Why Steel Girders and Joists Are the Unsung Heroes of High-Rise Engineering
When you walk through a city and look up at tall buildings, you probably notice the windows, the height, or the shape of the building. But have you ever thought about what holds that building up? What keeps it from falling over in strong winds or during storms?
The answer is something you usually don’t see: steel girders and joists.
At The Myers Group, we help build tall buildings by providing important materials like steel joists as well as special floor systems. These parts might not be visible, but they are very important. They are the real heroes behind the strong and tall buildings we see every day.
What Are Steel Joists?
Imagine a giant skeleton inside a building. Just like your bones keep your body strong and upright, steel joists keep buildings standing tall and steady. Steel joists are like big arms that carry heavy loads across wide spaces. They run horizontally and support other parts of the structure.
They help hold up floors and roofs by spreading the weight evenly. Together, joists create a strong framework that can carry a lot of weight and handle stress from things like people, furniture, and even wind.
Why Is Steel So Important?
You might wonder why steel is used instead of wood or concrete. Here’s why:
- Steel is very strong. This makes it perfect for tall buildings where strength matters a lot.
- Steel can be made in exact sizes, so it fits perfectly during construction. This helps the building process go faster and more smoothly.
- Steel does not rot or get eaten by bugs, which means it lasts a long time and doesn’t need a lot of repair.
- Steel is also fire-resistant, which makes buildings safer.
And lastly, steel is good for the environment because it can be recycled and used again in new buildings.
How Floors Are Built Using Steel Decking?
A building isn’t just made of beams and joists. We also need strong floors. That’s where metal decking comes in. At The Myers Group, we supply a product called Type B Form-Lok metal decking. This is a type of floor panel made of corrugated steel. It is placed on top of the steel joists and girders. Once it’s in place, concrete is poured on top of it to form a strong floor. The B-Form-Lok deck has small ridges or shapes (deformations) that lock into the concrete as it dries.
This makes the floor even stronger because the steel and concrete work together as one solid piece. These systems are used in many kinds of buildings, like multi-level schools, hospitals, shopping malls, office buildings, mezzanines, skyscrapers or anywhere a concrete floor is needed over supports.
How We Help at The Myers Group?
At The Myers Group, we don’t just sell steel. We help builders choose the right materials for their projects. We make sure that each joist, and metal deck we provide fits the needs of the building.
We help figure out:
- How far apart the joists should be.
- How heavy the floors will be.
- What kind of metal deck is required.
- How to connect everything in order with ease of installation.
We make sure everything is safe, strong, and ready to last for years to come.
Benefits of Choosing The Myers Group
Here’s why people like working with us:
- We deliver materials quickly.
- We know a lot about steel decking and how it works in buildings.
- We offer the latest and strongest metal deck systems.
- We help solve problems and answer questions.
- We keep prices fair and honest.
We’re proud to be a trusted partner for builders, erectors and fabricators who want strong and safe buildings. See RustyDeck.com where we show our top-quality materials.
Questions People Often Ask
- What is the difference between a girder and a joist?
A girder is a large steel beam that supports heavy loads across a wide area. A joist is a smaller beam that connects to the girder and supports the floor or roof above.
- Why do builders use metal decking like Type B and B-Form Lok?
These types of metal decks make roofs or floors stronger. Type B is easy to use and strong, while B-Form Lok locks into the concrete to make a tough floor.
- Can steel help buildings last longer?
Yes. Steel doesn’t rot, bend, or get damaged by pests like wood does. It’s also fire-resistant, so it helps buildings stay safe and strong for a long time.
- How does The Myers Group help builders?
We help by making sure the right materials arrive on the jobsite that were called out by the Architect and Engineers. We also help plan the deck installation, deliver the materials quickly, and answer any questions.
- Is steel good for the environment?
Yes. Steel can be reused and recycled. That means less waste and fewer materials taken from the earth.
Build Smarter. Build Stronger. Built with The Myers Group
Whether you’re constructing a high-rise, office building, a multi-level school building, a mezzanine, a pool supported over a residential garage, a home safe room or a commercial space, The Myers Group has the expertise, materials, and support you need to get the job done right. We make it easy to follow the structural system, shop drawings, fast delivery, responsive service, and proven products like B-Form Lok metal deck.
Let’s bring strength and stability to your next project. Contact us today for a custom quote, expert guidance, or to speak with our team about your upcoming build. Strong foundations start here. Let’s build something great—together.