Design and Parametric Finite Element Analysis—A Thin Lightweight Two-Way Steel Flooring System

An innovative, lightweight, rapidly constructible and reconfigurable modular steel floor (RCRMSF) system has been developed. To understand the strength and serviceability behavior of the system, a performance based design methodology has been formulated and a finite element analysis (FEA) parametric study carried out. This design methodology is based on limit states including plate yielding, connector failure, service load deflections, and vibrations. Additionally, through Abaqus FEA software, the load and vibration response of the system is studied. The study is further expanded to investigate the effects of varying parameters, including plate thickness, channel thickness, channel spacing, and floor depth on the load response and vibrational characteristics of the system. The floor system has shown adequate strength and vibrational characteristics, for office use, considering a RCRMSF fabricated from 2.45 mm thick light gauge steel plates, 254 mm deep x 1.72 mm thick channels at 610 mm spacing, and based on a 12.2 m x 9.1 m bay size.