Why are Steel Structure Buildings Recommended?

The results that steel can produce as a material in steel buildings in terms of structure and beauty are really inspiring and resourceful. While many architects have challenged the idea of using only steel to construct the skeleton of a building, modern architects are creating fluid and innovative designs using steel from its rust texture to polishing it for a high shine finish.

Generally, steel structures are used owing to characteristics like:

• Substantial elimination of delays due to weather
• No need for form work
• Termite and rot proof
• Uniform quality
• Economic in transportation and handling
• High strength and stiffness per weight
• Long Spans (i.e. large column-free area span)
• Accurate detailing
• Non-shrinking and non-creeping at ambient temperature
• Ease of fabrication and mass production including production and hence better quality control

Since steel structures have the following characteristics they are used extensively and have better chances of durability owing to high strength and uniform quality along with being termite and rot proof.

Also Read: Why Pre-Engineered Buildings are better than onsite fabrication

Let’s take a look at the advantages of using Steel in Steel Building Structures:

1. Beauty: There is a sense of openness and liberation to the architects when using steel in building structures as it is subject to being made into stylish shapes and designs in order to create large open columns and interiors.
2. Adaptability: Steel is a boon for architects as it can be adjusted and changed according to the whims and wishes of the architect. The frame which is made of steel can be adjusted, repositioned and can be altered as well. At the same time, steel also helps to extend the lifespan of the building structure

For example, wall frames that are made from steel can be widened and a new interior layout of the building can also be created the same way!

3. Cost-Effective: Steel is lightweight in comparison to tinder and RCC and is also easier to transport. Thus reducing the cost of transport, fuel cost, and also accelerates project schedules. Adding to these reasons is the fact that steel is energy efficient and creates minimum waste thus increasing the chances of being recycled.

4. Ductility: Steel can be rolled, cut and shaped into the structure of the architect’s choice without any changes in composition or property.

5. Durability: Steel is known to stand extreme weather conditions and forces like strong winds, earthquakes and the like. Steel also tends to remain unaffected by termites or fungi and bugs. When compared to wooden frames, steel structures prove to be more fire-resistant.

Let’s have a look at what kind of building are steel structures used in:

1. High Rise Buildings: Steel is used in High Rise Buildings due to its strength, lightweight, and speed of construction.
2. Industrial Buildings: Steel is used in Industrial buildings owing to its ability to create a large span also known as column-free span spaces at a low cost
3. Residential Buildings: Using steel in residential buildings is a practice since it is similar to wooden framed structures which in the case of steel is called the light gauge steel construction.
4. Temporary Structures: Steel is used in temporary structures because it is easy to install and remove which serves the purpose of a temporary structure.

Steel can be used in building structures owing to other reasons depending on its existing properties like the fact that a whole frame of steel can be erected in a matter of days where wooden frames may take weeks altogether hence reducing the corresponding construction time by 20-40%.

 Steel framing and floor systems also allow easy access and the ability to make alterations to existing electrical wiring, computer networking cables and communication systems.

Steel built building structures are also more adaptable and have greater potential for alterations that can be made over time while extending the lifetime of the structure.