DESIGN
Q: Can bays on the same floor be designed differently?
A: Yes, we often recommend ALTERNATE LAYOUTS to support project specific requirements AIMED AT MINIMIZING COST AND MAXIMIZING PERFORMANCE.
Q: Are there limits to the penetration sizes on the floors?
A: No, we have various methods for each slab type to support openings from small cored penetrations to large shaft openings.
Q: Do you have/share any design guidelines?
A: Give us a call and we will provide you what you need to specify or evaluate our products.
Q: Where can I find specs?
A: Give us a call and we will provide you what you need to specify or evaluate our products.
Q: Can I penetrate the beam (vertically and horizontally)?
A: Yes, we will work with you to identify when, where, how often, and how large you can make penetrations. They are typically incorporated in the shop for accuracy and speed.
Q: Is a structural topping required on your hollowcore designs?
A: We can design our beams to support both untopped and topped systems.
Q: Can the structural topping be applied after the the beam is poured?
A: Yes, but we need to know in advance to engineer our products accordingly.
Q: Can use the beam in a cantilever application?
A: Yes, we support cantilevers.
Q: Can the system be designed for 2hr or greater unprotected fire ratings?
A: Yes, we have design methods to support performance based fire loading conditions.
Q: Can I use DK beams in high seismic or wind zones?
A: Yes, our columns and beams are designed as a gravity elements.
Q: What are the effects of the DK system on my foundation design?
A: When compared to cast in place designs, our systems are designed to be lighter with equivalent or superior spans thereby reducing foundation requirements.
Q: What does the connection detail look like?
A: Give us a call and we will provide you what you need to specify or evaluate our products.
Q: Can I attach anything to the beam (Cladding, canopies, rolling doors/walls)?
A: Yes, we just need to know the relative loads and we can include them in our designs.
Q: What kind of lateral bracing is required for DIVERSAKORE frames?
A: We can integrate with shear walls or steel bracing. Whatever is most efficient for your project.
Q: How do you support balconies?
A: We work with cantilevered and post supported balconies with all supported slab types (Hollowcore & Steel Deck).
FABRICATION
Q: What parts do you make off-site and what do you ‘hook up’ on-site?
A: We prefabricate and shop install forms, reinforcing, and connections. That leaves slab assemblies, shoring/temporary bracing, and concrete to install and finish in the field.
Q: How is the beam manufactured?
A: The parts and assemblies are manufactured and assembled in authorized production facilities.
COORDINATION
Q: Who does the sequencing (planning) work?
A: We help support the subcontractors and general contractors to optimize scheduling.
INSTALLATION
Q: What is the installation sequence and duration?
A: Project requirements dictate the approach. But anywhere from 3500 to 5500 SF/day is a good rule of thumb.
Q: How do I shore and brace DK beams during construction?
A: VT Beams typically require approximately 2x10kip post shores 6′ on center, 2 levels and no reshoring. Bracing is determined by the bay sizes and defined by the installation contractor.
Q: How is the DK beam erected?
A: Hoisted and bolted, then shored prior to loading with slab assembly.
Q: What is included with the beam?
A: Forms, studs, straps, reinforcing, and connections.
Q: How do we keep hauling and lifting costs down during design?
A: Multi-lift columns and long span beams.