A well-structured high-rise building is a fascinating site to behold. They are a literal and metaphorical representation of the heights of human ambition, an engineering feat, and a beautiful blend of visual aesthetics and practical functionality. From ancient pyramids of Africa to mega towers in the heart of capital hubs of the modern world, there have been many innovations in the design and engineering of these buildings. The Industrial Revolution in the mid-19th century only skyrocketed, leading to the rise of steel structure in high rise buildings. In this blog, we will explore why high rise buildings prefer steel for construction.
Components of Steel Structures in High-Rise Buildings
Primary Frame: It creates the rigid skeleton of the building, consisting of columns, beams, trusses, rafters and girders.
Secondary Frame– This contains cold-formed steel columns, purlins, wall and roof bracings, eave struts, studs, etc. to support doors, walls and windows.
Fasteners: To assemble and join the various components together. Quality and durability of fasteners are of utmost importance; as poor fasteners can lead to many unfavourable outcomes. Fasteners include bolts, rivets, welded studs, threaded studs, screws etc.
Other Systems: Outrigger system for additional stability and rigidity against vibrations; tubular system to enhance load distribution and minimize risk of deformation.
Components of Steel Structures in High-Rise Buildings
Steel has many advantages over iron when it comes to using in buildings. Since high rise buildings require robust design and strong, resilient components, they need a material that has great mechanical properties. Here are some of the benefits of steel structure which makes it reliable for high rise buildings:
- High tensile, compressive and shear strength which makes it bear great amount of loads.
- High ductility helps steel get beaten into variable forms and form complex structure without compromising on its strength.
- Steel is a great weight-to-strength ratio. It requires less raw material for the same area compared to other type of structures.
- Can provide stability and distribution of load to withstand tremors in high seismic zone.
- These structures are more flexible to use than reinforced concrete. The components can be disassembled and replaced without much hassle.
- Pipeline and electrical system instalment is much easier than concrete buildings.
Benefits of Steel Structure in High-Rise Multistorey Buildings
- Pre-fabricated components reduce significant time, ensuring fast construction.
- Civil workers can work on the foundation while the components to be erected are crafted simultaneously which reduces project timelines.
- Reduced manpower on-site because materials are pre-fabricated in the factory and ready for quick assembly.
- Factory control ensures less material wastage, clean construction and therefore less pollution.
- Construction is completed in almost half the time compared to traditional methods, ensuring faster project delivery.
- Green building with eco-friendly construction, sustainable materials and energy-efficient assembly.
- Retains structural integrity to withstand seismic forces in earthquake-prone areas.
- Can be easily integrated with existing systems and structures for seamless expansion and modification.
Application of Steel Structure
- Hospitals
- Housing complexes
- Malls
- Sports facilities
One factor that makes steel structures most useful in skyscrapers and towers is their components are mass produced in streamlined factory controlled units. Therefore, it saves a significant time and cost investment in construction. A leading manufacturer like Kaizen Steel Building Solutions is an expert in meticulously designing and fabricating the components of pre-fab steel structures. They ensure material sourced is of high quality provides stability and can be installed in diverse regions. With the commitment to sustainability, they have streamlined their production with compliance with international safety and quality standards.
