Strong steel buildings, especially for commercial use, are growing in popularity. A survey showed that 60.5% of commercial buildings globally were of steel construction in 2023, and that proportion will almost certainly have grown since then.
The reasons for this increasing use are based on steel’s many benefits. It has excellent tensile strength, a high strength to weight ratio, great environmentally friendliness due to the regular use of recycled steel, resistance to corrosion and pests, and its general flexibility in use. Prefabricated steel buildings also benefit from excellent pro steel structure reviews that boost their appeal and also give increased confidence to buyers.
One of the big reasons for the popularity of structural steel buildings is that they are generally much cheaper than those constructed from more traditional materials. For example, a 30×50 steel building cost will be $40,000-60,000, based on $18-22 per square foot for the best metal home kits plus the cost of foundations and labor for erection and finishing.
Steel buildings are very flexible and so can be adapted to numerous layouts and uses. There are various models available that have different features and suitability, and all receive excellent elite metal structures reviews. The main models, which are all highly rated and well-tried, are described below, focusing on their performance and design efficiency.
1. Braced Frame Systems
These models use steel cross braces that are integrated into the frame system so that the stability and rigidity of the structure is enhanced. The braced frames provide both horizontal and vertical stability and are particularly effective in areas that experience seismic activity or strong winds, even for multi-storey buildings, since the braces distribute the forces of lateral loads and minimize deformation.
Since the braces deal with the lateral loads, the beams and columns of the main structure can be lighter, which reduces material costs. Additionally, connections are usually much simpler than those used for rigid frames.
2. Portal Frame Systems
Because of their efficiency and simplicity, these are the most commonly used type of steel structures. They have horizontal steel beams and vertical columns that are connected by rigid joints. The result is a stable frame that can span distances of up to one hundred meters with no need for intermediate columns.
This type of structure makes maximum use of interior space and so is ideal for large warehouses and agricultural buildings, with the possibility of having overhead cranes and mezzanine floors due to the lack of support pillars. The simplicity of the system leads to quicker fabrication and construction, and the use of tapered sections to resist bending reduces the overall weight of steel used.
3. Moment (Rigid) Frames
These frames have columns and beams that are rigidly and securely connected, enabling the maintenance of fixed angles at connection points. This ensures the intersections between the columns and beams remain unchanged, even when subjected to external forces and load impacts. These connection angles can be enhanced for extra rigidity in order to meet structural stiffness requirements.
The structures provide great strength in supporting both vertical and horizontal loads, reducing the need for bracing and shear walls, and therefore providing more flexibility in floor layouts. They also withstand the effects of high winds and seismic activity. Although the connections can be more expensive and complex than for other systems, they give great strength and allow flexibility in internal layouts.
4. Truss Systems
This type of system is based on triangulation principles and has steel bars arranged in triangular units to give greatest strength. The systems maximize strength but minimize the use of materials and are ideal for the roofs of large buildings such as warehouses and aircraft hangers.
Truss systems can span very long distances but still support heavy loads with little deflection. The network of small members distributes compression and tension in an efficient manner, forming an extremely strong and effective structure using minimum materials.
5. Outrigger Systems
These systems are used particularly in high rise buildings with a central core where they connect that core to the perimeter structure using trusses or horizontal walls. In doing so, they transmit impact forces, such as high winds, and ensure the building maintains durability and stability by reducing its sway.
Outrigger systems are extremely efficient at reducing vibration and enhancing the structural performance of a building. This is a more efficient method than having a large, rigid core and so results in material savings.
Choosing the Most Appropriate System
In addition to the five main structural models mentioned, there are other models with different features that have claims for the best metal building review. These include beam and column frame, transfer beam and a variety of tubular systems. All have their benefits and need to be considered when designing a steel building.
Choosing the right structural steel model for your building is a serious challenge because they all have their complexities, features and advantages. You need to consider your budget, the required completion date, proposed use of the building, site condition and your local area, which may have particular climate conditions and building regulations that influence the project.
It is important to do your planning and preparation thoroughly because getting it wrong will seriously impact the chances of successfully completing your project. Getting the right professional help is essential and, at Atlantic Steel Structures, we can ensure your project has the required outcome.
We will assess your needs properly and design a building that has the most appropriate framing and all the features you need to fulfill your requirements. We will carefully consider all the construction types, methods and materials available, choosing the most suitable ones for your building. High quality and absolute safety are our main priorities.
Our aim is to provide a fully functioning, durable, safe, good looking and stable building with sustainability features, that conforms to building codes and has a competitive price. Get in touch so we can demonstrate how we will do this.
