Last edited 08 Mar 2022

Steel structure introduction

1 What is a steel structure?
2 Technical parameters
3 Main structural types
4 Advantages
5 Related articles on Designing Buildings

[edit] What is a steel structure?

A steel structure is a metal structure which is made of structural steel components connected to each other to carry loads and provide rigidity. Because of the high strength of steel, these structures are reliable and require less raw material than some other types of structure such as concrete.

In modern construction, steel structures are used for almost every type of structure including heavy industrial building, high-rise building, equipment support systems, infrastructure, bridges, towers, heavy industrial plant, etc.

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Structural steel is fabricated with a specific shape and chemical composition to suit a project’s specifications.

Depending on each project’s specifications, the steel sections might have various shapes, sizes and gauges made by hot or cold rolling, others are made by welding together flat or bent plates. Common shapes include the I-beam, HSS, channels, angles and platea.

[edit] Technical parameters

Dimension	Length x width x Eave height, roof slope
Type	Single slope, double slope, muti-slope; Single span, double-span , multi-spans; Single floor, double floors , multi-floors
Foundation	Concrete and steel foundation bolts
Column and beam	Hot rolled or welded H steel Q355, all bolts connection, straight cross-section or Variable cross-section
Bracing	X or V or other type bracing made from angle steel or steel bar

[edit] Main structural types

Frame structures: Beams and columns
Grids structures: latticed structure or dome
Prestressed structures
Truss structures: H section or SHS/CHS section chord truss
Arch structure
Bridge structures

[edit] Advantages

1. Cost savings: Steel structure is the cost leader for most projects in materials and design. It can be relatively inexpensive to manufacture and erect, requires less maintenance than other traditional building methods.

2. Creativity: Steel has a natural beauty. Steel allows for long column-free spans and natural light in any shape of structure.

3. Control and management: Steel structure is fabricated at the factory and rapidly erected on site by skilled personnel in a safe construction process. Industry surveys consistently demonstrate that steel structures can be the optimal solution.

4. Durability: It can withstand extreme forces or harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds, earthquakes, hurricanes and heavy snow. It is also unreceptive to rust and, unlike timber frames, is not affected by termites, bugs, mildew, mold and fungi.

For more information see: Steel.