In recent years, industrial joists, thanks to standardized designs, mechanized production, and superior technical capabilities, have replaced traditional methods and gained a significant market share in construction projects. Since each project must choose the appropriate type of joist based on its unique requirements, a thorough understanding of the different types of joists and their features is of great importance.
On the other hand, given the broad construction materials market and the dispersion of suppliers, one of the main challenges for professionals in this field is finding reputable companies, comparing their services, and establishing effective contact. This is where the role of smart, multilingual platforms like SharMarket stands out. SharMarket is a platform designed to introduce various industrial sectors in seven languages (Russian, Chinese, English, Kurdish, Arabic, Turkish, and Persian), enabling fast, targeted, and international connections between manufacturers, vendors, and engineers in the construction industry.
Next, we will introduce the different types of industrial joists, their features, applications, and benefits.
What is a Joist and What Role Does It Play in Structures?
A joist is one of the main elements in ceiling systems, especially concrete ceilings, functioning as a tensile member and support for ceiling loads. Its main role is to transfer the loads from the floor or ceiling (such as the weight of concrete, rebar, flooring, furniture, occupants, and lateral forces) to the main beams or load-bearing walls of the building. In other words, the joist acts as a bridge between the ceiling and the other structural components.
In modern structures, the use of joists has become common due to their light weight, fast installation speed, and economic efficiency. This structural member is usually installed alongside ceiling blocks (cement, polystyrene, or clay) and, when integrated with concrete, forms a composite concrete slab (joist-and-block system) which performs well in both strength and insulation.
Some of the most important features of joists include:
- Increases the speed of ceiling installation
- Reduces the consumption of concrete and steel compared to traditional reinforced concrete slabs
- Allows for the implementation of medium spans at lower cost
- Enables industrial production and superior quality control
Introducing the Main Types of Industrial Joists
In construction, joists are classified according to their structure, the materials used, and the production method. Industrial joists, due to mechanized manufacturing, consistent quality, and scalability, play a major role in implementing modern ceilings. Below are the most popular types of industrial joists:
1. Truss Joist (Steel-Concrete)
This type of joist is one of the most widely used in Iran. It consists of tensile, compressive, and zigzag (connector) steel bars welded in a truss form, with a concrete base (shoe) at the bottom.
Features:
- Suitable for joist-and-block ceilings
- Requires shoring during installation
- Allows implementation of medium spans (up to about 4 to 5 meters)
2. Kermite Joist (Open Web Steel Joist)
Kermite joists are made from steel sections such as angle irons, flat bars, and rebar, and because of their open web design, the ceiling can be installed without shoring.
Features:
- Faster installation
- No need for shoring
- Suitable for longer spans (up to 7 meters)
- Allows installations to pass through the joist's open web
3. Pre-Stressed Joist
This type of joist uses high-tension steel wires or cables that are tensioned before concreting. This process increases load capacity and reduces joist deflection.
Features:
- Lightweight
- Enables long spans (up to about 8 meters)
- Reduces the consumption of concrete and rebar
- Completely factory produced using specialized machinery
4. Concrete Shoe Joist
A joist where the reinforced concrete shoe is pre-cast and both the top and bottom rebars are placed inside. These joists combine the benefits of truss and pre-fabricated joists.
Features:
- Suitable for projects that require fast execution
- Requires shoring
- Uniform and industrial production
5. Open Web Steel Joist (Honeycomb Joist)
These joists are generally made from steel beams that are cut and welded together, creating holes in the web. This not only reduces weight but also allows installations to pass through the joist.
Features:
- Mainly used in industrial buildings or warehouses
- Strong and suitable for large spans
- Allow piping and installations through joist web holes
The choice of joist depends on the project type, ceiling span, installation speed, budget, and available equipment. In this regard, using platforms like SharMarket can greatly streamline the selection and collaboration process, saving both time and costs.
Various Applications of Joists in Construction Projects
Joists are one of the essential elements of composite ceilings and are used in a wide range of construction projects. The type of joist should be chosen based on structural needs, project type, intended span, environmental conditions, and speed of execution. Here, we review the applications of different industrial joists in various projects:
· Residential Projects
In residential buildings, especially concrete structures, the most common type of ceiling is the joist-and-block ceiling. Truss and Kermite joists are the most widely used in these projects.
· Commercial and Office Projects
Commercial and office buildings usually feature larger spans and heavier loads. In such cases, Kermite or pre-stressed joists are preferred.
· Industrial Projects and Warehouses
In industrial buildings such as warehouses, open web steel (honeycomb) joists are commonly used because they offer high strength and allow installations to pass through the web holes.
· High-Rise Building Projects
In towers and high-rise buildings where speed and reduced structural weight are essential, pre-stressed joists are an excellent choice.
· Renovation and Rehabilitation Projects
For renovation and rehabilitation projects where space and access are often limited, using lighter, prefabricated joists like concrete shoe or pre-stressed joists can help reduce time and costs.
Given the wide range of joist applications in various projects, access to reliable and competent suppliers is crucial. SharMarket allows engineers, contractors, and consultants to connect more quickly and effectively with manufacturers of joists and building materials so they can make the best choices for their projects.
SharMarket: A Bridge for Construction Industry Professionals
With the expansion of international markets and increasing complexity of construction projects, the need for effective communication and fast access to reputable suppliers and manufacturers has become a major challenge in the industry. In this context, digital platforms can play a significant role in facilitating connections and growing businesses.
One of these innovative and comprehensive platforms is SharMarket, which operates with the goal of introducing various industrial sectors, especially construction. SharMarket is a professional online space where producers, sellers, engineers, and contractors can easily find each other, develop commercial partnerships, and access new markets.
Key Features of SharMarket:
- Multilingual support: Services are provided in seven major world languages, allowing industry professionals from different regions and languages to easily participate and communicate on the platform.
- Broad market introductions: From building materials to niche equipment like industrial joists, SharMarket provides a marketplace where manufacturers and suppliers are visible to both local and international audiences.
- Intelligent search: Users can easily find companies and products using a variety of filters and select the best options for their project needs.
- International collaboration opportunities: Supported languages enable the platform to act as a strong link between domestic manufacturers and foreign markets—and vice versa.
For those in the joist and industrial materials sectors, SharMarket is a golden opportunity to showcase products, increase sales, and find new business partners. Likewise, engineers, consultants, and contractors can make better project decisions with access to comprehensive and reliable information.
In this way, SharMarket serves not just as an online marketplace but as a specialized networking hub, playing a key role in speeding up professional collaboration and advancing the construction industry.
Conclusion
Industrial joists are a critical and essential part of modern construction, offering a variety of attributes that allow for the creation of lightweight, robust, and economical ceilings. Knowing the different types, applications, advantages, and limitations helps engineers and contractors choose the best option according to the project’s needs and site conditions.
Moreover, access to reputable suppliers and up-to-date information on materials and joists plays a key role in the success of any project.
SharMarket, by offering comprehensive information, simple search tools, and facilitating international connections, enables manufacturers, sellers, and engineers to confidently and efficiently find the right business partners and optimize their materials procurement process.
Therefore, for a successful and cost-effective project, it is recommended to both select the right type of joist based on structural needs and leverage digital tools and specialized platforms like SharMarket to establish broad and effective industry connections.
