Using Steel in Construction
In the last few years, the use of steel in
construction has seen phenomenal growth. Although steel buildings have
been around for a long time in the commercial and industrial sectors,
they are gracing the skylines of countries all around the world with
increasing frequency.
The use of various metals in the construction industry began in the
1700s with the placement of iron columns within walls. Over time, iron
beams and columns became common features in large industrial buildings.
Then in 1855, Sir Henry Basserner invented steel, and it immediately
became an integral part of the construction of buildings, bridges,
pipelines, and, later, skyscrapers. Because wood was expensive and
impacted the environment negatively, steel quickly became the popular
choice in construction.
Using steel in constructing buildings has many advantages. Construction
using steel is generally much faster than when using other materials,
and the costs are usually lower compared to conventional building
methods. Steel buildings weigh less and are easier to maintain. They
carry a reduced risk of fire as well and are more durable and last
longer.
In addition, steel is 66 percent recyclable, which makes it especially
cost effective and environmentally sound. Its strength is also a major
advantage. Steel structures can withstand severe weather conditions such
as hurricanes, heavy snows, and even earthquakes. Moreover, they are
resistant to termites, creeping, cracks, splitting, and rotting. They
are extremely durable.
Although steel-framed homes are still a little more expensive than
traditional wood-framed homes, they are more energy efficient, which
saves money, and they require less maintenance. This makes them an
attractive alternative to other construction options. It’s also easy to
give them a conventional appearance by covering the metal with
traditional building materials like bricks, siding, or stucco. Insurance
costs are lower due to the decreased risk of fire. Other benefits
include lower assembly and labor costs. The cost of building materials
is also less due to modern prefabrication design technologies. These
have played a major role in the growth of the steel building systems
industry, enabling fast and precise design and fabrication.
Steel building frames and other products are made of recycled steel. No
less than 28 percent of steel frames are made of recycled steel, which
can be recycled in turn. The use of steel in construction is better for
the environment than wood, as a typical 2,000-square-foot home uses the
wood from about 50 trees. The same house built with steel requires only
about six scrapped automobiles.