Steel Structures are a common feature in most buildings these days. From commercial buildings through to luxury apartment blocks, steel is a major component in the construction and design phase due to its durability, cost efficiency and flexibility.
Timber, Steel and Concrete are the three most common structural materials in the world. What is unique with steel is its speed and efficiency, the reduction of on-site risks and sustainability and waste reduction.
Some key factors for choosing steel as the primary material in a structure include:
Speed and efficiency
Computer modeling before fabrication on computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment means the components are produced right first time and there is minimal rework. This contributes to completing a project quickly negating the risks of penalties for running over time on construction. By completing projects on or ahead of time, allows a business to focus on the next project keeping the all important cash flow circulating within the business.
Steel being a structurally efficient building material can reduce the size of foundations as buildings are lighter and require less foundation support compared to heavier materials such as concrete.
Site risk reduction
As steel is fabricated offsite, the amount of workers required onsite is reduced, mitigating the risk of accidents and reducing accident liability insurance for steel fabricator businesses. Offsite fabrication at businesses own premises provides workers with a familiar environment, easy access to the tools they require and relieves congestion on the building site. Offsite fabrication also reduces noise levels and general discomfort to building occupants and surrounding neighbours. Steel framing and cladding are more fire resistant than other materials and are not at risk of costly issues such as mold or termites.
Sustainability and flexibility
Structural steel is manufactured and built according to the codes of ISO compliance. The strength of the material is tested at the time of production, and not after it has been placed in the building structure.
A structure that’s built using steel has significantly less waste than structures built using other materials such as concrete. In excess of 90% of structural steel is recycled/reused and steel structures have the capacity to be modified and extended as required. Insurance costs are lower on steel structures due to their durability and fire resistance. Structural steel buildings are the preferred choice of engineers and architects as they can eliminate the need for interior support columns and give the largest possible area of uninterrupted floor space allowing for greater design flexibility.
Dunsteel is one of Australia’s leading steel fabrication businesses with over 50 years of experience. We specialize in delivering complex projects for successful building and architectural firms.
If you would like any information on the projects that Dunsteel have completed or find out more about the services we offer, feel free to reach out for a confidential chat with our professional and friendly team.