Steel flooring and roofing systems specialist Canam Asia has completed installation of open web joist (OWJ) steel systems for the floors and roofing at the Dareen Mall in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

The roof covers an area of 35,100  sq m over different zones, with free spans in excess of 30 m in length, in different shapes and curves.
The advantages of using Canam Asia’s systems include lower cost, lateral stability, speed and ease of erection, fire safety, shock protection and continuity with the foundation, according to a company spokesman.
“OWJs are strong and economic structural elements,” elaborates the spokesman. “They are lighter than full web beams of the same depth and they permit easier installation of ventilation ducts and plumbing when compared to W-profile beams.”
He continues: “The steel used in OWJs have a higher yield strength than steel used in conventional beams – 380 MPa or 55 ksi vs 350 MPa or 50 ksi for shaped or welded beams.
“OWJs provide longer spans, thus reducing the number of columns needed inside a building. Also, their speed and ease of erection improves jobsite co-ordination.”
“OWJ systems are manufactured at our plants to the highest quality standards at a competitive price.”
A division of Zamil Steel, Canam Asia supplies a wide range of steel products including OWJs, roof trusses, the Hambro composite floor system (HCFS) and normal and composite steel decks. Its production facilities are located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia and Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE.