Load-bearing systems

LSF load-bearing structures have structural capability up to 15 storeys. Structures are generally formed as pre-panelised systems which are lighter and easier to erect than alternative building technologies. Structures are formed using wall and floor components as referenced in later sections of this document.

DACS - Tekla image

EOS - Gardiner Place development

There are different requirements for load-bearing structures based on the overall height of the building relating to both disproportionate collapse and fire protection to load-bearing elements. When referring to fire performance buildings can be generally grouped as:

Structures up to 11m (two and three storey houses) Structures up to 18m (structures up to six storeys) Structures up to 30m (structures up to ten storeys) Structures over 30m (structures over ten storeys)

Supplied as pre-panelised components or site specific formed to the required size, elements are delivered to site direct from the manufacturing facility, which allows for easy installation on site, and easy access to restricted or hard to access sites, with one crane required to lift the components into place.

Walls

Walls in load-bearing systems can be formed as: • Open frame • Frame lined with external sheathing boards • Insulated frames • Fully through wall systems

Floors

Intermediate floors can be formed as: • Concrete Floor – site installed concrete slab flooring made up using concrete on composite metal decking • LSF Cassette Floor – factory formed LSF cassette floor panel with either OSB 3 or exterior grade plywood

Roofs

Roofs in load-bearing systems can be formed as: • Concrete Roof – concrete slab flooring on composite metal decking • LSF Cassette Roof - LSF sections to form the structure • LSF Trussed Roof – warm pitched roof created using LSF trusses or with traditional trussed roof or trapezoidal profile roof deck and cold rolled purlins

Ways to improve Health and Safety on site

When constructing load-bearing structures there are opportunities to build in elements to improve health and safety on site. These include: • Use of temporary cassettes to close openings within the floor • Incorporating the stairs with temporary handrails during the build for access to upper floors • Connection points for scaffolding and access systems such as hoists etc.