Timber is good. Concrete is better. But steel excellent. It’s what your structure needs to stand strong for years to come. Of course, you can still choose other materials. But steel will make your structures and strong. For instance, when incorporated in frames, it can make structures to stand strong and withstand any issue. With steel framing—a construction method that involves the assembly of steel columns plus steel to support roofs, floors, claddings as well as fixtures—you have a construction solution that you can be proud of. So, why the hype around steel frames? Why are they becoming a necessity in different structures? Well, this article is going to delve into the topic—exploring reasons why you should seriously think about investing in steel frames.
Higher-Strength
Steel comes with a higher density than other building materials like timber and concrete. This means that steel can carry heavier loads and support more structures. Plus, steel is lighter. This drastically reduces the shipping and labor costs. Even more, it simplifies the designs when it comes to foundations as well as other structural supports. Thus, steel frame buildings are stronger but lighter.
Longevity
Homeowners and contractors are constantly looking for durability when it comes to erecting structures. And that’s what steel brings on the table. When properly maintained, steel can last much longer than concrete or timber. Even more, steel doesn’t crack or split. It cannot be attacked by insects. There is no porosity in steel. This makes it ideal for those looking for erect structures that cannot be attacked by mold or mildew. The best part; steel doesn’t warp, rot, expand, or even increase in the presence of moisture. However, it’s important to note that steel can rust. Thus, it shouldn’t be exposed to moisture. This is because steel tends to rust upon coming into contact with moisture. You can protect steel from corrosion and fire by coasting it with water and fire assistant materials.
Versatility
Another important feature of steel is versatility. With steel, you have a building material that you can fabricate into different shapes without losing strength. Plus, the nature of steel allows fabricators to come up with innovative designers. This makes it easy to create steel buildings that are both aesthetically appealing and structurally sound. Even more, steel can be used to construct large buildings like indoor arenas as well as aircraft hangers. Plus, you can build high skyscrapers and bridges using steel.
Sustainability
With technology, there is nothing you cannot achieve with steel. For instance, the invention of computer modeling, things like craps metals have been minimized. This makes the use of steel extremely sustainable. Even more, any scrap metal can be recycled and used in other steel-related projects. The best part; steel doesn’t lose its inherent properties. Thus, you can endlessly recycle it. All you need is to melt it down before undergoing a recast process.
Of course, you can reuse timber into other important things like tables and chairs. However, wood tends to lose its properties with time. On the other hand, concrete tends to break down—making it hard to be reused in other construction projects. This makes steel of the best materials when it comes to constructing different structures.
Safety
Steel frames have superior tensile strength. This makes them ideal when it comes to constructing structures that are at the mercy of hurricanes, snow loads, as well as seismic activities. Plus, steel can do magic when it comes to man-made emergencies like explosions and higher impacts. Even more, steel is noncombustible. Thus, steel-framed buildings cannot be affected by extreme temperatures. No wonder concrete is usually reinforced with steel.
Faster Build-Times
Timelines are important factors when it comes to executing various construction projects. It saves time and money. And that’s what steel brings. With super-fast build times, you can count on steel to accomplish any project in the shortest time possible. For instance, the introduction of computer-aided manufacturing makes it possible to design structures quickly and efficiently. Steel frames can be prefabricated to explicit specifications. After that, you only need to weld or bold them before they can be fitted into any structure.
Cost-Effective
Most steel frames are prefabricated elsewhere before they can be transported to a site. This eliminates on-site labor since few workers are required to handle them. In the long-run, they save you a lot of money in terms of construction costs. Even more, this reduces accidents in the construction sites.
Space Utilization
When it comes to construction projects, nothing takes center stage quite like space. The land is limited. So, contractors and engineers are looking for solutions that can maximize space utilization. And that’s where steel structures come in. Steel frames are strong. This means that you can place them wider apart. This results in the creation of wider bays. This makes it possible to achieve more flexible designs that can make use of the available space. For instance, in housing, you don’t need load-bearing timber when using steel. This reduces the cost of constructing any structure.
It’s also important to note that you can construct steel frames in any weather. Also, it’s easy to change your design with steel structures. Also, they require minimal maintenance. Even more, it’s easy to inspect and access steel frames.
Types of Steel Frames
Steel frames come in various systems. Thus, you need to choose a steel frame that can fit your explicit needs. However, choosing steel frames can be difficult. This is because they come with a high level of complexity. Plus, the economic aspect of steel frames can be confusing. Here are the common types of steel frames you can choose.
- Braced frames with simple construction—they are economical and less complex. They rely on simple beams to column the connections.
- Braced frames in continuous construction—these types of frames are ideal for the stiffness of floors. They feature simple construction. They are continues in nature—making them excellent for stiff floors.
- Unbraced sway frames—unbraced sway frames are used when it comes to resisting horizontal forces.
- Discrete stability frames—as one of the most economical steel frame, discrete stability frames are complicated. They are designed to withstand horizontal forces as well as offer adequate stability.
The Bottom-Line
Steel is excellent when it comes to erecting structures. The above are the common advantages of steel structures.
