How Steel Building Construction Works: Materials, Design, and Methods

Steel Building Construction has now been regarded as one of the most versatile and modern constructions. Especially for skyscrapers and industrial settings, steel buildings are gaining immense popularity. Although, because of its numerous features, steel fits every construction project. It is not only strong and durable, offering a strength unmatched anywhere else, but also less bulky than other building materials. This makes it an effective material for any construction project.

In this informative article, we are going to shed light on how building construction works when it comes to steel. By discussing the most common materials and designs in steel construction, you can comprehend its working. On top of that, we will also discuss the popular construction methods for steel buildings.

An Introduction to Steel Building Construction

Steel is becoming a popular component in various construction projects because of its distinctive features and shapes. The steel is amalgamated with certain chemicals and other materials for its relevant features.

This is why the demand for such a construction is increasing rapidly. For instance, the main role for which steel structure construction is known is the ability to construct bridges, industries, stadiums, and warehouses, as well as customized residential buildings.

From the foregoing, we shall move on to the discussion on the first topic that involves the materials used to construct buildings.

Distinctive Types of Steel Materials

The most distinctive types of steel materials in building construction are discussed in the discussion ahead.

1. Carbon Steel

Also referred to as mild steel, it is commonly utilized for the framing of a building because of its strength and ductility.

2. Structural Steel

The focus of this material is to bear the load of the building.

3. Reinforced Steel

Also known as rebar, this steel is integrated with concrete. It acts as a component of foundations, slabs, and walls, and hence offers tensile strength to these structural members.

4. Stainless Steel

This steel also finds applications in building structures and façades due to its high corrosion-resistant properties that it has.

5. Galvanized Steel

This material type is usually coated with zinc to make it rust and corrosion resistant. Thus, making it an optimal choice for outdoor applications.

After comprehending the most common materials, in the next section of this article, we will discuss essential designs in the construction of a steel building.

Imperative Designing Process in Constructing Steel Buildings

The design of a steel building encompasses the following phases:

• Loads Evaluation

In the construction of a steel building, professional civil engineers play a crucial role. The design of steel components is based on the building’s load, the stress it has to withstand, and safety assurance. Also, when it comes to loads, there are three categories, which are:

• The weight of a building, which is categorized as dead weight
• The load of inhabitants and interior elements, which is classified as live load
• External loads,  which encompass wind and seismic forces.

Based on the above factors, the most common designs in steel buildings are:

• Columns
• Beams
• Angles, also referred to as L-Sections
• Channels, also known as C-Sections 

• Conceptual Design Development

During this phase, a collaboration between engineers and architects takes place. The functional role of a building is designed, including its geometry and dimensions.

• Structural Integrity Analysis

Professionals will also utilize Building Information Modeling, a 3D modeling-based tool, to understand the structural framing via a visual aid. This visual aid will provide them with information regarding how a steel structure will behave under different loads.

• Delineated Drawings

Once loads are determined and structural analysis is complete, the next phase is going into the specifics. It means that this phase comprises the precise dimensions, connections, location, and finishing of every steel component.

So far, we have discussed the types of steel materials and the designing process; the next topic at hand is to unveil the construction methods for a steel building.

Methods of Construction for a Steel Building

When deciding which construction method is appropriate for your steel building, you need the expert and competent Steel Building Construction Estimation services. They will evaluate the essentials like building purpose, location, and more. That being said, the most influential steel construction methods are:

• Traditional Steel Fabrication

This traditional steel construction method dictates that steel structures can be fabricated as desired. This fabrication involves designing, dimensioning,  cutting, welding, and more. Note that this construction method can take place both on-site and off-site.

• Bolted Construction

This is an advanced form of the above method. This is because most of the steel structure is fabricated in an off-site location. After fabrication, they are transferred to the site location and then bolted together to give the structure its final shape.

• Modular Construction

This construction method entails that entire sections of a steel building are fabricated and organized in an off-site controlled setting. These sections are modules that can be of entire rooms or portions of rooms. This method allows for speedy building construction, as you only have to position the modules in their relevant positions.

• Pre-Engineered Construction

The most advanced construction method when it comes to steel buildings. In this method, pre-designed and pre-fabricated steel components just need to be assembled on site. The reason for this method’s advancement is that the steel components are manufactured in a controlled environment by utilizing a CAD tool. Also, a notable advantage of this construction method is that the design of a structure can be customized to meet any specific demands of a construction project.

Figuring Out the Cost

Continuing with the above, whichever method is chosen, you must have sufficient funds to complete the construction within the allocated time. Thus, this requires professional services from a well-known Construction Cost Estimating company.

So, if you need a professional who understands all the intricacies related to design, materials, and techniques of a steel construction, choose SMA Estimating LLC.

End Note

If you are planning to embark on a steel building project, then this guide on Steel Building Construction can help you a great deal. In this insightful article, we have included all the essential information regarding the most common materials, along with an overview of the building design process. Moreover, it also contains several construction methods that are most significant for steel construction. Thus, read this article to gain that valuable information for making an informed decision.