Structural steel is often employed in the construction of frame steel skeletons for buildings. The structural steel framing typically consists of universal steel columns as well as steel beams that are connected, bolted, and welded into various grid forms. This grid can be used as a foundation for a residential or commercial construction, in which the flooring walls, walls, roofs, and claddings can be put in afterward.
The applications for steel frames comprise but aren’t restricted to:
High-rise buildings
Residential developments
Warehouses
Agriculture buildings
Offices
Steel storage buildings
Public structures
Factory and industrial constructions
Steel framing is an increasingly popular option in the field of civil engineering and structural steel is becoming more frequent by firms to develop new ideas. This is due to the frame’s easy installation, flexibility and compatibility with various joining techniques. In addition, the steel frame is easily cladded with a variety different materials.
It’s also worth asking whether building a structural steel frame is the most efficient construction method , compared to the fabrication of steel on site. To help designers, we’ve provided some of the advantages and disadvantages of the steel frame construction method to help narrow your options.
Benefits from Steel Frame Buildings
Quality – the fact that structural steel frames can be made off-site guarantees that they’re treated in the most professional manner. Our in-house facilities are efficient for larger projects involving steel frames because the fabrication of hollow sections of steel flat bar, flat bar, or I beam using off-site equipment isn’t likely to be affected by factors that could affect the quality of the product, like severe weather. Although we offer fully-regulated (and fully compliant) off-site fabrication of steel as well as mobile welding services fabricating steel off-site can be advantageous as it helps lower costs on-site.
Structural steel components are lighter than concrete and other materials , such as wood that is weight bearing. Steel frames are sturdy resilient, ductile and robust when all parts are joined. Steel is also immune to corrosion due to zinc coatings that increase its performance against corrosion, so it can endure for a long time on other attributes apart from its remarkable durability.
Steel frames of various sizes are fabricated on specifications, and in a range of dimensions and sizes. Based on the drawings of steel fabrication the building frame can be made to fit the loads in buildings of kinds and sizes.
Steel frame buildings have fire resistant anti-flame coatings which are welded to the structural steel beams as they are being made. This can help reduce the risk of fire in the structure.
Weather resistance – based on carbon contents (see mild steel’s properties as well as our light and rolled section pages for more information) The moisture resistance of structural steel is very high. Priming and galvanizing steel which increases the resistance to rust can also increase the steel’s resistance to water. It’s worth thinking about this when the steel framing of any structure will be exposed to extreme weather conditions.
Things to Consider
Steel is not usually known for its insulation properties due to the speed at which it can conduct heat. The heat is usually transferred away from a structure via steel-studs. This isn’t optimal when energy retention is the issue. It is essential to take measures of insulation to reduce the conductivity of steel’s thermal energy.
The measurements of structural steel must be calculated correctly prior to time, however in the event of an error in calculation or a wrong part fabricated or fabricated, the project could be delayed as the framing has to be sent back to the steel fabrication firm to be corrected.
Need Steel Frame Buildings?
If you require any help in deciding if using a frame made of steel is the most appropriate choice, contact an engineer from our team now. We’re more than willing to assist you with every aspect of the fabrication process for steel.