Epicore® Structural Deck FAQ
Is Epicore® used for residential or commercial construction?
Epicore® is used in both residential and commercial construction. Most projects include high-end custom homes, townhomes, multifamily buildings, and apartments that require a structural concrete deck. It’s also used in select commercial applications, such as mezzanine floors in CMU construction and pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB).
What does your Epicore® turn-key service include?
The Epicore® system is delivered as a complete turn-key structural deck solution. That includes design support during development, engineered shop drawings from in-house structural engineers, deck supply, full installation, and all shoring equipment and logistics. Keeping the entire scope under one team helps reduce coordination gaps and keeps the project moving cleanly.
When should Epicore® shop drawings be started?
Shop drawings can be started at any point, but earlier is usually better. Most teams begin once construction is underway to help avoid coordination delays in the field. In some cases, shop drawings are completed ahead of time so the Engineer of Record can incorporate the slab design directly into the structural plans.
How long does shoring stay in place after the concrete is poured?
Shoring is typically left in place for about 28 days after the pour. If concrete cylinder tests confirm the slab has reached the required compressive strength, it can be removed earlier, but usually not before 14 days. The exact timing depends on the structural design and testing results.
Why does SDS install the Epicore® deck instead of just supplying the material?
The system is installed as a turn-key scope to reduce risk and simplify coordination. When material and installation are handled separately, it creates more handoffs and more potential for gaps between trades. Keeping it under one team helps maintain quality, keeps sequencing tight, and reduces liability exposure for the builder.
How are materials attached to the underside of an Epicore® deck?
Materials are attached using standard, field-proven methods. Furring strips and MEP supports are typically installed using powder-actuated fasteners (PAFs). For stucco applications, mesh is applied first, followed by the stucco system directly to the underside of the deck.
Do you provide value engineering for structural deck systems?
Yes, value engineering is a common part of the process. The focus is on evaluating structural deck systems early to identify opportunities for cost savings, schedule improvements, or both. Clear layouts, sketches, and shop drawings help the design team review options without slowing the project down.
What are typical lead times for Epicore® design and installation?
Lead times are structured to keep projects moving without delays.
- ~1 week for proposals
- 2–3 weeks for engineered shop drawings
- ~10 days for material fabrication and delivery
Installation crews are typically ready to mobilize as soon as materials arrive.
How do engineers delegate Epicore® slab design on structural plans?
Delegating slab design is straightforward. Engineers typically include a note such as: “Epicore slab to be designed by SDS Engineer”
From there, slab schedules, deck sizing, and reinforcement details are handled and submitted with sealed calculations for review during shop drawing approval.
Do you provide services beyond Epicore® deck installation?
The scope can extend beyond just the deck system. This can include forming the interior and perimeter of the slab, including cast-in-place areas. Once that work is complete, the reinforcing steel and concrete placement can follow, helping streamline the overall deck sequence.
What is a composite metal deck system?
A composite metal deck system is a structural floor or roof system made by combining steel decking with concrete. The steel deck acts as a form during installation and then works together with the concrete once it cures to carry structural loads. This creates a strong, efficient slab that can span across beams while reducing the need for temporary forming.
How does Epicore® compare to cast-in-place concrete decks?
Both systems create a structural concrete slab, but they are built differently. Cast-in-place decks rely on temporary forming, full concrete pours, and cure time before the structure can move forward. Epicore® uses a composite metal deck, which reduces forming, lowers concrete volume, and allows for more consistent deck cycles. The result is often a cleaner installation process with opportunities to improve schedule and coordination on multi-level builds.
Is Epicore® a concrete structure or a steel system?
Epicore® is a composite system that combines both steel and concrete. The steel deck supports the concrete during installation, and once the slab cures, the two materials act together as a structural system. The finished result is a concrete deck that provides the strength and durability expected from a structural slab.