The joist and vault system is one of the most innovative and efficient solutions in modern construction. This system is composed of two key elements: joists and vaults. Together, they create strong, lightweight concrete slabs that are used primarily in the construction of roofs and mezzanines.
What Are Joists and Vaults?
Joists are prefabricated support elements that have the main function of distributing the loads of the structure to the columns or walls. They are generally made of reinforced concrete, which gives them great resistance to bending and heavy loads. The vaults, on the other hand, are pieces that are placed between the joists and have a lightening function, that is, they reduce the total weight of the slab without sacrificing its structural resistance.
The combination of joists and vaults optimizes the use of materials and facilitates construction, since these pieces are placed quickly and do not require traditional formwork. Furthermore, this system has the advantage of being very economical and versatile, adapting to different types of buildings, from homes to industrial complexes.
This system is especially useful in projects where speed in installation and efficiency in the cost of materials is sought.
When is the Joist and Vault System Used?
Ideal Situations to Use the Joist and Vault System
The joist and vault system is ideal for construction projects where speed, cost efficiency and material optimization are priorities. This system is particularly beneficial in large-volume works, where execution times need to be accelerated without compromising structural quality.
One of the great advantages of the joist and vault system is its ability to adapt to different types of buildings, making it a versatile option for a variety of projects. This system is widely used in multi-story buildings, as it provides a light but strong structural solution that allows the weight of the slabs to be supported without adding excessive load to the structure.
When is the Joist and Vault System Used?
Ideal Situations to Use the Joist and Vault System
The joist and vault system is ideal for construction projects where speed, cost efficiency and material optimization are priorities. This system is particularly beneficial in large-volume works, such as in the structural design of multi-story buildings, where execution times need to be accelerated without compromising structural quality.
Common Uses in Various Types of Works
The joist and vault system is frequently used in the following types of construction:
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multi-story buildings: Thanks to their lightness, joists and vaults allow greater efficiency in the construction of intermediate floors, making it possible to build high-rise structures with less execution time and at a lower cost.
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Residential projects: In homes with two or more floors, the use of joists and vaults provides an excellent solution for mezzanines, guaranteeing stability and rapid progress in the work. This is especially important in the structural design of house, where speed of execution and efficiency are essential.
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Slabs with short spans: Thanks to these prefabricated elements, quick installation of mezzanine slabs and roofs can be achieved. This construction system is efficient in spans no greater than 6 meters between supports. In these cases the cost-benefit in the installation of this construction system is greater than other systems.
Comparison between ribbed slab and joist and vault.
One of the main benefits of the joist and vault system is its ease of installation and the speed with which it can be implemented, making it an economical and practical option for projects with reduced spans and moderate loads. However, it may not be the best option for constructions that require greater structural strength or design flexibility.
On the contrary, the ribbed slab It stands out in projects that need to cover large spans or support high loads, such as industrial or commercial spaces. Although its construction may be more complex as it requires specific formwork and trained personnel, it offers a solid and durable structural solution. Companies like ME-GA Sonora Projects They have the experience and resources necessary to implement this system efficiently, guaranteeing quality results.
Both systems have their advantages and limitations depending on the needs of the project, but having a specialized team to analyze and execute the appropriate design is key to optimizing costs and results.
Instructions for Correct Application and Benefits
To ensure optimal performance of the joist and vault system in structural design of buildings and in residential projects, it is essential to follow certain recommendations:
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Distance between joists: To ensure adequate distribution of the loads and avoid possible deflections in the slab, the joists must be placed at a maximum distance of 75 cm between them. This spacing allows the slab to maintain its strength without overloading the structure.
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Correct adjustment of the vaults: The joists must be precisely placed between the joists, ensuring that they are perfectly aligned to avoid any type of misalignment that could result in concrete leaks during the pouring process.
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Reinforcement with electrowelded mesh: To improve the resistance of the slab and guarantee a better distribution of loads, it is recommended to use electro-welded mesh on the slab before pouring the concrete.
