The Advantages of Steel Frame Buildings

Steel is a versatile, popular material used in the construction of everything from skyscrapers to housing. Steel beams are composed mostly of iron with some alloying elements. Two types of steel beams exist: cast iron and wrought iron beams. Cast iron beams are made by pouring molten iron into a mold and are strong in compression but brittle. Wrought iron beams are made by forming heated iron and are strong in tension. Although steel has its disadvantages as a building material, it also features an equal amount of advantages over other options. Steel has some unique properties that materials such as wood and concrete can't compete with.

 

Strength and Resilience

Steel is one of the strongest building frame materials available. Because of their strength and resilience, steel-framed structures can withstand hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters without compromising the safety of the building frame, according to Wise Home Design. This means steel frames are useful in states or areas with strict seismic or wind resistance requirements. Concrete is the next strongest material, but it can be cracked or shifted by seismic activity. This is also why the largest and tallest buildings in the world are made out of steel. Strength and Resilience

Steel is one of the strongest building frame materials available. Because of their strength and resilience, steel-framed structures can withstand hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters without compromising the safety of the building frame, according to Wise Home Design. This means steel frames are useful in states or areas with strict seismic or wind resistance requirements. Concrete is the next strongest material, but it can be cracked or shifted by seismic activity. This is also why the largest and tallest buildings in the world are made out of steel.

Quick Assembly

When a home is built from wood, the construction team purchases a number of long beams and cuts them to fit on the job site. The beams that go into a steel structure are manufactured in a factory, says the Delhi State University website, lowering the amount of noise and trash generated at the construction site. This also makes the assembly process faster. The steel beams are arranged and bolted together according to the instructions.

Cost

Steel costs very little compared with other metals like aluminum or titanium. This, combined with its other mechanical and chemical attributes, contributes significantly to the popularity of steel beams as a construction material. Steel is cheap compared with many alternative materials.