Advantages of Steel in Building Construction

As industrialization and search for better ways of construction, the need to also look at the possibilities in using steel more can’t be overemphasized.

(1)Speed of Construction - Construction with steel is fastest among the different materials of construction, most time you fabricates from your factory or shops and only installs on site.

(2)Low cost - In comparative high volume buildings constructing with steel becomes cheaper because you cover greater spans with steel.

(3) Longer spans - This is good especially when you are thinking of avoiding too many columns especially in auditorium that requires good view from the audience.

(4)Malleability - Under certain condition steel becomes malleable and can be shaped to any form which helps to achieve the designer’s vision.

(5)High Strength -Steel has good strength, that’s one of the reasons is used for lots of multistory structures. it can withstand pressure and can be very stable compare to others.

(6)Slenderness -Steel doesn’t take much space compare to others. The design networks of steel structure can also be aesthetically pleasing.

(7)Good design flexibility and versatility.

(8)Lighter weight - Obviously Steel is lighte to reinforced concrete when considering the same building plan

(9)Recyclability and sustainability - Steel is reusable as you can be dismantled and reassembled elsewhere with little or no defects, very sustainable as it can’t be damaged by pests nor does it requires preservatives or glues. Is inorganic so it can’t rot.

(10)Modifiable - You can also adjust steel construction with a degree of ease.

(11)Reliability and Predictability - Due to high strength steel is quite useful in construction and very reliable, its stable and predictable.

(12)Mass production and availability – Steel can be mass produced during fabrication which gives room for efficiency and speed.

(13)Durability - Because is not organic, better resistance to fire etc it lasts longer than most construction materials substitutes.

(14)Minimal waste - Steel has minimal raw material wastes.

(15)Maintenance - You do less maintenance with steel as it doesn’t really degenerate in any form for a very long time.

(16)Fire Protection - Better resistance against fire outbreaks.

(18)Lower floor construction depths - Concrete floor averagely is 6″ or 150mm but steel won’t require such thickness to be used as a floor.