Deckplatten

Deckplatten, or deck plates, are flat structural slabs that form the upper surface of floors, roofs, or bridges. They carry service loads and distribute them to supporting beams, walls, or piers. Deckplatten can be precast elements installed on site or cast in place as part of the structural frame. Common materials include reinforced or prestressed concrete, steel with a concrete topping, and composite metal decks with concrete.

Two main varieties are precast concrete deck slabs and steel-deck systems with a concrete topping. Precast decks enable controlled factory production and rapid assembly, while steel decks offer light weight and large spans. Configurations may be hollow-core or solid, depending on load, span, acoustics, or thermal needs. Design must address waterproofing, insulation, joints, and fire performance.

Construction involves placing decking units on supports, aligning them, and securing connections. A concrete topping or overlay is applied as required, and joints are sealed to prevent moisture ingress. In bridges or seismic areas, detailing for redundancy and movement is essential.

Applications include floor slabs in office buildings, parking structures, and residential towers, as well as bridge decks and industrial platform surfaces. Benefits include faster installation, uniform thickness, strong load distribution, and the potential for lightweight steel decking. Limitations include corrosion risk for steel decks, need for proper waterproofing, and maintenance of joints and insulation.

Standards and design guidance follow national building codes and Eurocodes for concrete and steel deck systems. Design considerations cover bending and shear, fire resistance, serviceability, and durability. The term Deckplatten is used in German-speaking practice to describe these deck elements within floor and bridge systems.