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Ensure the quality of materials: The quality of the materials used is essential to guarantee the durability and safety of the structure. It is advisable to purchase the joists and vaults from trusted suppliers who ensure the quality of the product, such asn ME-GA Projects, we make sure to work with the best suppliers to guarantee that all the materials used in our projects are of the highest quality, which translates into safer and more resistant works.
Installation of the Joist and Vault System with ME-GA Projects
In ME-GA Projects, we understand the importance of a well-installed joist and vault system to ensure the stability and durability of your construction. Our team handles the entire installation process, ensuring that each step is executed with precision and care. Below,
we explain how we help you carry out each phase of the installation:
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Preparation of the land and leveling of the base: We take care of cleaning and leveling the surface where the joists will be installed. This step is essential to ensure a firm and stable base, without interference that could affect the installation. We ensure that the land is in optimal conditions for the placement process.
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Placing the joists: Our team is in charge of placing the joists at the recommended distance of 75 cm between them, guaranteeing adequate distribution of loads and precise alignment. We ensure that the joists are firmly installed to prevent any movement or shifting.
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Insertion of the vaults: Once the joists are placed, we insert the bovedillas between them, making sure they are perfectly adjusted. This step is key to avoid voids that could compromise the structure and to achieve a firm and safe slab.
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Application of electrowelded mesh: We place a electrowelded mesh on the structure, providing additional reinforcement that distributes loads evenly and improves the strength of the concrete. This mesh is essential to avoid cracks and guarantee the durability of the slab.
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Concrete pouring: Finally, we perform the concrete pouring to create the compression layer. We use high quality concrete that meets the necessary specifications (f'c= 200 kg/cm2) to ensure optimal resistance. We take care of pouring the concrete evenly, ensuring that it completely covers the mesh and the vaults, forming a solid and resistant slab.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Joist and Vault System
Advantages of the Joist and Vault System
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Significant reduction in construction times and costs: Thanks to the prefabrication of the joists and vaults, the system facilitates quick installation, reducing construction times. This not only speeds up the project, but also optimizes the costs associated with the work, making it an efficient option for all types of construction.
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Greater lightness and ease of transport of materials: The joists and vaults are light materials, which makes them easy to transport and handle during installation. This not only saves time and effort, but also reduces logistics costs on large-scale projects.
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Thermal and acoustic insulation: Depending on the type of vault used, the system can offer a good level of thermal and acoustic insulation, which improves comfort inside buildings. This benefit is especially useful in residential and commercial construction where energy efficiency and noise control are priorities.
Disadvantages of the Joist and Vault System
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Requires careful installation to avoid errors: The installation of this system must be done precisely. Any error in the placement of the joists or vaults can compromise the stability of the structure. Therefore, it is essential to have a team of trained professionals to carry out the installation.
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Reliance on specific materials and installation experts: This system depends on specific prefabricated materials that must be of high quality to guarantee its performance. In addition, specialized personnel are required in its installation to avoid failures during construction.
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Consider possible structural limitations in projects with very high loads: Although the system is suitable for most constructions, in projects involving very high loads or special conditions, additional structural analysis may be necessary. The joist and beam system may not be sufficient on certain projects with exceptional load demands.
The system of joist and vault It is an effective solution to optimize construction times and costs, being ideal for residential, commercial and industrial projects. The advantages, such as speed of installation, cost reduction, and thermal and acoustic insulation, make it an attractive option for many projects. However, it is important to take into account disadvantages, such as the need for precise installation and dependence on specific materials, which may limit its application in projects with very high loads.
Choosing the right materials and having experts in their installation is essential to guarantee the success of the project. In ME-GA Projects, we specialize in offering high-quality structural solutions, ensuring that your work is executed with maximum precision and efficiency.
Contact information:
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Address: Av. 4, 165, Prados del Sol, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
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WhatsApp: Write us or call us at +52 55 7423 3635
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Telephone: Dial +52 662 937 0837
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LinkedIn: Follow our page at LinkedIn to learn more about our projects and news.
Trust the experts at ME-GA Projects to guarantee the stability and safety of your project, ensuring that each retaining wall is built with the highest precision and quality. Contact us today for more information and personalized advice!
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