31 Jan Benefits of Steel Frame Construction

Steel Frame Construction

Structural steel can often be used in constructing skeleton steel frames for buildings. Structural steel framing usually consists of universal steel columns and steel beams which have been bolted, welded and fabricated together in various ‘grid’ shapes. This grid can then be used as a basis for a commercial or residential build, where the floors, walls, roofs and cladding can be installed afterwards.

The uses of steel frame construction include, but are not limited to:

• High-rise buildings
• Residential projects
• Warehouses
• Agricultural buildings
• Offices
• Public buildings
• Industrial builds and factories

Steel framing is becoming an increasingly popular choice in the civil engineering sector, and steel structure construction is being used more frequently by companies for new developments. Mainly due to a frame’s ease of installation, adaptability and suitability to various joining methods. Not to mention that a steel frame building is able to be cladded together with a wide variety of other materials.

Baker Steel Trading offer the conventional method of structural steel fabrication, where all the building components are fabricated off-site in ‘kit form’ and subsequently welded together. We then transport steel frames straight to your site when needed.

However, it’s worth asking whether structural steel frame building is the most effective construction method compared to fabricating steel on-site. As a guide for design engineers, we’ve outlined some of the pros and cons of steel frame construction to help you narrow down your decision.

Advantages of Steel Frame Buildings

1. High-quality – the fact that structural steel frames can be fabricated off-site ensures that they are being treated with the highest quality. In-house facilities are always reliable for larger steel frame projects, as fabricating any steel hollow section, flat bar or I beam using the off-site equipment is not going to be impacted by variables which can affect the quality, such as harsh weather. While we do provide fully regulated (and compliant) on-site steel fabrication and mobile welding services, fabricating steel off-site is beneficial because this helps to save on-site costs.
2. Durability – structural steel components are lighter than concrete products and other materials such as weight-bearing wood. Steel frames are strong, robust and ductile, when all components are joined together. Steel is also resistant to corrosion thanks to zinc coatings that help to enhance its performance against rust, meaning it will last on other qualities other than its incredible strength. Read more about finishing types which can help to improve the durability of steel here.
3. Different sizes – steel frames can be fabricated to order, in a variety of sizes and dimensions. In accordance with steel fabrication drawings, a building frame can be customised to bear loads in buildings of all different types and sizes. Read more about our 3D fabrication drawings services.
4. Fire resistance – steel frame buildings contain fire protective anti-flame coatings that are added onto the structural steel beams when being fabricated. This helps to reduce the overall fire risk of a building.
5. Weather resistance – depending on its carbon content (see mild steel properties and our light and rolled sections pages for more info), the moisture resistance of structural steel can be incredibly high. Galvanising and priming steel, which adds extra rust resistance will also help the steel’s immunity to water. This is worth considering if any structural steel framing is going to be exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Considerations

Steel is not necessarily known for being an insulating material, due to how efficiently it conducts heat. Heat is often transferred away from a building through steel studs, which is not ideal where energy retention is concerned. It’s important to implement insulation measures to offset the thermal conductivity of steel.

Structural steel measurements need to be properly calculated ahead of time, but if there has been a miscalculation or inaccurate component fabricated, the project may be held up while the framing is sent back to a steel fabrication company for correction.

Here at Baker Steel Trading, we believe in being totally transparent with you whether you need us for off-site or on-site structural steel fabrication. We will ensure your steel frame building is delivered on-site exactly to specifications outlined at the tender stage, and taking a consultative approach when it comes to your build.

Need Steel Frame Buildings?

If you need any assistance in deciding whether steel frame construction is the right decision, please get in touch with one of our engineers today. We are more than happy to talk you through every aspect of the steel fabrication process and how our steel fabrication services can help reduce your on-site building costs, save time and give you flexible, cost-effective options.