Type B Metal Decking in Florida: Applicable ASTM and AISI Material Standards
We offer Type B metal decking for Florida construction projects, supplying, fabricating, and installing panels that meet applicable ASTM and AISI material standards—including ASTM A653, ASTM A792, and AISI S100—for full Florida Building Code and Miami-Dade compliance.
Summary
- Specify ASTM A653 or ASTM A792 for materials
- Design per AISI S100 for cold-formed steel
- Use G90 or AZ50 coatings for Florida coast
If you specify Type B metal decking for Florida construction, accurate material standards are critical to long-term performance, corrosion resistance, and code approval. This guide from Miami Metal Deck explains which ASTM and AISI standards typically apply to Type B metal deck materials, what to call out in specifications, and why coastal projects need upgraded coatings. We focus on commonly required steel grades, coating systems, and the design standards used by fabricators and engineers to ensure compliance with the Florida Building Code and Miami-Dade expectations.
Key ASTM Material Standards
Material requirements for Type B metal decking are most commonly expressed using these ASTM references: ASTM A653/A653M for zinc coated (galvanized) cold-rolled steel sheet and strip, with coating classes such as G60 and G90; ASTM A792/A792M for aluminum-zinc alloy coated steel sheet (often called Galvalume, commonly AZ50); ASTM A1008/A1008M and ASTM A1011 for base cold-rolled and hot-rolled steel sheet specifications when the substrate needs to be defined; and ASTM A123 for hot-dip galvanizing of fabricated steel components. For stainless options, reference ASTM A240 for stainless steel plate and ASTM A167 for stainless steel properties. Also include testing or performance standards such as ASTM B117 for comparative salt spray testing when accelerated corrosion resistance data is required.
Coating selection matters in Florida. For inland projects G90 galvanized steel to ASTM A653 is a standard choice; for coastal or high-corrosion exposures, Galvalume to ASTM A792 or stainless alternatives are recommended. Specify minimum coating weights or coating classes, and require mill certification proving compliance with the cited ASTM standard and coating weights.
AISI Standards and Design Guidance
AISI standards provide the design and fabrication rules used by engineers and manufacturers. The primary design standard is AISI S100, the North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members, which governs load calculations, shear, bending, and local buckling relevant to metal deck acting as diaphragm or composite slab form. Manufacturers and fabricators also follow AISI product and construction guidance for cold-formed steel. When specifying Type B deck, reference AISI design guidance for allowable stresses and connection detailing to ensure compatibility with structural framing and diaphragm performance.
In practice, combine material ASTM calls with AISI design rules. For example, specify the deck substrate as ASTM A653 grade with G90 coating, note the steel grade or yield strength if required, and reference AISI S100 for design criteria. Require mill test reports and manufacturer product data demonstrating compliance with both material and design standards.
Florida and Miami-Dade Specific Requirements
Florida Building Code and Miami-Dade approvals emphasize corrosion resistance and documented product approval in hurricane-prone zones. Many projects will require higher coating classes or Galvalume, and some require Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance or Florida Product Approval evidence. For coastal exposure specify AZ50 Galvalume or higher coating weights, or stainless steel for maximum longevity. Include language for finish warranty, expected service life, and required field touch-up procedures.
Also specify fasteners and accessories that meet corrosion class expectations. Use factory-applied coatings or specified hot-dip galvanized accessories per ASTM A153 where appropriate, and require shop drawings that demonstrate how the Type B metal decking interfaces with water control, edge conditions, and roof or slab continuity.
Specification Best Practices and Benefits
Miami Metal Deck recommends clear, enforceable specification language: cite ASTM A653 or A792 for material and coating, name the required coating class (for example G90 or AZ50), reference AISI S100 for structural design, require mill certificates, and call out any Miami-Dade or Florida approvals required by the owner. Doing so protects your project schedule and budget, reduces change orders due to nonconforming material, and improves lifecycle performance. Our team supplies deck materials specified to these standards, offers QA documentation, and partners with engineers to align material selection and diaphragm design with Florida code requirements.
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