Load supporting structure

Claim 1

A load supporting structure to span a pair of spaced vertical supports, said structure comprising a pair of laterally spaced beams extending between the supports and each having an upwardly directed support surface, tension members extending between said beams and being secured thereto to inhibit relative lateral movement of said support surfaces, a pair of transverse structural members extending between said beams at longitudinally spaced locations and each having an upwardly directed support surface, a deck supported on said support surfaces of said beams and said structural members and having an upper load supporting surface and a lower load transfer surface supported on said support surfaces, and fastening means extending between said support surfaces and said deck about the periphery thereof to inhibit relative movement between said deck and said support surfaces, said deck being formed from concrete impregnated with non-metallic fibres and being devoid of structural steel reinforcement between said support surfaces, said deck being dimensioned to transfer loads imposed on said upper surface of the deck to said support surfaces through arching action within said deck, said support surfaces providing sufficient stiffness to the periphery of said deck to sustain compressive forces within said deck upon application of a load thereto.