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12. Materials of composite decking

Incoperfil composite profiles combine high-strength structural steels with metallic coatings that ensure durability and corrosion protection. This combination provides reliable structural performance and an adequate service life depending on the environmental exposure level.

Composite decks are manufactured from cold-formed structural steels protected against corrosion through metallic coatings such as galvanized or zinc-magnesium finishes. The balance between mechanical strength and material durability ensures proper performance of composite flooring both during construction and throughout the service life of the structure.

Structural steels S280GD and S320GD

Composite profiles are typically manufactured using galvanized steels S280GD and S320GD, in accordance with UNE-EN 10346.

  • S280GD: minimum yield strength of 280 MPa.

  • S320GD: minimum yield strength of 320 MPa.

The use of steels with higher yield strength allows optimization of structural design, increasing the load-bearing capacity of the profile or adjusting its thickness according to calculation requirements.

Metallic coatings: galvanizing and zinc-magnesium

Corrosion protection is achieved through coatings applied continuously by hot-dip galvanizing in accordance with UNE-EN 10346. The most common are:

  • Galvanized coatings Z200 – Z275.

  • Zinc-magnesium coatings (for example ZM120 – ZM310).

Coating selection depends on the environmental corrosivity category, according to UNE-EN 1090-4 and the corresponding environmental classification.

As a general guideline:

  • Dry indoor environments → Z200 coatings or equivalents.

  • Humid indoor or light industrial environments → Z275 or ZM120.

  • Medium or high corrosivity environments → higher-protection zinc-magnesium coatings.

Zinc-magnesium coatings provide higher corrosion resistance in aggressive atmospheres and improved performance at cut edges, helping extend the service life of the profile.

Corrosion and Durability

The metallic coating acts as both a physical barrier and electrochemical protection against oxidation. Its thickness, expressed in g/m², determines the durability of the system depending on the exposure environment.

In most standard indoor composite floor applications, properly selected galvanized or zinc-magnesium steel provides adequate protection without the need for additional treatments.

In specific cases, complementary organic coatings may be used when additional protection or surface finish requirements are needed.

Conclusion

Composite deck materials combine high-strength structural steels with metallic coatings suited to the exposure environment. Proper selection of steel grade and coating ensures mechanical resistance, durability, and structural performance of composite flooring throughout its service life.

Incoperfil Technical Manual

For a complete definition of the system, design criteria, calculation bases, resistance tables, construction details, and installation procedures, consult the Incoperfil Composite Slab Technical Manual, available upon registration in the Documentation section of the website.

Last update: February 2026

© Incoperfil. All rights reserved.
The technical content of this article forms part of the Composite Flooring Technical Manual and the documentation registered by Incoperfil with ColorURIS (Act No. 1-INCOPERFIL-12.2025).

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12. Materials of composite decking

Incoperfil composite profiles combine high-strength structural steels with metallic coatings that ensure durability and corrosion protection. This combination provides reliable structural performance and an adequate service life depending on the environmental exposure level.

Composite decks are manufactured from cold-formed structural steels protected against corrosion through metallic coatings such as galvanized or zinc-magnesium finishes. The balance between mechanical strength and material durability ensures proper performance of composite flooring both during construction and throughout the service life of the structure.

Structural steels S280GD and S320GD

Composite profiles are typically manufactured using galvanized steels S280GD and S320GD, in accordance with UNE-EN 10346.

  • S280GD: minimum yield strength of 280 MPa.

  • S320GD: minimum yield strength of 320 MPa.

The use of steels with higher yield strength allows optimization of structural design, increasing the load-bearing capacity of the profile or adjusting its thickness according to calculation requirements.

Metallic coatings: galvanizing and zinc-magnesium

Corrosion protection is achieved through coatings applied continuously by hot-dip galvanizing in accordance with UNE-EN 10346. The most common are:

  • Galvanized coatings Z200 – Z275.

  • Zinc-magnesium coatings (for example ZM120 – ZM310).

Coating selection depends on the environmental corrosivity category, according to UNE-EN 1090-4 and the corresponding environmental classification.

As a general guideline:

  • Dry indoor environments → Z200 coatings or equivalents.

  • Humid indoor or light industrial environments → Z275 or ZM120.

  • Medium or high corrosivity environments → higher-protection zinc-magnesium coatings.

Zinc-magnesium coatings provide higher corrosion resistance in aggressive atmospheres and improved performance at cut edges, helping extend the service life of the profile.

Corrosion and Durability

The metallic coating acts as both a physical barrier and electrochemical protection against oxidation. Its thickness, expressed in g/m², determines the durability of the system depending on the exposure environment.

In most standard indoor composite floor applications, properly selected galvanized or zinc-magnesium steel provides adequate protection without the need for additional treatments.

In specific cases, complementary organic coatings may be used when additional protection or surface finish requirements are needed.

Conclusion

Composite deck materials combine high-strength structural steels with metallic coatings suited to the exposure environment. Proper selection of steel grade and coating ensures mechanical resistance, durability, and structural performance of composite flooring throughout its service life.

Incoperfil Technical Manual

For a complete definition of the system, design criteria, calculation bases, resistance tables, construction details, and installation procedures, consult the Incoperfil Composite Slab Technical Manual, available upon registration in the Documentation section of the website.

Last update: February 2026

© Incoperfil. All rights reserved.
The technical content of this article forms part of the Composite Flooring Technical Manual and the documentation registered by Incoperfil with ColorURIS (Act No. 1-INCOPERFIL-12.2025).