The use of the first steel-framed structure in a construction project can be traced back to the late 1800s. There is no doubt in the fact that steel has revolutionised the construction industry ever since its invention. However, the widespread use of this very useful construction material began in the early 20th century during the time of World War II.
A large part of steel is composed of iron with typically a small quantity of carbon. This unique composition does not only enhances the strength of this construction material but also increases its fracture resistance. From small-sized constructions to large-scale projects, steel has somewhat dominated the construction industry.
The modern-day refinement of steel has taken its usability to the next level. It has even been categorised into different types such as mild steel, high tensile steel, and advanced strength steel. These categories have a variety of applications that make steel among the most useful construction materials. Here are some of the top advantages of using steel in construction.
Top Benefits of Using Steel in Construction
Whether its structural strength or flexibility, steel is best known for its outstanding performance as a construction material. We’ll now list down and discuss the best reasons to use steel in construction.
- Modern Look
- Flexibility
- Cost-Effectiveness
- Sustainability
- Durability
Modern Look
The natural beauty of steel is widely praised by architects. A steel-framed structure is uniquely designed, emphasizing the slenderness and transparency of the architectural layout. There are a variety of techniques regarding the framing of steel structures that are smartly used these days to come up with modern residential and commercial designs.
Quick Fact: The sections made from structural steel can be rolled or bent, allowing architects to easily work with their proposed designs. This is how they can delightfully uplift the aesthetic appeal of a building.
Flexibility
One of the most noteworthy benefits of using steel in construction is flexibility. Building layouts made with structural steel are easily modifiable. The modifications depend on the requirements of the construction projects including vertical expansions, design adaptation, and loading conditions. This type of flexibility could never be achieved with building structures made from other construction materials.
Cost-effectiveness
Cost-effectiveness is the key quality of steel that makes it one of the most useful construction materials. A structural frame is one of the biggest factors that can make a huge difference when it comes to the total cost of a construction project.
According to a study conducted recently, steel framing systems typically cost less than framing systems based on concrete, which is another widely used construction material. This means you can conveniently go with a steel-framed structure to desirably reduce construction costs when building a house.
Sustainability
Steel is a construction material also known for its eco-friendly nature. It is probably one of the most recycled materials in the entire construction industry across the globe. This factor greatly adds to the sustainability of this modern building material.
Also, if you’re planning to design an environmentally-friendly commercial building, then steel may probably be one of the best options to use. On a side note, read this blog if you want to learn about some other eco-friendly alternatives to concrete that you can use in your construction project.
Quick Fact: With a 100% recycling rate, structural steel is undoubtedly the most sustainable construction material on earth yet.
Durability
With modern-day reinforcement techniques, steel is a highly durable construction material. When it comes to strength and durability, steel outperforms almost all other building materials. The use of steel is highly recommended for constructing earthquake-resistant buildings due to its incredibly flexible and fracture-resistant nature.
It is also one of the greatest reasons why steel has diverse applications in the construction industry. From tall skyscrapers to massive suspension bridges, steel is found everywhere as it can bear up to 50,000 pounds of stress per square inch, giving the structure its real strength.
Now that we have listed down and discussed some of the top reasons to use steel in construction, it’s time for us to wrap up this piece. After learning about all these benefits, you would have realised why steel is one of the most popular construction materials used in Pakistan. If you have any questions or feedback related to our blog, feel free to drop us an email at blog@zameen.com.
On a side note, we have also written a detailed comparative analysis of concrete vs. steel that may interest you. Also, if you want to learn about the most commonly used heavy construction equipment in Pakistan, take a look at this post.
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