Truedek Truedek Steel Decking re-launch offers impressive alternative

Steel Decking system Truedek is gaining traction in the market after Premier Steel Technologies took over ownership of the product in 2016 and has been actively re-launching the system. The product has been in the market since 2004 and due to the inherent strength of the steel deck panels and the many installation benefits of the system, including the ability to span 7+ metres unpropped, it gained great popularity in a wide variety of building applications and construction projects.

Originally called Trussdek II, it was developed by Engineers from OneSteel Reinforcing and the University of Western Sydney and is the end result of extensive design and testing to develop a lightweight steel deck that could span much further than what was currently available. Premier Steel Technologies Pty Ltd, a specialist custom steel rollforming company, were involved in the product development and instrumental in the design of the rollforming tooling, manufacturing and assembly machinery. Truedek is now owned and manufactured by Premier Steel and distributed nationally from their premises at Wetherill Park in Sydney.

Truedek is an engineered product and is custom made for each project. The panels can be made in 4 heights - 90, 110, 140 & 160mm and virtually any length up to 7 plus metres. Each panel is pre-cambered to suit the weight of the wet concrete and is designed to finish with a flat soffit. The panels can also be made in different metal thickness depending on the load rating required, so it is not a one-size-fits-all, but manufactured to suit each job.

As Truedek is custom made, it is the perfect fit and comes with a panel plan schedule, showing full installation locations and as each panel can be comfortably handled by two people, it is easy to install. For larger or high-rise projects, rods can be inserted through multiple panels and a large ‘platform’ of Truedek panels can be lifted into position. Also, as there is no cutting on site, there is no waste to dispose of.

When any project is submitted to Truedek, their qualified engineers accurately calculate all the specific variations to provide the best possible solution, so most of the leg work is already done. The engineering consultants are staff that worked on the product design so are intimately involved in the process and can help with any product or installation enquiries.

Truedek is especially suited for suspended concrete slabs in areas that are difficult to prop, due to limited access or high ground to slab height. It is also ideal for jobs that require a much longer span length than conventional steel decks and an additional side benefit is, as the Truedek panels are exceptionally strong, it provides a safe working platform designed to take up to 5kPa working loads prior to concrete pour.

With the varying metal combinations, truss heights and lengths, each job is costed individually from plans submitted, however for the majority of jobs the cost of propping, labour and the convenience of a faster site access time are all factors to consider when estimating cost. 

Contact Premier Steel for more information regarding steel formwork, metal decking suppliers, concrete steel reinforcing, metal deck roofing and more on (02) 9756 0602 and visit the website at:  www.truedek.com.au