RESEARCH GRANT AWARD (RGA) 26-1: Behavior of Modular Steel Plate Floor Assemblies (FastFloor Phase 4)
The Charles Pankow Foundation (CPF) along with several Industry Partners is pleased to announce the award of the Phase 4 research grant to continue investigation of a new, modular steel floor framing and diaphragm system for commercial building structures with broad applicability, including high seismic zones. The proposed system 'FastFloor' has key benefits of increasing the speed of construction, including eliminating the pouring of a concrete deck. This type of system is key to achieving the goals of the AISC Need for Speed initiative to reduce the time from conception to occupancy for steel building structures.
Our Industry Partners are:
- American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
- Magnusson Klemencic Associates Foundation
- Herrick Steel
- Cives Steel
- Shurikan
- Metals Fab
Phase 1 investigated the viability of design using computational simulation and experimental testing. Phase 2 conducted a wide range of prototype structural analyses, including gravity loading, vibration and acoustics tests, and assessment of the new flooring’s interaction with the rest of a building’s structural systems. Phase 3 developed the Modular Floor System prototype, to include archetype structural design, archetype structure analysis, vibration and acoustic tests, gravity strength assessment of the Modular Floor System, and in-plane diaphragm strength assessment of the Modular Floor System. Phase 4 will conduct fire simulations, experiments, and design assessments of the Modular Floor System.
This project aligns very well with the vision of the Charles Pankow Foundation: to provide the AEC industry with a better way to design and build.