Guidance and Industry News
Elements® Debugged!
You can now download or update to the recently published version 2.3 of our free design software, Elements®. With minor…
Posted: 01/07/19
Don’t lose your bearings, rely on our support!
When designing any building, whether it be a steel frame, masonry, timber or concrete construction, it’s important to consider the…
Posted: 10/06/19
Site Preparation: Shear Stud Welding
Before starting the shear stud welding process, there are several factors that should be taken into account to make sure…
Posted: 01/04/19
The White Book – Floor Deck Specification
Floor Deck Design Guide and Tables This ‘White Book’ has been developed as a quick reference tool to be used…
Posted: 21/11/18
Elements® Mobile App
We have developed a unique new mobile phone app for architects, designers and engineers. Our ‘SMD Elements® Span Check’ initiative…
Posted: 21/11/18
Slab surface flatness vs slab surface finish
When it comes to pouring concrete onto metal decking, there is a lack of understanding of the difference between slab…
Posted: 15/10/18
We’re ready for launch
We’re celebrating the launch of the new R51+ as well as our brand-new mobile app, Elements® Span Check. With…
Posted: 11/10/18
Thermal mass, dispelling the myth
The fabric of a building can absorb and store heat generated by solar gain, equipment use and human activities; this…
Posted: 05/09/18
What is mesh reinforcement for?
It may be obvious to some of us, but for others who might be new to the industry, might not…
Posted: 15/08/18
Shear studs and composite decking
The increased performance of composite beams, in stiffness and bending resistance, allows the construction of longer spans and shallower floors…
Posted: 11/06/18
Deflection of composite steel deck slabs
Deflection is defined as; the degree to which a structural element is displaced under load. All elements deflect so it…
Posted: 21/05/18
Fixings to install floor deck
Installing floor deck to the supporting structure will typically be carried out using low velocity powder (‘shot-firing’) or gas-actuated cartridge…
Posted: 24/04/18
Composite slab design responsibility – Who’s responsible for what? And how can SMD help?The word ‘design’ can mean different things to different people. In this article useful industry references are used to discuss… Posted: 28/09/23 
Welded Shear Studs or Shot-fired Shear Connectors?In steel-concrete composite construction, shear connectors, welded or shot-fired, play a crucial role in connecting the concrete slab to the… Posted: 03/08/23 
Composite Slab CantileversSafety over performance Maximum unpropped slab cantilevers are not entirely based on the performance of the deck or slab. The… Posted: 22/05/23 
Why stud tolerance should be important to U!Shear studs are typically specified at standard spacings. Where the beams are perpendicular to the deck, the profile geometry controls… Posted: 31/08/22 
Design Guidance – Using VoidSafe®Design Guidance – Using VoidSafe® Helpful Early Design Considerations What is VoidSafe® and why use it? Health and Safety considerations… Posted: 08/06/22 
Totally LIT!Totally LIT! Our Best Practice Data Sheets are no longer available… find out why? For many years we have provided… Posted: 11/05/22 |
