many fire
are available. In
rated assemblies that
the Underwriters use composite
Laboratories Fire or non-composite
Resistance floor the
Directory, decks areconstructions
deck available. In
the Underwriters
show hourly ratings Laboratories Fire Resistance
for restrained Directory,
and unrestrained the deck ASTM
assemblies. constructions
E119
show
provides hourly ratings inforAppendix
information restrainedX3 and
calledunrestrained assemblies. Conditions
Guide for Determining ASTM E119 of
provides
Restraint information
for Floor and in Roof
Appendix X3 called
Assemblies and Guide for Determining
for Individual Conditionsthat
Beams, indicating of
Restraint for Floor and Roof Assemblies and for Individual Beams,
deck attached to steel or concrete framing, and interior spans of wall supported deck indicating that
deck
may be attached to steel
considered to or
beconcrete
restrained,framing,
while andend interior
spans ofspans
wall of wall supported
supported deck
deck should
may be considered to be restrained, while end spans of wall supported
be considered to be unrestrained. However, for most practical applications, interior deck should
be
andconsidered
exterior spansto be ofunrestrained. However,
multispan deck for most
properly practical
attached applications,
to bearing interior
walls may be
and exterior restrained,
considered spans of multispan deck properly
except perhaps a single attached
span todeck
bearing wallswhich
system may be is
considered
unattached torestrained,
framing orexcepta wallperhaps
in order ato single
providespan deck system
a removable which is
slab. Designers
unattached
should be aware to framing or a fire
that some wallrated
in order to provide
assemblies a removable
set limits on load slab. Designers
capacity and/or
should be aware that
place restrictions some fire
on fastener typerated assemblies set limits on load capacity and/or
and spacing.
place restrictions on fastener type and spacing.

Section 2 Materials
Section 2 Materials
C-2.1.1 Lubrication
C-2.1.1 Lubrication
The steel deck industry has adopted the Voluntary Lubricant Compliance Program
The steel This
(VLCP). deckwas
industry has adopted
developed for OSHAthe Voluntary
by the SteelLubricant
Coalition,Compliance Program
which consists of a
(VLCP). This was developed for OSHA by the Steel Coalition, which consists
group of trade organizations representing manufacturers of various types of steel of a
group
panels of
andtrade
otherorganizations representing
related industries. manufacturers
The “Steel Coalition of various Task
Lubricant typesGroup
of steel–
panels and other related industries. The
Final Report” is posted on the SDI website.“Steel Coalition Lubricant Task Group –
Final Report” is posted on the SDI website.
14

