Design of precast concrete floors in steel-framed buildings. Part 2: Beam design

In the UK, steel-framed buildings with precast concrete floors are a common form of multistorey building. Such structures may be used for car parking, for commercial, retail or residential property developments, and for public buildings, such as schools and hospitals. This hybrid form of construction has many benefits, including the provision of an early, secure and broad platform from which subsequent site activities can be undertaken. This article is the second in a series of three addressing aspects of designing steel-framed buildings with precast concrete floors. The article describes aspects of the design of steel or composite beams which will support precast prestressed concrete planks.