Composite metal deck is a cost-effective flooring system used in many multi-story buildings. Floors constructed of composite metal deck ate typically designed such that the corrugated of composite metal deck are typically designed such that the corrugated metal deck will support the weight of fresh concrete and some construction loads without requiring shoring.

Once the concrete gains strength, the concrete and metal deck act together as a composite member. The metal deck acts as the tensile reinforcement for the slab in resistance to positive moment stresses induced by dead and live loads.

Traditional design practice dictates that minimum reinforcement is required in the transverse direction to control any cracks that may occur due to temperature and shrinkage movements.

This minimum requirement for reinforcing has traditionally been addressed via the use of light-gauge welded wire mesh.