Concrete, timber and steel are typical materials used to construct structures. Arguments could be offered as to which of these materials is suitable for the particular project.
Steel framing is a building technique in which steel beams and columns are joined to form an underlying structure for floors, roofs interior fixtures, cladding finishings , and the occupants. This article will discuss some of the benefits that steel frame have over different materials for construction and their reasons for being the most popular choice for contemporary buildings.
Strengths that are stronger
Steel is more dense than concrete or timber, so for the same size the steel is heavier. But, a length that is 50mm by 100mm can support greater load than a length of timber 50mm x 100mm. In reality this means there is less material needed to give the equivalent quantity of strength.
The results of this reduction in the use of materials are lower cost of shipping materials, less labor and a simpler design for foundations and structural support structures.
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Longevity
Steel will last longer than concrete or timber, in the event that all three are maintained properly.
Like timber, steel does not crack, split, or creep when it ages. It is not susceptible to insect attack , and has no porosity. This 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 needs to be avoided as corrosion could cause corrosion.
To ensure the steel is protected the steel from fire, a protective coating of water-resistant and fire-resistant materials must be put on. The fire-resistant material stops it from losing strength and integrity in the event of a fire, and the water-resistant substance stops the rusting process.
Versatility
Structural steel can be formed in a variety of shapes while remaining strong. Steel permits creative and creative designs. Designers, architects and architects use this ability to design designs that aren’t just visually appealing, but also sturdy.
Structural steel can also be used for the construction of huge-span structures like indoor arenas, hangars for aircrafts, as being able to construct super-high skyscrapers bridges, bridges as well as other buildings.
It is also simple to ensure future-proofing steel frames as they’re more suitable for modifications or additions to the structure like renovations or increasing the dimensions of an existing structure.
Sustainability
The use of computer-generated models prior to fabrication can reduce the quantity of scrap steel made.
All scraps that are produced is recyclable and can be used for other projects. Steel is recyclable indefinitely because it doesn’t lose any inherent properties like strength after it has been melt down and recycled.
You can recycle wood by making it into various things such as chairs or tables However, there will come an occasion when the timber is not large enough or its design is not suitable to use. Concrete can be broken down to later use in mixes however it is only used in projects like pavements.
Safety
The strength of tensile in steel frames makes them able to stand up to various natural events like earthquakes, hurricanes, as well as snow load. These kinds of events become more challenging when the structure gets larger. Steel is also more effective in situations that are caused by humans, such as blasts and collisions.
For lower structures, timber can provide sufficient flexibility, but there could 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 increased by strengthening it by steel.
More efficient build-times
Computer-assisted manufacture of standardised bolted connections as well as repetitive floor plates makes production speedier, and the standardisation of regulations and standards has made steel structural products sturdy and easy to build.
The frames of steel are made off-site to conform to a particular specifications before being shipped onto the site of construction. When they arrive they are then ready for assembly by welding or bolting the pieces, as opposed to in-situ concrete where it is required to wait for a section of concrete to cure before proceeding with the construction.
It is not necessary for temporary formwork that needs to be assembled before being taken apart afterward, which delays the process and creating garbage.
Cost-effective
Because steel frames are made off-site, labour on-site can be cut by 10-20 percent. A smaller number of workers means less accidents.
A shorter construction timeline means less costs for financing, which means lower interest costs which means 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 are less. Insurance companies can also provide lower premium insurance on structures made of steel due to their capacity to withstand pests, decay and natural catastrophes.
Space maximisation
Because of their strength, the frames made of steel are able to be placed further apart, creating bigger bays. The more space is available for floor designs that are more flexible which can maximize the space. Concrete is not only durable however, it is more restricted floor-to-floor height, as well as less span.
In the construction industry steel, it will reduce the requirement for posts for carrying loads and increase living space in the face of rising property costs.
Steel frames offer a variety of advantages. They can be built in any weather and can easily be adapted to abrupt design changes. They are also easier to maintain if the frame can be accessed to inspect.
However, the development to hybrid building materials have produced, e.g metal-reinforced timber beams and fibre-reinforced concrete. These composite materials show that they will not only be more robust than individual components , but also economical.