FAQ

Some engineers have determined that with the addition of camber and utilizing a heavier ENVIROBEAM® , spans of up to 25 feet without tree columns are possible. The Engineer of Record (EOR) is the final authority in determining the appropriate span for the ENVIROBEAM® .

Yes, a bolted connection is possible, but keep in mind that the bolts could potentially interfere with the placement of the precast slabs.

A building can be constructed to the same height as any other steel structure. The ENVIROBEAM® and hollow core plank are responsible for carrying the gravity loads. The ultimate height of the building depends on the design of the lateral resisting system.

The design guide and details are intended as graphic representations; the web openings in the ENVIROBEAM® will not always align perfectly with the openings in the hollow core slabs. When the web openings don’t align, the rebar is angled or hooked to fit into the openings of the hollow core. Note: The dimension tables in the Design Guide provide the web opening sizes for various ENVIROBEAM® sections.

A572 Gr 50 or A529 Gr 50 flat bar are typically rolled, but you may also use rolled plate of equal or greater strength. If splice welds are necessary, they must develop the full capacity of the cross section.

Our system does not account for spliced bars, just as any engineer's design typically does not account for spliced wide flanges. If a fabricator chooses to deviate from the standard approach, their procedure must comply with AISC requirements, and all deviations must be submitted to the Structural Engineer of Record (SER) for review.

Although the cut length may intersect a web opening, there should be sufficient remaining web to transfer the shear to the end plate connection, but this must be verified by the Engineer of Record (EOR). When the EOR specifies the "Tree Column Elevation S16," they can adjust the length of the "tree" to ensure that the connecting ENVIROBEAM® have at least 2 inches of solid web at each end for connections. This approach should result in most of the project's ENVIROBEAM® being of uniform length. During the review of these connections, the EOR may determine that reinforcement is necessary. The fabricator can fill in the missing web with a plate, or a doubler plate can be used.

The Composite Flooring System utilizes precast concrete slabs and steel components that are joined compositely with grout and steel reinforcement. Both precast and steel elements have been successfully used in seismic regions. The use of standard details enables the Composite Flooring System to adapt effectively to high seismic environments. (Concrete topping and additional reinforcement are typically required.)

This connection is meant to be an end plate shear connection, as outlined in the AISC Code for end plate shear connections. To avoid developing fixity, consider the following approaches: Use only the necessary number of bolts to transfer the end reaction. Opt for a relatively thin plate. Minimize the welding between the top and bottom flanges and the end plate. You might also consider using two bolts in the web and two bolts below the bottom flange, spaced vertically about 6 inches apart.

Yes, ENVIROBEAM® are commonly used in braced frames, particularly to accommodate mechanical systems. We recommend considering HSS (tube) sections as a single diagonal brace. The HSS is designed to function as both a tension and compression member, and the axial load on the ENVIROBEAM® due to frame action is zero.