Smorgon Steel has introduced a new structural beam product to the market which is said to offer the strength of steel combined with the ease of use of timber.
The LiteSteel Beam (LSB) was developed by Smorgon using a patented dual electric resistance welding and cold forming process. This produces a steel beam that is forty percent lighter than a traditional hot rolled steel beam of equivalent structural performance. It is flexible to work with on site, just like timber and, unlike other structural steel beams, it can be cut, nailed, drilled and screwed on site using standard professional power tools. Further, it can be lifted like timber, in most cases without the need for a crane.
Key to the benefits of LSB is its profile with a thin, flat web and two hollow flanges top and bottom. The web is easily worked, allowing for cabling to be run through it. Its shape also delivers more structural performance in terms of load carrying capacity.
Tests conducted by the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney and the School of Civil Engineering at the Queensland University of Technology, showed that LSB has structural strength where it is needed and it will comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS4600.
Source: Building Products News.