Hollowcore Plank Selection Calculator

Select the optimal hollowcore plank depth from span and loading requirements using PCI load/span tables.

Clear span

Superimposed load

psf

Composite topping

Plank width

Tab to move between fields

Recommended HC depth

8 in

≈ 2 credit cards

Total section depth10 in

Plank self-weight50 psf

Total dead load75 psf

Piece weight9,000 lbs

Max allowable load124.2 psf

Remaining capacity19.2 psf

Span utilization92.6%

Load utilization84.5%

Fire rating (restrained)2-hr

Estimated camber1.2 in

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the clear span in ft between bearing supports and the total superimposed load in psf.
Set the composite topping thickness in inches (0 for untopped; 2–4 in typical for composite floors).
Enter the standard plank width in ft (typically 4 ft).
Read Recommended HC Depth (in) — the shallowest standard plank that satisfies span and load.
Verify Load Utilization (%) is below 100%; Remaining Capacity (psf) shows available reserve for future loads.
Note Piece Weight (lbs) for rigging and Fire Rating (hr) to confirm building code compliance.

How the result changes with Clear span

Clear span: Clear span between bearing supports in feet.
Superimposed load: Total superimposed load (live + SDL) in psf.
Composite topping: Cast-in-place composite topping thickness (0 if untopped).
Plank width: Standard plank width (typically 4 ft).

Recommended HC depth: Shallowest standard hollowcore depth that satisfies span and load.
Total section depth: Hollowcore depth plus composite topping.
Plank self-weight: Self-weight of bare hollowcore plank.
Total dead load: Plank self-weight plus topping weight.
Piece weight: Total weight of one plank for rigging.
Max allowable load: Maximum superimposed load capacity at this span.
Remaining capacity: Unused load capacity above applied loads.
Span utilization: Percentage of maximum span being used.
Load utilization: Percentage of load capacity being used.
Fire rating (restrained): Approximate fire endurance rating per IBC/PCI.
Estimated camber: Approximate initial camber (L/300).

Identify Input Parameters
4 parameters
Clear span = 30, Superimposed load = 80, Composite topping = 2, Plank width = 4 = 4 input(s) provided
Calculate Recommended HC depth
Recommended HC depth = HC_TABLE[HC_TABLE.length - 1][0]
8 = 8
Calculate Total section depth
Total section depth = selectedDepth + toppingThickness
10 = 10
Calculate Plank self-weight
Plank self-weight = HC_TABLE[HC_TABLE.length - 1][2]
50 = 50