Steel frames provide a strong, durable support structure capable of withstanding heavy loads and environmental conditions. They are often used in high-rise buildings, as they provide excellent stability and strength while still being lightweight. They can also be custom fabricated to fit design needs or aesthetic preferences. Here are ten benefits of using steel in construction over other materials.
1. Durability
Steel frames are popular in construction due to their incredible durability. Steel is resistant to water, rot, mould, mildew, and other degradation forms, making it a safe choice in even the harshest climates. Steel frames are fire-resistant and will not warp or shrink under intense heat.
Conversely, wood can crack, warp, chip, and split due to its natural susceptibility to drying out. Wood shrinks and expands with changing temperatures and moisture levels. As it dries out, it decreases in strength and stability, making it weak and brittle.
2. Cost Effectiveness
Steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio, giving it much greater value for its cost, as less material is needed to achieve the same structural support. Steel also requires less labour than traditional materials like wood or concrete, reducing costs. You can also fabricate steel off-site, which streamlines the construction process. Steel frames also have a long service life and are environmentally friendly due to their recyclability and efficient use of raw materials.
Other materials like wood are less cost-effective than steel in construction projects due to their lower strength-to-weight ratio. You need more materials to achieve the same structural support, resulting in higher costs for a project. Labour expenses are also higher with wood since it requires more time and skill to assemble than steel frames. Besides, wood frames are vulnerable to weather and rot, leading to costly repairs or replacements. It is not recyclable or as energy-efficient in its production as steel.
3. Time Efficient
Steel frames are popular for construction projects due to their time efficiency. You can erect steel frames much faster than traditional wooden frames, saving time significantly. Steel is also lighter and easier to move around the construction site, reducing the labour needed on the project. Steel beams span more considerable distances than wooden frames. You’ll need fewer columns to provide structural support. Steel is ideal for large-scale commercial or industrial buildings requiring open floor plans. For more tips on time management or general construction, check out DT Construction WA.
4. Non-Combustible
As steel is non-combustible, it offers unparalleled fire safety compared to wood and brick. The temperatures generated in a building fire are pretty high, often reaching up to and sometimes exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 degrees Fahrenheit). This sweltering environment and a high melting point for steel make it ideal for construction. The melting point of steel varies depending on the type but ranges from 1,400 to 1,650 degrees Celsius (2,552 to 3,002 degrees Fahrenheit).
5. Versatile
Steel frames are versatile, resilient, and ideal for many applications. They are often the material of choice for structural purposes such as load-bearing walls, roof trusses, and frame structures. Steel frames can be formed into any shape or design to construct residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. Steel frames are also used to construct bridges, dams, aircraft hangars, boat docks, and warehouses.
6. Fewer Maintenance Needs
Steel frames are ideal for construction projects requiring minimal maintenance. Steel is non-porous and thus resistant to moisture, fungi, and pests. It is also durable, capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions without deteriorating. Steel does not need painting or resealing every few years. Its lightweight minimises the need for additional structural support, which is ideal for projects with limited space.
7. Sustainability
Using steel in building construction reduces environmental impact. Steel structures can last for decades, which makes them efficient and cost-effective in the long run. Steel has a much lower manufacturing footprint than aluminium or plastic. It requires less energy and produces fewer emissions throughout the production process. Furthermore, steel is also 100% recyclable and can be melted down and reused for other purposes.
8. Pests and Insects Resistant
Steel frames are resistant to pests and insects due to their inorganic composition. Unlike organic materials like wood, steel does not provide any sustenance for pests or insects and is, therefore, not a viable food source. Steel frames are less susceptible to water damage and decay, which attract pests and insects looking for moist conditions.
9. High Tensile Strength
The steel framing industry is one of modern architecture’s most robust construction materials. Steel provides superior tensile strength compared to materials such as wood and aluminium. Steel has a high yield strength and can bear up to 3 times more load than wood and aluminium. This makes steel framing ideal for constructing large high-traffic buildings like industrial facilities. Steel is integral to modern high-rise construction due to its superior strength and resistance to wear and tear.
10. Hybrids with Other Materials
Steel hybrid buildings combine steel with other building materials to create a superior construction. Steel combines with wood or concrete to add structural integrity and aesthetic value. Modern skyscrapers combine steel and concrete-reinforced columns, beams, and floors to ensure the building withstands rigorous conditions. Steel hybrid buildings use prefabricated components like metal walls and frames to speed up construction. It also provides a strong foundation that won’t buckle under the structure’s weight.
Steel Frame Construction
Are you looking for steel frame constructions for your project? Look no further! Our experienced team can provide custom solutions tailored to your specifications. We use only the highest quality materials, ensuring your projects withstand the test of time. Contact us today to learn more about how we can make your project successful.
