Why Steel is the Best Construction Material?
Commercial use of steel construction started in late 1800s. Since then, steel has been one of the most important components in construction industry. Steel is so much in demand in construction that construction industry alone accounts for more than 50% of world’s total steel demand. From building skyscrapers to carparks, the use of steel is ubiquitous. Due to steel’s intrinsic competitive advantages, steel is still ruling the industry. When it comes to durability, versatility, economy of space and resources, design flexibility and aesthetic appeal, steel outsmarts all the other building components. Let’s know about its advantages in detail.
- Strength and Durability – Steel has better compression and tension ability than other building components like wood, iron, concrete etc. So, its strength and structural integrity is much higher than the other construction materials. It is also resistant to termites, cracks, splitting and rotting causing it to last longer. Due it flexibility, it creates less disruption while constructing and refurbishing, which is also another reason for its durability.
- Light Weight – Despite being strong, its weight ratio is much lesser than its strength which makes the construction lighter yet stronger, both a win-win quality.
- Aesthetic Appeal – Steel provides more flexibility to designers for innovation and creativity. Due to its malleable property, it can be shaped in different designs like triangle, curves, arches, domes etc. Its sleek appearance also gives any structure a futuristic look.
- Time Efficient – Steel can be assembled quickly. Most of the components are pre manufactured resulting in less labor and time in construction site. . Compared to conventional construction, steel structure reduces on-site work by about 40%. Depending on the scale of project, a whole frame can be erected in just few days.
- Adaptable – If you want to reposition some parts of the structure or change layouts to create new interior, it can be done without much hassle. Steel framing and floor parts also allow changes easily to fit the electrical wiring, networking cables, plumbing systems etc.
- Less Space – Space is a big problem in urban areas. Steel structure is quite appropriate in space constrained situation as it economizes spaces significantly. It allows open column free spaces that can be subdivided easily. Steel structure is also slender compared to bulky wooden and concrete structure, which automatically economizes spaces.
- Cost Effective – Steel construction is very cost effective because it minimizes labor hours. As, the structure is built faster, it also compensates the revenue loss that would cause by delay in construction. And, it also produces very little waste during the construction process which saves you from extra loss. In the long run also it reduces your cost as it requires little maintenance due to its durability.
- Earthquake and Wind Resistant – Steel is very ductile and flexible. It flexes extreme loads and doesn’t crush and crumble down. The structure is also designed principally to bear gravity loads. For the same reason, not just earthquakes, it can also withstand hurricane and strong winds.
- Fire Resistant – Due to advanced technology used in steel structure, such buildings significantly reduces the cause and spread of fire. It is able to resist the temperature of more than 1000°C. Compared to wood, steel is intrinsically less prone to fire hazards.
- Environmentally Friendly – First of all, steel reduces the use of wood that minimizes deforestation. Next, steel is endlessly recyclable. In fact, nothing goes wasted. Today’s 30% of steel is made from recycled steel.