Cost Effective - Compared to other framing materials, structural steel brings greater value to a project in terms of initial cost, as well as reducing costs in other areas such as foundations, general conditions and façade systems.
Accelerated timelines: Structural steel is manufactured off-site while preliminary ground preparation and foundation work is carried out. It is then brought to the job site and assembled quickly, accelerating the overall project schedule. This is a huge advantage, as the structural framing system is always on the critical path of the project, regardless of the material.
Greater usable surface area: structural steel is light and resistant, allowing for large spans and open spaces without columns.
Aesthetics – Structural steel framing provides designers with a wide range of options to address the aesthetic requirements of a project. Structural steel can be rolled, curved and integrated into the irregular shapes of the building. At the same time, its small footprint contributes to giving the building a sense of transparency.
Future Adaptability – An existing steel structure can be easily modified to address changing building requirements and uses.
Quality and Predictability - Structural steel is manufactured off-site under controlled conditions, ensuring a high-quality product and reducing the number of costly on-site repairs. This also allows for “just-in-time” delivery, which speeds up the overall project schedule.
Ease of Design – Structural steel is produced to precise tolerances and consistent strength levels, which, when combined with an established and well-documented design approach, can greatly simplify the design process.
Higher Productivity – Structural steel leads the construction industry with a fully integrated supply chain that uses advanced technologies such as computer-aided manufacturing and building information modeling (BIM) in all stages of design and construction. These technologies have been shown to reduce or eliminate errors, improve safety, and reduce project costs.
Eco-friendly - Today's modern steel mills produce steel with an average of 90% recycled material. At the end of a building's life cycle, 100% of the structural steel can be recycled (the current recovery rate for structural steel is 98%). With a low environmental impact per square meter of construction, steel is the main option for sustainable and environmentally conscious projects.
There is always a solution in steel - No matter what specific challenges arise on the project, structural steel framing systems can solve them.
It is essential that during periods of volatility, structural engineers, architects, construction managers, general contractors and project owners take a step back and make sound decisions regarding the choice of materials and products based on all a series of considerations.