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Since the adoption of the VLCP and to minimize the slipping hazard during the
Since the adoption
construction process,ofmostthe VLCP
steel deckand istonowminimize
shipped thetoslipping
the jobsitehazard during
without the
visible
construction
Since process,
the adoption
liquid lubricants, ofmost steel
the VLCP
regardless deck istonow
andPrior
of finish. to shipped
minimize
the VLCP, thetoslipping
the jobsite
it was without
hazard
common duringvisible
practice the
to
liquid lubricants,
construction regardless
process, most of
steelfinish.
deck Prior
is now to the VLCP,
shipped to it
the
order sheet steel coils with a light film of lubricant to protect the steel from was common
jobsite practice
without to
visible
order
liquid sheet steel regardless
lubricants,
moisture during coilsstorage
coil withofaand light
finish. film
to Prior
provide of the
to lubricant
VLCP, to
lubrication protect
it was
duringcommontheroll-forming
the steel
practicefrom
to
moisture
order sheet
process. during
An inherent coil
steel coils storage
benefit and
withofa the to
light provide
film
light lubrication
of lubricant
lubricant film was during
to to
protect the
provide roll-forming
theprotection
steel from of
process.
moisture An inherent
during coil benefit
storage of the
and light
to lubricant
provide film
lubrication was
the deck finish while stored in bundles at the jobsite. With the removal of these to provide
during the protection
roll-forming of
the deck finish
process. Anfrom
lubricants while
inherent
the deck stored
benefit in bundles
of the proper
surfaces, at the
light lubricant jobsite. With the
film wasoftosteel
jobsite storage removal
provide of
deckprotection these
has become of
lubricants
the deck from
finish the
while deck surfaces,
stored in
even more critical than it was in the past. proper
bundles jobsite
at the storage
jobsite. of
With steel
the deck
removalhas become
of these
even more from
lubricants critical
thethan
deckit was in theproper
surfaces, past. jobsite storage of steel deck has become
C-2.1.2. even more critical than it was in the past.
Thickness
C-2.1.2. Thickness
Traditionally gage thicknesses have varied depending upon the gage table utilized.
C-2.1.2. Traditionally
Thickness
Gage thicknesses gagelisted
thicknesses
in TablehaveC-2.1varied
reflectdepending upon the within
industry consensus gage table
SDI andutilized.
SDI
Gage thicknesses
Traditionally
standard loadgage listed
tables in Table
thicknesses
are developed C-2.1 reflect
have varied industry
using depending consensus within
upon thein gage
these thicknesses SDI and
tableDeck
inches. SDI
utilized.
and
standard
Gage load
thicknesses tables
listedare
in developed
Table C-2.1 using
reflect these thicknesses
industry consensus
accessories may be produced to other thicknesses as long as the thickness is properly in inches.
within SDI Deck
and and
SDI
accessories
standard load
identified. may be produced
tables are of
Availability to other
developed
odd gages thicknesses
using these as long
shouldthicknesses as the
be verified thickness
in inches. is
with Deck properly
and
individual
identified.
accessories Availability
may be produced of toodd
other gages should
thicknesses as be
long verified
as the
manufacturers, as they are less readily available than even gages. In accordance with with
thickness isindividual
properly
manufacturers,
identified.
AISI S100, the as they areuncoated
Availability
minimum less odd
of readily available
gages
steel should
thickness than even gages.
be verified
as delivered In with
to the accordance
job shallwith
siteindividual
not
AISI S100,
manufacturers,the minimum
as they are uncoated
less steel
readily thickness
available as
than delivered
even to
gages.
at any location be less than 95% of the design thickness, however lesser thicknesses the
In job site
accordance shall not
with
at anybe
AISI
shall location
S100, be atless
the minimum
permitted than
bends, 95%asofsteel
uncoated
such the design
corners, duethickness,
thickness to as however
delivered
cold-forming thelesser
toeffects. thicknesses
job site shall not
shall be permitted at bends, such as corners, due to cold-forming
at any location be less than 95% of the design thickness, however lesser thicknesses effects.
shall be permitted at bends, such as corners, due to cold-forming effects.
Table C-2.1 – Gage to Thickness Equivalent
Table C-2.1 – Gage to Thickness Equivalent
Table C-2.1 – Gage
Gage Design to Thickness MinimumEquivalent
Gage
No. Design
Thickness Minimum
Thickness
No.
Gage Thickness Thickness
in.Designmm Minimum
in. mm
No.
28 in.
Thickness
0.0149 mm
0.38 in. mm
Thickness
0.0142 0.36
28 0.0149
in. 0.38
mm 0.0142
in. 0.36
mm
27 0.0164 0.42 0.0156 0.40
27
28 0.0164
0.0149 0.42
0.38
0.0179 0.45 0.0156
0.0142 0.40
0.36
0.0170 0.43
26
26
27 0.0179
0.0164 0.45 0.0170 0.43
25 0.0209 0.42
0.53 0.0156
0.0199 0.40
0.50
25
26 0.0209 0.45
0.0179 0.53 0.0199 0.43
0.0170 0.50
24 0.0238 0.60 0.0226 0.57
24
25 0.0238
0.0209 0.60
0.0269 0.53
0.0226
0.0199 0.57
0.0256 0.50
23 0.68 0.65
23
24 0.0269
0.0238 0.68
0.0295 0.60
0.75 0.0256
0.0226 0.65
0.0280 0.57
0.71
22
22
23 0.0295
0.0269 0.75 0.0280 0.71
21 0.0329 0.68
0.84 0.0256
0.0313 0.65
0.79
21
22 0.0329 0.75
0.0295 0.84 0.0313 0.71
0.0280 0.79
20 0.0358 0.91 0.0340 0.86
20
21 0.0358
0.0418 0.91
0.0329 0.84
1.06 0.0340
0.0397 0.86
0.0313 0.79
1.01
19
19
20 0.0418
0.0358 1.06
0.91 0.0397
0.0340 1.01
0.86
18 0.0474 1.20 0.0450 1.14
18 0.0474
0.0418 1.20 0.0450 1.14
19
17 0.0538 1.06
1.37 0.0397
0.0511 1.01
1.30
17
18 0.0538
0.0474 1.37
1.20 0.0511
0.0450 1.30
1.14
16 0.0598 1.52 0.0568 1.44
16
17 0.0598
0.0538 1.52
0.0673 1.37
1.71 0.0568
0.0511 1.44
0.0639 1.30
1.62
15
15
16 0.0673
0.0598 1.71
1.52 0.0639
0.0568 1.62
1.44
14 0.0747 1.90 0.0710 1.80
14
15 0.0747 1.71
0.0673 1.90 0.0710 1.62
0.0639 1.80
13 0.0897 2.28 0.0852 2.16
13
14 0.0897
0.0747 2.28
0.1046 1.90
0.0852
0.0710 2.16
0.0994 1.80
12 2.66 2.52
12
13 0.1046
0.0897 2.66
0.1196 2.28
3.04 0.0994
0.0852 2.52
0.1136 2.16
2.89
11
11
12 0.1196
0.1046 3.04 0.1136 2.89
10 0.1345 2.66
3.42 0.0994
0.1278 2.52
3.25
10
11 0.1345 3.04
0.1196 3.42 0.1278 2.89
0.1136 3.25
10 0.1345 3.42 0.1278 3.25
15

