Value Benefits Of Steel Construction

By Author: Armstrong Steel
Total Articles: 90
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An alloy of iron and carbon, steel is the most versatile of all construction materials. Its physical properties alone - durability, flexibility, and strength, make it a very attractive choice as a metal building construction material. In the last decade, steel buildings are being erected at an even fast pace. Owners of businesses, churches, schools, and even homes, are taking advantage of steel buildings because of the many benefits they offer.

SPEED AND PREDICTABILITY

Pre-engineered and pre-fabricated steel are manufactured offsite. This increases the speed, accuracy, quality, and safety of construction. Steel framing allows for fast assembly and firm construction timetables. It takes 15%-20% less time to produce specifications for structural steel framework than with reinforced concrete. Steel is lighter than other framing materials so it needs a smaller and simpler foundation. In addition, it has been found that steel buildings takes one third less ...
... time to erect than other traditional types of construction. This translates to lower financing costs and overhead expenses for construction management services.

The speed and accuracy of construction of steel buildings offers a lot of value for the stakeholder because he can occupy the building in less time. For an office owner, this means that he can begin renting the space sooner. For a factory owner, it means that he can start production faster.

FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY

The environment in steel-built structures is light, open, airy, and adaptable. Modifying an existing space to meet changing needs can be a challenge to building owners. The high strength-to-weight ratio of steel enables it to span large distances economically and without sacrificing structural safety. The strength of steel provides clear span or column free areas that offer greater flexibility of floor layouts. Owners will have the freedom to subdivide and customize space or opt for light steel partition walls that can easily be relocated, leading to adaptable buildings with the ability to meet current and future needs.

SUSTAINABILITY

Steel is the most sustainable among the major construction materials available. Its many sustainable benefits are guaranteed to be realized from the time it is manufactured and used.

Steel is 100% recyclable without any loss to its quality. Building with steel preserves the earth's natural resources and creates less waste, which is also recyclable. Building with steel uses the minimum volume of materials. It has been found that it takes about 40 - 50 trees to build a 2,000 square foot home. In contrast, a steel-framed house can be made with steel from six recycled cars. The sustainability of steel during construction is that steel is manufactured and fabricated off-site in a clean and dust-free construction process. Steel manufacturing is done in a safe, controlled environment, which translates to better quality.

Even during the operation of the metal structure, steel is still sustainable. Unlike other structures, buildings made of steel mature with age, rather than deteriorate and decay. Steel frames can be easily reconfigured to give old buildings a new lease on life.

The sustainability of steel does not end if/when the metal building is taken down. Steel buildings are environmentally friendly because they can be demolished almost entirely and their waste materials recycled. Research has shown that almost 99% of steel waste from demolition sites is recycled and reused. Most other materials can only be recycled once during its entire lifetime. Steel can be recycled over and over again without losing its strength, durability and performance.

Economically, since building with steel is fast, efficient, predictable, and safe, it is cost effective and delivers long term flexibility. Steel production is highly automated and therefore, not labor intensive.

Continuous development

Because steel offers new solutions and opportunities for architects to expand their artistic expression, new and innovative steel building designs are continuously created. Not only does steel provide strength, it is also capable of creating beauty and drama.

Today, steel can be curved and bended in ways that were never thought possible before. Outlines of irregular facades, arches and domes were created by steel beams bent to a certain radius. Others were created by using segmented curves or in combination with curved steel beams.

High quality pre engineered steel buildings are strong, durable and virtually maintenance free. In addition, the many environmental and economical benefits of steel construction provide a lot of savings in time and money, as well as, protection for the earth's natural resources.

About The Author

Shane Watson, an employee of Armstrong Steel. Armstrong Steel is one of the largest pre-engineered steel buildings suppliers in North America. Whether you want a prefab steel building kit to erect a building or a turnkey solution for your 100,000 square-foot facility, Armstrong Steel is committed to providing customers with the finest building at the lowest cost. Their buildings are durable, attractive and will meet or exceed your specific local building codes. They offer nationwide and international service and delivery of steel buildings. For more information about our building materials visit: http://www.armstrongsteelbuildings.com/.