Britain led the world’s industrial revolution. Through entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking, a greater amount of steel production was demanded from the machinery, ship building and railway sectors. Through the nationalisation and re-privatisation of the industry, steel has had a fluctuating presence in British society. However, today, structural steel buildings are an exceptional choice for construction and exhibit several advantages.
How Has the Changing Landscape of Steel and Construction Influenced How We View Steel Buildings Today?
The use of steel in the building industry has rocketed immensely. Its popularity is evident in the steel share market price for single-storey industrial buildings and non-residential buildings which have increased considerably.
There are a number of reasons why steel is an excellent material for structural erection. A few advantages include:
• Cost effectiveness
• Speedy construction
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Service integration
• Quality and safety
• Sustainability
These 6 Advantages of Steel Structures Explained…
Value for Money
The structure of a building accounts for approximately 10-15% of the overall construction costs. It’s clear that choosing the right infrastructure in a competitive market is paramount. It was found that steel framed solutions can reduce building structure costs by up to 6% when compared to using concrete framed buildings – this can make you huge savings.
Speedy Construction
Steel construction involves pre-fabricated items that are manufactured off-site and can be rapidly installed on site with minimal problems. This creates an earlier return on investment and other time related savings that make an excellent impact on profitability.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Structural steel beams with web openings allow for an open plan design with minimal columns and efficient circulation space. This results in the building having a malleable quality and allows for all internal walls and fixtures to be changed if necessary. The industrial building then has the potential to be used for multiple purposes.
Service Integration
One of the key benefits of using a steel structure is in the ability to create more space. Mechanical ventilation for commercial buildings can be easily integrated without taking from the original layout and depth of floors. This can be particularly beneficial when building height restrictions are concerned.
Quality and Safety
Most, if not all, steel structures are pre-fabricated meaning they are manufactured under controlled factory environments. This means that quality is assured as variables such as the weather are not affecting the property.
Sustainability
All steel structures are 100% recyclable and due to the building’s adaptability and flexibility, the structures life can be drastically lengthened in comparison to concrete assemblies where their purposes can be limited. All steel structures adhere to high environmental standards and achieve low operational carbon targets.
From the most basic structural grade through highly specialised project related specifications, Brown McFarlanecan supply the structural steel you require. With 128 years of experience in this industry, we are confident we can answer any questions you may have.
Reference for factual information used in this article: http://www.steelconstruction.info/
