ComFlor 51 O(CF51) steel decking is a 51mm deep re-entrant composite floor deck widely used across residential, commercial, and office construction projects. Its 600mm cover width and dovetail-shaped troughs provide excellent composite action with concrete slabs, delivering high structural performance with reduced concrete volume.
Designed for projects requiring fast installation, lightweight slabs, and clean soffits, ComFlor 51 is particularly suited to multi-storey buildings and refurbishment works. It offers a cost-effective composite flooring solution with proven fire resistance and acoustic performance, fully compliant with British and European structural design standards.
ComFlor 51 (CF51) Key Technical Features
- ComFlor 51 Profile Depth: 51 mm
- Effective Cover Width: 600 mm
- Material: Hot-dip galvanised steel to EN 10326 S350GD+Z275 (minimum yield strength 350 N/mm²)
- Available Thicknesses: 0.90 mm, 1.00 mm, 1.20 mm
- Finish Options:
- Standard: Hot-dip galvanised (Z275)
- Optional: Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® and Colorcoat Prisma® pre-finished steel (available on request)
- Concrete Compatibility: Normal-weight and lightweight concrete
- Fire Resistance: Up to 120 minutes (dependent on slab thickness and reinforcement)
- Acoustic Performance: Supports noise reduction when combined with suitable slab design and finishes
- Shear Connection: Dovetail grooves at 150 mm centres provide an excellent shear key for composite action
- Soffit Finish: Virtually flat soffit for clean ceiling lines and ease of service installation
ComFlor 51 Structural Performance & Design Guidance
ComFlor 51 is designed to achieve unpropped spans up to 3.5 metres, depending on slab depth, concrete strength, and imposed loads. This reduces the need for temporary propping and lowers overall construction costs.
ComFlor 51 Load and Span Design Codes
- Eurocode 4 (EN 1994-1-1): Governs composite steel and concrete structures with national annexes applicable in the UK.
- BS 5950-6:1990: British Standard for composite slabs, still referenced for legacy projects.
- Key Design Differences:
- British Standards often require reinforcement bars in the troughs for single-span slabs to control cracking.
- Eurocode allows design flexibility with mesh or bars, depending on imposed loads and slab thickness.
- National Annexes specify factors such as load combinations and partial safety factors.
Example Load/Span Table for ComFlor 51 (Unpropped Double Span, Normal Weight Concrete)
| Thickness (mm) | Slab Depth (mm) | Total Load (kN/m²) | Max Span (m) | Minimum Mesh % (Eurocode) | Fire Resistance (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.90 | 110 | 5.00 | 3.08 | 0.2% | 60 |
| 1.00 | 110 | 7.50 | 2.93 | 0.2% | 60 |
| 1.20 | 135 | 10.00 | 3.36 | 0.2% | 120 |
Note: Span values are indicative. Detailed design should use the ComFlor® 9 software or consult Tata Steel technical manuals.
ComFlor 51 Section Properties (per metre width)
| Thickness (mm) | Design Thickness (mm) | Cross-Section Area (mm²/m) | Profile Weight (kN/m²) | Height to Neutral Axis (mm) | Moment of Inertia (cm⁴/m) | Ultimate Moment Capacity (kNm/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.90 | 0.86 | 1578 | 0.13 | 15.9 | 60.44 | 42.56 |
| 1.00 | 0.96 | 1762 | 0.14 | 16.5 | 67.09 | 50.49 |
| 1.20 | 1.16 | 2137 | 0.17 | 16.8 | 82.60 | 69.00 |
Conforms to BS 5950 and Eurocode section property requirements.
ComFlor 51 Fire and Acoustic Performance
ComFlor 51 achieves up to 120 minutes of fire resistance when combined with appropriate concrete slab thickness and reinforcement, meeting requirements of EN 13501-2 and supporting compliance with UK building regulations.
Acoustic performance depends on slab design and finishes, but the flat soffit and composite action contribute to effective noise control in multi-unit dwellings and commercial spaces.
