The choice of materials depends on the type of floor loads that have to bear the light (distance between supports), exposure to aggressive environments, fire resistance required, availability of materials, estimated useful life, runtime cost, etc.
Reinforced concrete slabs
The concrete slabs are formed by concrete beams and joists, armed, slabs, and concrete compression layer, lightly armed.
Are the most widespread, the wide and inexpensive availability of material. It is the heaviest of all, but also more rigid. It can withstand heavy loads, even with wide angle, it is monolithic, high fire resistance and acoustic insulation acceptable.
Forged steel and concrete mixed
The slabs usually are composed of mixed beams and steel beams, slabs, and concrete compression layer, lightly armed.
It also can be composed of a steel sheet coated with a layer of compressed concrete. Used when the main structure is steel and wrought must resist medium loads. Requires the same protections as bent sheet metal cover, but the increase of resistance that gives the concrete allows their use as thin slabs in floors of buildings.
Folding metal roof
Pleated sheet structure made of steel on steel beams and joists.
It can withstand medium loads evenly spread as far as, but not large concentrated loads. This limits its use almost exclusively to covers, where lightness is very appropriate. Needs to be protected, both against the fire and the oxidation, and its use is not recommended in marine environments, as chlorine accelerated corrosion.
