subject: Structural Steel, The Backbone Of The World [print this page] As a building material structural steel is considered a new product, still in its infancy compared to brick and stone construction that have been used for over 2,000 years. Although steel has been used for the past 150 years, recent advances in technology are allowing the steel manufacturer to produce better quality steel, faster and in more configurations than ever before.
A Green Choice
Whether you"re building the tallest building in the world, like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai at 2,723 feet, (a little over a half of a mile in height) or a new workshop for your hobbies, steel is the best choice and one of the greenest choices you can make. Structural steel beams, plate, angles and wide flange beams are produced by a method called hot-rolled, which has an 88% recycled content. How many other major building materials can claim that? Not only is it one of the most sustainable resources we have, steel manufacturing has reduced its carbon foot print by 47% since 1990!
Speedy Construction
Steel also adds speed to construction, which translates to labor dollars saved, business buildings opening quicker, leading to faster leases, and a more rapid return on investment. The speed, strength and durability of constructing with steel has moved from its origins in major multi-story construction to business locations of every kind and is now beginning to spill over into the housing market. The gaining popularity in steel construction comes from the fact steel business buildings and now homes can be produced for nearly a third less than traditional stick or block built and constructed in about half the time.
Technology is Leading the Way
With recent advances in technology, steel fabricators are using 3-D computer software to work closely with designers and erection contractors to build in efficiencies that allow construction time to shrink and cost to go down, all the while maintaining closer construction tolerances. That means the shell of the building is built faster, less expensive and within very close specs that make infill construction faster and easier as well. In turn, that reduces material waste and down time at the construction site, which all translate to a lower cost.
Some of the same technology has lent itself to design and architectural advancements allowing more esthetically appealing buildings, with greater strength and durability. It has also led to enhancements for the steel manufacturer to expand product lines and increase marketability. All these advantages are quickly making steel the construction material of choice, worldwide for the next century!