ComFlor 51 Typical Applications
- Residential housing and apartment blocks
- Commercial office buildings and retail spaces
- Refurbishment and loft conversions
- Mezzanine floors and lightweight steel or timber frames
- Projects requiring clean soffits and fast installation
ComFlor 51 Finishes Available
| Finish Type | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Hot-dip Galvanised (Z275) | Standard corrosion protection | Durable, cost-effective |
| Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® | High-performance pre-finished steel | Enhanced corrosion resistance, aesthetic finish |
| Colorcoat Prisma® | Premium pre-finished steel with colour options | Long-lasting, customizable appearance |
Custom finishes available on request, subject to MOQ.
Underfloor Heating Compatibility: Flexible Solutions for All Steel Deck Profiles
Modern construction demands floor systems that not only provide structural strength but also support efficient, comfortable heating solutions. All steel decking profiles, including MetFloor, ComFlor, and similar composite floor decks, are fully compatible with a wide range of underfloor heating (UFH) systems, making them ideal for new builds, refurbishments, and extensions.
Low-Profile Heating Systems for Minimal Floor Height Impact
Ultra-low profile UFH solutions can be installed directly over steel decking with minimal floor build-up, often as little as 15mm. This is perfect for projects with limited ceiling heights or where retrofitting heating is required without raising floor levels significantly. These slimline systems deliver efficient, even heat distribution while preserving interior space and design flexibility.
Integrated and Structural UFH Panels
For suspended timber or composite steel floors, integrated underfloor heating panels combine structural decking with embedded pipework. Systems like Nu-Deck® and similar products replace traditional floorboards or overlay steel decks, speeding up installation and ensuring optimal thermal performance.
Versatility Across Floor Types and Finishes
Whether installed under concrete slabs, timber joists, or composite steel decks, these systems support a wide variety of floor finishes, from tiles and engineered wood to vinyl and carpet, ensuring consistent heat transfer and enhanced occupant comfort.
ComFlor 51 Benefits at a Glance
- Minimal increase in floor height when using ComFlor 51
- Compatible with multiple floor constructions and coverings
- Enhanced energy efficiency and thermal comfort
- Suitable for both new construction and retrofit projects
By pairing steel decking with modern underfloor heating solutions, create floors that deliver structural integrity, superior comfort, and flexible design, helping you build smarter, more sustainable spaces.
Case Studies
For more examples of how ComFlor 51 and other profiles have been used in live projects, please visit our Project Page.
Why Choose RMD Profiles?
Choosing RMD Profiles means you’re backed by a specialist supplier with deep knowledge and trusted service. Since 2009, we’ve supported thousands of UK contractors, engineers, and developers with dependable roof and floor decking systems. Our strength lies not only in our product range but in the way we deliver:
- One of the widest stocked ranges of decking in the UK
- Exclusive Buy Back Scheme for surplus materials
- Certified stud welding and edge trim expertise, in line with BCSA and SCI guidelines
- Fast-track supply options, with 24-hour delivery available (subject to stock)
- Trusted partner on 10,000+ UK projects, from hospitals to high-rises
All RMD Profiles metal decking products are manufactured and supplied in compliance with current UK and European structural codes and best practice guidance.
Looking for installation, design, or supply-only options? Visit https://page.rmdp.co.uk/comflor51-tata-floo-deck-cf51
For further assistance, contact our team for full design assistance and to request detailed span/load tables for your specific project. Email: sales@rmdp.co.uk or call 01787 275055.
All RMD Profiles metal decking products are manufactured and supplied in line with current UK and European structural codes and best practice guidance:
- Designed to Eurocode EN 1993-1-3 for cold-formed steel sections – View Eurocode summary
- Compliant with BS 5950 Part 6 for profiled sheeting in structural design – BSI Group summary
- Follows good practice guidance from the Steel Construction Institute – SCI P300 Publication
We also work in accordance with:
- The BCSA Code of Practice for metal decking and stud welding
- Industry testing and site compliance processes to ensure structural integrity
