Steel building
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A Steel building is a metal structure with steel for the exterior cladding and internal support. Such buildings are used for a variety of purposes including storage, office space and living space. They have evolved into specific type depending on how they are used.
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[edit] History
They first gained popularity in the early 20th century. Their use became more widespread during World War II and significantly expanded after the war when steel became more available. In the last few decades steel buildings have become more common as their capabilities have expanded with improved designs due to the availability of computer aided design programs.[citation needed]
[edit] Advantages
- High quality, aesthetic[citation needed]
- Low maintenance costs[citation needed]
- Non combustible[citation needed]
- Environmentally friendly[citation needed]
- Components can be re-used[citation needed]
- Components are functional[citation needed]
- Strong, durable and stable[citation needed]
- Enables good design and safety[citation needed]
- Sustainable to temperature effects[citation needed]
- Rigid and dimensionally stable[citation needed]
- Construction is fast compared to other materials[citation needed]
- Resistant to termites and other destructive insects[citation needed]
- Cheaper than any other construction methods[citation needed]
- Offers fast construction[citation needed]
[edit] Disadvantages
- Heat conductivity. Calculations show that the web of an 18-gauge steel stud is about 31 times thinner than a "two-by" wood stud; however, steel conducts heat 310 times more efficiently than wood. As a net result, a "two-by" steel stud will conduct 10 times more heat than a "two-by" wood stud.[1]
- Corrosion. Faulty design leads to the corrosion of iron and steel in buildings.[2]
[edit] Types
Some common types of steel buildings are "straight-walled", "arch" and "clearspan". Straight-walled and the arch type refer to the outside shape of the building. Steel arch buildings are the most cost effective and structurally sound. They are commonly used in the agricultural industry. Straight-walled buildings provide more usable space when compared to arch buildings. They are also easier to blend into existing architecture. Straight-walled buildings are commonly used for office space. Clearspan classification refers to the internal construction. Clearspan steel buildings utilize stronger overhead support beams, thus reducing the need for supporting internal columns. Clearspan steel buildings can be used to store large commercial aircraft or used as public arenas.[citation needed]
[edit] Components
The modern steel building is composed of many individual segments that have evolved over time. With the recent benefit of Computer Aided Design (CAD) steel buildings have become much safer. The maximum wind load and snow load in particular have increased with the more accurate calculations provided by CAD. These advances have also led to a more efficient manufacturing process as most steel buildings are pre-fabricated. The smaller pre-fabricated steel buildings are simple enough to be constructed by anyone. The larger steel buildings require professional construction workers to ensure proper assembly.[citation needed]
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Steel Construction Institute Organization promoting steel construction
- Metal Building Manufacturers Association Provides FAQs and industry trends
