EcoJoists

What are Eco-joists?

They are a fully engineered solution for providing unrestricted spans for up to 7.5m. The eco-joists are a very simple concept that has raised the bar in engineered construction to an unprecedented height. The timbers used for Eco-joists are the same as the walls, being Pine/Spruce/Fir. The Timber Strength Class (TSC) is raised to TR26 form C16 and a typical timber size actual is 47mm x 72mm or 47mmx 97mm. The joist consists of two timbers (Top chord and Bottom Chord) these are held together by metal web flanges pressed into the top and bottom chords by a special machine. The size of timbers and spacing of the webs are determined by the designer or engineer, using stand-alone software supplied with the licence from Gang-nail industries. We are one of the very few organisations who hold licenses for Gang-nail Ecojoists and Trussed Rafters.

Standard joists only allow 1 option to specify the ceiling heights, whereas Eco-joists offer various depth options from 195mm – 304mm and the joist can be hung from the top or the bottom chord depending on requirements. This is possible because of the engineering principles engaged using the tension and compression principle. (See Trussed Rafters).

Uninterrupted spans of up to 7.5m can be achieved and this means that large open spaces can be easily achieved in any property at any level, if designed correctly. In larger buildings such as public buildings and sports complexes, where even larger uninterrupted spans are called for we can find a solution almost any span using Glulam beams. Using an engineered solution removes all the unnecessary columns and thick walls currently required in some traditional Portuguese construction.

The floor decking face (top of top chord) is 72mm wide and perfectly flat, and this allows the floor decking fixer more scope to anchor the boards correctly. Another benefit of the Eco-joist is that it does not have a turning moment, as solid joists do. This means that no bracing is required between the joists, unlike traditional timbers. The bracing takes a long time to install, so using Eco-joists; the cost of the extra materials and labour is saved. Eco-joists are very quiet as there is little movement. A floor built to Robust Detail using Eco-joists can be tiled as tradition here demands, but prevents noise travel and scores very highly in the Passage of Sound Rules.

Because the Eco’s are made to measure, no site waste is generated and the materials used are kiln dried to 18%moisture content thereby affording minimal shrinkage or swelling.

These are a lightweight component and can be installed very quickly with the minimum of manpower. Because the whole system is open, water delivery and waste systems, along with cables and other service ducts can be run in several different directions, making savings on materials, reducing the need for bends on pipe-work that reduces pressure and avoids surface run service infrastructure.

Fire resistance is also an engineered feature in this product, and it meets all the code demands for Portugal as it does for the whole of Europe. No notching or drilling to accommodate services means that the component retains the design integrity and is not weakened as is the case with other materials used for the purpose of supporting floors.

Eco-joists are also used as a roofing member, and can be employed in several different ways, This is discussed later.

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