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Section 3 Quality Assurance

C-3.1.1 Oil Canning
Steel sheets of thicknesses typically used in the manufacture of steel deck products
may exhibit a degree of waviness in their flat surfaces. This is a condition
commonly referred to as “oil canning.” Oil canning is an inherent condition with
light gage cold-formed steel products, and can result from residual stresses induced
or redistributed during coil production, slitting, perforating, forming, or fabrication
of steel deck. Improper deck handling, installation, or attachment to misaligned
steel supports can also cause oil canning. In general, oil canning is an aesthetic
condition with no effect on the structural integrity of the deck. Since many
uncontrollable factors can lead to oil canning, the manufacturer assumes no
responsibility for the cost of actions taken in response to an oil canning condition.

C-3.1.2 Denting or Crushing

Refer to SDI White Papers, “Damaged Composite Steel Deck” and “Deck Damage
and Penetrations” for additional information,

C-3.2 Corrosive Materials in Contact with Steel Deck

Phenolic foam insulation in contact with steel deck can be very corrosive when
water is present. Phenolic foam insulation is not recommended for use with steel
deck. Polystyrene foam insulation applied directly to steel deck without a thermal
barrier may require sprinklers to meet fire-rating requirements. Consult the local
codes for this construction.

Fire retardant treated wood and pressure treated wood contain chemicals that can
develop a corrosive environment when adequate moisture and heat are present.
Precautionary measures should be taken by the designer to prevent such an
environment when using treated wood with steel deck. Corrosion of steel deck
products in direct contact with pressure treated lumber has become an issue due to
the change in products used in producing pressure treated lumber. The pressure
treated lumber industry now treats lumber with products referred to as ACQ
(Alkaline Copper Quat) and CA-A or CA-B (Copper-azole). Pressure treated
lumber with these products have shown to be highly corrosive when in direct
contact with sheet steel. The Steel Deck Institute recommends a barrier of water and
ice shield or equivalent be used between pressure treated lumber and steel deck
products or accessories.

Other corrosive materials, include, but are not limited to, chlorides, acids and bases.
Refer to SDI White Paper, “Fundamentals of Corrosion and Their Application to
Steel Deck” for additional information.

