Builders formerly utilised steel frame construction for structures, such as garages, agricultural buildings, warehouses, and high-rise skyscrapers. However, it is now employed for offices, industries, schools, public buildings, and specific residential properties. Numerous factors make steel frames and trusses viable alternatives for a variety of projects, including:
- Durability
- Affordability
- Sustainability
Structural steel components can be rapidly produced off-site and delivered to the building site as required, minimising the need for on-site labour and the influence of variables that might delay a project, such as inclement weather.
The following are some benefits of such frames and trusses.
Superior Strength-to-Weight Ratio
A high strength-to-weight ratio is one of the primary advantages of steel trusses. This results in a more robust product that can endure strong winds and significant snow loads and enables roof designs with greater spanning capacity. For this reason, large athletic venues, warehouses, hangars, etc., are almost exclusively constructed of steel.
Consistency
In contrast to wood, which cannot be consistent because of its intrinsic, natural growth environment, steel trusses are entirely true to form. Furthermore, they are manufactured in factories with rigorous quality control. Consequently, the trusses delivered to the construction site are made precisely as specified, with minimal deviation. This is not achievable with wood timbers, whose characteristics change over time, especially in reaction to temperature and relative humidity variations.
Resiliency
These frames and trusses made of properly treated steel are durable. They resist high-stress circumstances, including strain and pressure and require little upkeep. Steel has excellent ductility, so significant deformations will develop before the failure of the roofing system. In windy and stormy regions, steel and metal roofing systems are advised. Roofs may withstand high wind uplift ratings, including hurricane-force winds. Their resistance to pressure makes them a good choice for parts of the nation with large snow loads.
Complete Pest Resistance
The susceptibility of timber trusses to termites and other wood-boring bugs poses a severe hazard in infestation-prone areas. Although wood may be treated to boost its pest resistance, the treatments are intrinsically poisonous. This reduces indoor air quality and negatively impacts any sustainable or environmentally-friendly project. However, steel trusses are resistant to such pests, making them an ideal option.
Fire-Resistant
Coatings that prevent the spread of fire make steel roof trusses essentially fireproof. This is essential for any structure that holds people or precious possessions. In addition, increased fire resistance is advantageous for structures constructed in places prone to storms and seismic activity that increase a structure’s fire risk.
Ecofriendly
Steel and metal structures receive additional points in recognised green building certification schemes such as LEED. This is because steel trusses are made using up to 90% recycled material and are 100% recyclable at the end of their useful life. This, along with its durability and low replacement rate, makes it an environmentally beneficial building material.
Steel frames and trusses provide several additional benefits. They are readily responsive to rapid design changes and may be produced in any climate. They may also be easier to maintain if the frame is accessible for examination.
Key Takeaway
Several benefits of steel frame construction may be categorised according to how effectively the material provides building stability or how safe it is to use as a building material. For example, you’ve learned that steel is resilient, inexpensive, and machineable. Additionally, steel frames provide various safety benefits, including protection against wind uplift, limitation of fire spread during crises, and protection of any persons within.
Moreover, steel frames and trusses may be utilised by building designers in various ways. There is no question that this material will continue to be one of the most popular options for construction projects for decades.
