Steel Frame structures involve the construction of the skeleton of the building using horizontal and vertical steel members. Mild steel is used for this purpose. Mostly such type of structures are used in building high-rises, industrial buildings and factory sheds, temporary structures and huge airports.
Advantages of steel frame construction
Durability
Steel members made up of mild steel are highly durable and strong and can take upto tons of load in one go without failing.
Ductility
Steel is a very ductile material and its deformation takes place in stages. It doesn’t fail suddenly without getting deformed. So, in case of failure, there will be a certain time available before the member completely collapses.
Light Weight
As compared to wood and concrete, steel structures are extremely light in weight. A typical steel member is 30-50% stronger than the wood equivalent.
Easy manufacture
Steel members can be easily manufactured in large numbers in the factory.
Variety in sections
They are available in various sizes and sections (I section, C section, T section, etc). Different types of sections are used depending on the type of building and the amount of load to be carried.
Transportation
Manufactured best steel studs can be easily transported from the factory to the site without much of ware and tare and damage.
Faster work
The steel frame structure can be easily assembled on-site using different joinery such as welding, bolting, and riveting. The time taken to build up a steel structure is very less as to that taken by an RCC structure.
Resistant to moisture
Steel members when coated with zinc or undergoing powder treatment, become extremely resistant to moisture and water.
Resistant to insects and pest
Structural steel components are not affected by the degrading effects of burrowing insects and mammals, unlike the problem for wooden frameworks.
Environment friendly
Trees do not need to be cut down for making these steel components. Thus, steel structures are environmentally friendly. Moreover, these structures can be assembled as well as de-assembled on site itself without causing any harm to nature.
Disadvantages of steel frame construction
Thermal conductivity
The transfer of heat in steel studs is extremely high. This causes a lot of waste of energy. Various measures need to be taken to prevent thermal conductivity in these steel members.
Susceptible to fire
In high temperatures or in the case of fire, the steel members are prone to failure. Mostly these steel columns are encased in concrete in order to prevent them from failure.
Requirement of insulation
Proper coating and treatment are necessary on steel members to protect it from external weather conditions. Moreover, insulation is also required to prevent thermal conductivity and waste of energy.
Prone to corrosion
In marine areas, steel studs are prone to corrosion and lose strength.