The most of structural steelwork is prefabricated, with very little sitework required other than
assembly via bolted connections. This leads to quick construction times and, with attention
to staged delivery, decongested construction sites, which makes it ideal for congested
CBD building projects on small sites.
Unlike concrete, steel frames are full strength as soon as they are completed, allowing
quick access for following trades. Steel decking give a safe platform immediately for work to
proceed. Innovation in construction is throughout improving speed and safety outcomes.
Safety
With up to 80% labor reduction is possible using a steel solution compared to alternatives,
fewer people equals a safer construction site. Prefabrication and dedicated lifting points on
assemblies make for defined well-controlled connection processes. Steel decking and
integrated edge protection facilitate safer working sites.
Value for money
speed construction means earlier handover and tenancy. Smaller member sizing (in
particular, columns and rows) equals greater net lettable space. Longer spans equates to
more flexible internal spaces.
Robustness and ductility
Steel is normally an inherently ductile material, responding to overload in a controlled
fashion with managed load retention. The size and shape of steel members can be
configured to provide a level of structural robustness tough achievable with other more
brittle construction materials.
Prefabrication
Prefabrication of structural steelwork structural work is the ‘business as usual’ case.
Prefabrication brings fabrication shop maintaining over quality and the dimensional
accuracy of computer numerical control (CNC) machinery. Precise control over quantities
reduces the waste and workflows incorporating seamless integration back to the 3D design
models ensure errors are minimized and architectural intent preserved.
Reduced weight
A steel structure is intrinsically lighter than an equivalent concrete structure due to
the higher strong and stiffness of steel. With lightness comes reduced load on
foundations, hence smaller foundations and an ability to perform much better for
some ground conditions. Weight reduction enables retrofitting into existing structures for extension or refurbishment. Adding extra floors to existing structures
is a simple example.
Architectural expression
The versatility of steel provides architects the freedom to achieve their most ambitious
visions. Combining form and function, steel can span incredible distances and
offer slenderness and refinement to makes what can only be described as ‘steel sculpture’.
Architects will appreciate the scope of architectural expression offered by steel, such as
the:
- clear expression of function enabled by externally exposed steel structure
- use of tubular members to provide exact design with aesthetically slender members
flexibility of openings in members, which can be used to accentuate ‘lightness’ or to
accommodate services - easy forming of curved members
- structural efficiency of tension members, particularly for long-span enclosures
- ability to design joints as ‘architectural statements’ with refined detailing
- flexibility of preventing fire resistance of exposed steelwork, utilizing intumescent
coatings, concrete filling or water filling (of tubular sections) - visual effect enabled through color and finish of coating steelwork, through
polishing, coloring, galvanizing or other proprietary finishes
Configuration adaptability
Given steel is assembled on site, typically with bolted connections, it's easy to reconfigure
steel elements to suit adaption of the building or structure to various purposes. The clear
lines of load sending allow strengthening and retrofitting with straightforward on-site
welding. minimized weight allows for additional floors or extensions on existing buildings.
Large spans provides future repurposing of internal spaces with no or minimal structural
modification.
Sustainability
Steel framing can simple and economically deliver Green Star (or IS) points by utilizing:
- steel fabrication through members of the ASI Environmental Sustainability
Charter (ESC) - the use of higher strength steels
- steels that have an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
