Concrete, timber and steel are commonly used materials for building structures. Arguments can be offered as to the reasons why any of these materials is suitable for an individual project.
Steel framing is an engineering technique in which steel beams and columns are welded together to provide an underlying structure for roofs, floors, interior fixtures, cladding finishings , and people who live there. This article will discuss some of the benefits that steel frame have over different building materials and the reasons why they are an increasingly popular option in modern structures.
Strengths that are stronger
Steel has a greater density than concrete or timber so for the same size it will weigh more. But, a length between 50mm and 100mm can support greater load than a length of 50mm x 100mm wood. In practical terms this implies there is less material needed to give the equivalent level of stability.
The ramifications of this drop in material usage are reduced cost of shipping materials, less work and reduced design for foundations and structural support structures.
Longevity
Steel is more durable than concrete or timber, provided that they are well maintained.
In contrast to timber, steel will not crack, split or creep when it ages. It is not susceptible to insect attacks and lacks porosity, which means that mildew and mould can’t grow. It doesn’t warp or expand in the event of an increase in humidity. However contact with water should be avoided as corrosion could cause corrosion.
To ensure the steel is protected from fire, a protective coating of water-resistant and fire-resistant material should be put on. The fire-resistant material stops it from losing strength and integrity in the event of a fire, while the water-resistant material stops the rusting process.
Versatility
Structural steel is able to be made in a variety of shapes while remaining strong. The steel used in construction permits creative and creative designs. Designers and architects utilize this ability to design buildings that’s not just attractive but also sturdy.
Structural steel can also be used for the construction of huge-span structures like indoor arenas, steel frame storage buildings, as well as the ability to build extremely high-rises bridges, bridges, or other constructions.
It is also simple to build future-proof steel frames since they’re more suitable for modifications or additions to the structure like renovations or growing the dimensions of an existing structure.
Sustainability
The use of computer-generated models prior to fabrication decreases the amount of scrap steel that is produced.
Scrap that is created is recyclable and can be used in different projects. Steel is recyclable indefinitely because it does not lose its inherent properties like the strength of its material when it is melting down and then it is recast.
You can recycle lumber by turning it into various things such as chairs or tables however there will be an occasion when the lumber isn’t big enough, or the design is difficult to use. Concrete can be broken down for mixing in the future however, it can only be used in projects like pavements.
Safety
The strength of tensile in steel frames makes them able to stand up well in various natural events like earthquakes, hurricanes or snow accumulation. These kinds of events become more challenging when the structure is built more substantial. Steel is also more effective in situations that are caused by humans, such as explosions and impacts.
For lower structures, timber can provide enough flexibility but it can also be a risk of fire. Steel isn’t flammable, therefore it’s not a fire hazard but unlike concrete, its durability can be damaged when exposed to temperatures that are extreme. Concrete, however, isn’t very flexible, so its tensile force must be enhanced by strengthening it by steel.
Speedier build-times
Computer-assisted production of standardised bolted connections as well as repetitive floor plates help in making production more efficient, while standardisation and regulations make structural steel parts sturdy and easy to build.
The frames made of steel are constructed off-site in order to meet a specific specification prior to being transported onto the site of construction. Once they have been sent to the construction site they are then ready for assembly by welding or bolting the pieces together, in contrast to in-situ concrete, which is required to wait for a section of concrete to cure before proceeding with the construction.
It is not necessary for temporary forms that need to be put together and taken apart afterward, which delays the construction process as well as creating garbage.
Cost-effective
Since steel frames are constructed off-site, the amount of labor required on site can be cut by 10-20 percent. This means less workers and less accidents.
The shorter construction time results in lower financing costs, and lower interest costs and also means that the building can be utilized or rented as fast as is possible to ensure a faster repayment.
Steel is durable , which means maintenance costs related to repairs and replacements could be less. Insurance companies might also offer lower premium insurance on structures made of steel due to their ability to withstand pests, decay and natural catastrophes.
Space maximisation
Because of their strength, the frames made of steel can be spaced further apart, which creates bigger bays. The more space is available the floor to be more flexible which can maximize the space. Concrete is not only durable but it comes with a restricted floor-to-floor height, as well as less span.
In the construction industry steel, it could reduce the need for timber posts that can bear loads which can increase living space in the face of rising property costs.
Steel frames offer a variety of advantages. They are able to be built in any weather and can easily be adapted to abrupt design changes. They are also easier to maintain if the frame is easily accessible to inspect.
However, the rise in hybrid materials for construction has produced, e.g metal-reinforced timber beams and fibre-reinforced concrete. These composite materials show that they are not just able to be more robust than individual components , but also economical.
