Floor Beams

• Free cambering
• 20-40% lighter than plain beams
• Asymmetreic beams

Cellular floor beams are economical in two applications:

Optimum Layout

The most efficient layout for cellular beams is as long spanning secondary members. Clear span cellular beam construction often costs no more than traditional short/medium spans using plain composite beams. (See Fig. 7)

The benefits of layout B are enormous compared to the slight increase in steel frame weight; 

 Fewer beams
 Fewer shear studs
 Faster erection
 Reduced building height
 Fewer foundations

= Column-free space at no additional cost

Free Cambers

Deflection is rarely a critical factor in floor beam designs because cellular beams can be cambered mid production at no extra cost. (See Fig. 8)

• Shallower construction
• Flexible service integration 
• Improved natural frequency

Asymmetric Cellular Beam

In composite design the ability to combine tees from two different sections to form an asymmetric beam is the perfect way of distributing the mass of the steel section, producing major cost savings compared to plain composite beams. (See Fig. 9)

Service Integration

If service integration is required a cellular beam will be a cheaper solution irrespective of span. (See Fig. 10)

Not only is the cellular beam a cheaper structural solution, it also provides two major benefits for servicing the building.

• Cost: Circular ducting is the cheapest and most efficient.
• Mid Project and Future Additions: The large number of cells provides contingencies for mid project changes to service requirements, and the maximum flexibility for future refits.