What are the advantages of steel for construction ?
The advantages that steel offers to the construction sector have long been recognised by designers and specifiers.
Detailed below are some of the advantages steel could provide to your next project.
Cost: A recent independent study showed that on a typical city centre office building, the frame and upper floors cost of the steel-framed option was 12% lower than the concrete alternative.
Sustainability: 99% of constructional steel in the UK is either reused or recycled and can be used again and again without any loss of quality.
Acoustics and Vibration: Research shows that steelframed solutions easily satisfy the acoustic and vibration performance requirements for buildings.
Fire protection: It is easy to effectively fire protect steel, and steel performs well in fire situations.
Efficiency: Efficient steel designs take advantage of the high strength-to weight ratio of steel to provide longer flexible internal column-free spaces. Lean manufacture minimises waste.
Quality: Steel sections are tested, certified, and CE Marked before delivery with inspection certificates. Fabrication processes are quality assured and fully CE Marked.
Speed: Steel gives the earliest start on site and earliest possible payback on investment. Time related savings can amount to between 3-5% of the overall project value.
Safety: Accurate fabrication work takes place offsite and steel is only brought to site when needed, reducing the need for on site storage, the number of people required and the risk of accidents.