Modern steel construction involves prefabrication methods that are manufactured off-site and assembled at the place of construction. Steels are highly recycled as they are durable and sustainable with their wonderful properties like reusability and strength-to-weight ratio.
It reduces the building weight and bears heavy load capacity. Steel frames are used in various applications of the construction industry. In this article, we will delve into the elements that comprise steel frames and buildings, as well as their pros and cons, in detail.
What is Steel Structure Construction?
A steel structure is a construction system using steel components (beams, columns, girders, etc.), not just a single frame. With advancements in technology, steel buildings are designed for energy efficiency and thermal performance. It plays a decisive part in reducing building weight and provides lightweight foundations. This type of structure is widely used in industrial and commercial projects.
It is a process in which we create steel frameworks to bear the weight and load of the building. This type of construction process is widely used in building bridges, high-rise buildings, and heavy industrial plants. Steels are favoured for creating open spaces and expanding floor spaces, which are hard to achieve in the traditional construction process. It is used for their high strength-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for load-bearing and tall buildings.
Types of Steel Structure
The four common types of steel frames that are profoundly used in the construction process are classified as follows:
- Simple Structures: They are the Simple or Shear Connections that are commonly used in low-rise building structures like homes, small buildings, and warehouses. It mainly consists of columns and beams without having any additional support structures.
- Rigid Frame Structures: This type of structure is made of stiff steels that provide enhanced stability and is commonly used in commercial buildings, aircraft garages, and sports stadiums. The joints are well connected and ensure stable structures for a long time.
- Truss Structures: They are known for their triangular shapes and are used in bridges, towers, and roofs. They are well crafted for their specific strength-to-weight ratio.
- Arch Structures: This type of structure features an arch shape. They are used to build various constructions like tunnels, large warehouses, and curved roofs. They are unique in their designs, which provide exceptional structural support for the buildings.
What are the Elements of Steel Structures?
A steel construction is a combination of steel elements that bonds the structure together. Here we are describing the elements of steel structures as follows:
- Steel Beams: They are composed of two metal beams joined by a vertical beam. In addition to bigger structures like stadiums and skyscrapers, they offer structural support for a range of projects, including commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
- Columns: Serving as vertical support, metal columns are valued for their strength, durability, and the rigid connections they form in construction projects.
- Trusses: With their triangular design, they efficiently distribute loads across a metal surface, reducing the amount of material needed while ensuring strength.
- Steel Bracing: Various types, such as X-bracing, V-bracing, and K-bracing, counteract lateral stability and resist forces like wind and seismic activity. They are designed to withstand horizontal loads.
- Steel Girders: Typically, horizontal components offer durable support, low maintenance, and facilitate fast construction.
- Steel Connections: Metal frames rely on various connectors such as rivets, bolts, and welds to secure their components effectively.
- Steel Frames: As the backbone of many metal buildings, they are essential in constructing warehouses, industrial facilities, and tall buildings.
Advantages of Steel Structures
- Steel decking and integrated edge protection create a safe work platform.
- With their inherent robustness and ductility, steel structures can manage heavy loads.
- Their lightweight property speeds up the construction process more than concrete materials.
- The prefabricated steel structures are helpful for faster construction.
- They are used to create large open spaces without having columns to support them.
Disadvantages of Steel Structures
- Steel structures are prone to rusting. To prevent rusting, steel frames have to be painted at regular intervals.
- Steel loses strength rapidly at high temperatures (above 500°C), and fireproofing methods (like intumescent coatings) are often used to increase fire resistance.
- Steel is prone to corrosion when exposed to moisture and oxygen without proper protection, such as galvanisation or protective coatings.
- It can require excessive costs to start the project due to fabrication and fireproofing, but it may result in savings due to reduced construction time and less maintenance.
- Only standard steel types are being utilised for the construction process without introducing any new shapes or forms.
Applications of Steel Structures
The most common applications of steel structures are as follows:
- Industrial buildings
- Commercial buildings
- Residential buildings
- Bridges, high-rise buildings
- Sports stadiums
- Healthcare facilities like hospitals
- Agricultural buildings like storage houses
- Equipment and tool storage buildings
Examples of Steel Structures
To determine the flexibility of the steel structures, the notable examples are as follows:
- Bridges: The Golden Gate Bridge utilises steel for its durability and increased load-bearing capacity.
- Skyscrapers: Modern skyscrapers like Burj Khalifa in Dubai rely on metal frames for testing their structural integrity.
- Industrial structures: To store heavy machinery and equipment, industrial structures are built using these steel frames.
The Difference Between Structural Steel and Steel Structure
It is crucial to know the difference between structural steel and steel structure, as mentioned below.
| Term | Description | Components | Application |
| Structural steel | It refers to the specific category of steel mainly used for construction purposes. Typically designed to meet the standard of the building, it includes beams, columns, and frames. | Beams, columns, and steel frames. | The chief component in bearing heavy loads in the construction. |
| Steel structure | The whole building is made of steel structures, including roofing, cladding, and siding. | Beams, columns, roofing, cladding, and siding. | The whole building is comprised of steel elements, including the exterior items. |
What Grade is Structural Steel?
In the construction industry, steel frames come in a variety of grades that are chosen according to the particular requirements of the project. The most popular grades—A36, A572, A992, and A500—have a specific function.
- A36: This grade is frequently utilised in general construction projects, like building construction (without heavy-load structures), because of its low carbon content and exceptional weldability.
- A572: This grade is frequently utilised in constructing elements for major projects like bridges and high-load buildings and is preferred for heavy-duty applications.
- A992: This grade provides increased strength and load-bearing capability and is commonly utilized in complicated structures and high-rise buildings.
- A500: This grade of steel is Known for its ability to withstand corrosion. The A500 is cold-formed structural tubing, typically used for hollow sections like pipes. Its appeal is in its strength and versatility in architectural applications. A500, FE500, and 550 TMT help in increasing vital infrastructure projects and high-rise construction
Each steel grade serves a specific purpose depending on the structural demands of the project.
Conclusion
On the whole, steel structures are a critical element of the modern construction industry. They are a perfect choice for their sustainability, adaptability, and strength for various project requirements and specifications. To create a remarkable structure that stands the test of time, you must include steel structures in your projects.