AliDeck Aluminium Decking Joist Combinations Deliver Huge Span Capabilities in Deflection and Load Testing, Huge 6 Metre Span between Supports Achieved

The AliDeck System of non-combustible aluminium decking comprises a range of decking boards, joists, pedestals and accessories. One of the key features of our comprehensive range of products is its interoperability, the fact that all our system components can work together in any combination provides our customers with unrivalled versatility.

When we originally designed our joist profiles, we incorporated bolt channels to all sides to allow for easy fixing of decking boards, pedestals and brackets without the need for clips or drilling. We also made sure to design the joist profiles in such a way that they could slide together if desired, to allow for more options to be available when building framework or structures. Connecting two joists in this way does also, of course, create a much stronger structural support beam!

While we know from earlier deflection testing that our Supa Joist and Low Joist both deliver excellent load performance at their respective spans of 3000mm and 1200mm, we were keen to find out how combinations of joists would perform. Deflection testing was arranged for two joist combos; Supa Joist combined with Supa Joist, and Supa Joist combined with Low Joist.

Applying a 1.4kN point load mid-span under a criteria of L/360, the results were a triumph with the Supa & Supa combo delivering a remarkable 6 metre span! The Supa & Low combo also performed magnificently, achieving 5000mm span.

The only downside to combining joists like this is that build-up heights are increased. The Supa Joist is our heavy-duty beam, with a profile height of 105mm. Connecting two Supa Joists results in a new height of 200mm. For the Supa-Low combination, the new height is 146mm.

While this might cause issues on some remediation projects where the build-up height is limited by the surrounding existing structures, for new-build projects that require an extremely long spanning beam the taller joist combo heights can be designed in to the project at outset. Either way, it’s a very minor issue when looked at in the light of the proven extremely wide spans from AliDeck aluminium joist combos now available to industry.

All in all, this is a great step forward and a perfect demonstration of the versatility and utility of the AliDeck system.

To find out more, call the AliDeck team on 01622 235 672 or email info@alideck.co.uk.

Click the below images to download the deflection test certificate for each joist combo.