C-3.3 Acoustical Elements

The ORC typically uses the roofing contractor to install the acoustical elements in
non-cellular deck.

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Fiberglass used as an acoustical absorber does not breed or promote fungal growth.
All fiberglass typically utilized by SDI member companies is resistant to fungal
growth and complies with ASTM C1338. Since mold spores exist in almost every
environment according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the key to mold
control is moisture control. Proper care should be taken prior to installation.
Acoustical elements should be kept dry, off the ground, and protected from water in
accordance with ASTM C1320 recommendations.

C-3.4 Fireproofing
The adherence of fireproofing materials is dependent on many variables; neither the
seller, manufacturer, nor installer can be responsible for the adhesion or adhesive
ability of the fireproofing.

C-3.5 Field Painting

The ORC typically uses the painting subcontractor to perform the tasks listed in
this section.

In some instances, field paint (applied by other than the manufacturer), either as a
full finish coat or as a touch-up, may be a job requirement. If field painting is
intended, it is recommended that the steel surface, whether galvanized or primer
painted, be checked for compatibility by the painting contractor, following the
recommendations of the field coating manufacturer, particularly with regard to
ambient application temperatures and humidity, cleanliness, surface moisture and
surface preparation if required.

C-3.6 Repair of Deck Finish at Welds

In most cases, deck welds are not in a corrosive environment when the deck is
installed and no weld touch up paint or cold galvanizing is necessary. In those
instances where the welds are left exposed to a corrosive atmosphere, the weld
should be wire brushed and coated with an approved substance.

Section 4 Estimating and Bidding

C-4.4.1 Sheet Metal Work
These items are most often detailed and specified by the sheet metal subcontractor;
however, this is determined by the ORC.

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Section 5 Drawings and Specifications

C-5.4 Sign and Seal of Installation Drawings
Installation drawings are made to show the deck products as an overlay on the
structural or architectural plans and as such the drawings interpret the job
requirements set forth by the designer. If the manufacturer were to check and seal
installation drawings, it would subvert that important function.

C-5.5 Changes by Buyer After Agreement

Changes should be clearly conveyed as such. Neither the seller nor manufacturer
will be responsible for incorporating changes that are not specifically marked as
changes to differentiate from unchanged portions of the contract.

C-5.6 Calculations
Steel deck is a manufactured product that is normally specified by reference to Steel
Deck Institute publications and/or manufacturer’s catalogues and load tables.
Therefore, job specific calculations are redundant.

Section 6 Handling and Protection

C-6.1 Site Storage
The SDI Manual of Construction with Steel Deck (SDI-MOC) provides guidance
regarding proper storage of steel deck. Steel deck shall be stored off the ground
with one end elevated to provide drainage, and shall be protected from the elements
with a waterproof covering, ventilated to avoid condensation. For more information
on this issue, please see the SDI White Paper, “Jobsite Storage Requirements for
Steel Deck.”

C-6.2 Protection After Erection

Some steel decks are utilized as “finished ceiling” products and shall be protected
from moisture and must never be subjected to corrosive substances such as salts,
fertilizers or other chemicals or to prolonged contact with dissimilar materials. All
steel decks must be protected from erection operations or during site storage that
could distort the panel’s configuration.

Acoustical steel decks utilize fiberglass insulation batts for sound absorption; hence,
protection from moisture, rain, snow, dirt, mud, etc. is necessary. Do not install
(field applied) loose insulation batts in the flutes of decking until just before roof
system installation. Likewise, cellular acoustical deck with shop-installed insulation
batts requires proper site storage and special protection after deck erection before
installation of the roofing system.

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Section 7 Installation of Deck and Accessories

C-7.6 Staggering deck end laps is not a recommended practice. The deck capacity is not
increased by staggering the end laps, yet layout and erection costs are increased.
Additionally, because the leading edge of the deck is not even, it creates a potential
increased fall hazard.

Section 8 Concrete Design and Placement

C-8.7 Concrete Quantities
It has been shown that the vast majority of all floor system deflections are the result
of framing deflections and not deck deflections. Refer to SDI Floor Deck Design
Manual for additional information.

19