Steel frame construction is steadily increasing its market share in the construction and civil engineering sector. However, is steel framing an efficient construction method compared to alternatives? In this article we look at the advantages and disadvantages of structural steel frame construction as a guide for developers and design engineers exploring different construction options.
Understanding steel frame construction
Steel frame construction was primarily used for large, simple structures such as garages, large agricultural buildings and warehouses - as well as tall buildings. This is how steel frame construction is still understood in popular belief, but it is now also used for a wide range of other types of development including offices, factories, schools, public buildings and some residential housing.
Steel frame construction is a good option for a variety of projects for a number of reasons, including:
- Durability
- Affordability
- Durability
Structural steel components can be quickly fabricated off-site and then transported to the jobsite when needed, minimizing on-site labor requirements and reducing the impact of variables that can delay a project, such as inclement weather.
Advantages of steel frame construction
Steel frame construction offers the following advantages over brick, concrete and timber construction.
1) Strength and durability
Structural steel components are lighter and stronger than weight-bearing timber or concrete products. A typical weight-bearing steel fabrication is 30% to 50% lighter than a wood or concrete equivalent. This makes steel frame construction much stronger and more durable than traditional framed alternatives.
2) Lightweight fabrication in various sizes
Steel studs are available in a variety of sizes and can be custom fabricated. This means they can be customised to handle specific loads in buildings of all different types and sizes.
3) Fire Resistance
Steel construction is highly fire resistant, reducing the risk of fire to a building and delaying the spread of a fire if it does occur. Special fire retardant coatings work to increase this property of structural steel.
4) Resistant to pests and insects
Structural steel components are immune to the degrading effects of burrowing insects and mammals - which can cause a problem for timber structures if not treated properly.
5) Resistant to moisture and weather
Structural steel can have good moisture resistant properties, depending on its carbon content. Hot-dip zinc coating and additional powder treatments for increased rust resistance will make a structural steel component even more immune to the effects of water - an important consideration for weathered components.
