GIRDER SLAB INTL. SYSTEM
STRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Research & Development
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In order to solve the floor-to-floor and interference problems, Girder Slab Intl. implemented a research and development program. We wanted an interior structural steel girder to be placed within the plane of the precast slab units, thereby producing a thin floor construction (akin to flat-plate) with a minimum floor-to-ceiling height. The Girder Slab Intl. System and the open web Di -Beam girder technology are the result of more than fifteen years of research and development. Early testing produced an ASD approach for a rational design of the Girder Slab Intl. System.
In order to develop a rational analysis that would maximize the use of this technology, extensive laboratory testing and analysis were undertaken. This included both small-scale specimens and full-scale assemblies in order to simulate actual bays. Each assembly was load tested well above code-required residential live loads. The Di- Beam girder performed without failure even at these higher loads.
Recently, more sophisticated testing enabled us to develop an LRFD approach to the Girder Slab Intl. System. Design Guide v3.3 improves upon the previously established structural and economical benefits of the Girder Slab IntlSystem. With simplicity in mind, new Di -Beam girders have been introduced while others, less commonly used, have been eliminated.
The Girder Slab Intl. System integrates easily with lateral resisting steel braced frames, and concrete or masonry shear walls.
