Advantages and disadvantages af using steel in construction

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Steel in Construction
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Steel in Construction
Today, structural steel is used almost in all constructions including bridges, warehouses, and high-rise buildings. For years, since the discovery of the properties of steels, most engineers and architectures have recommended the use of steel out of its innumerable benefits. However, like every other material, structural steel has some limitations when used for constructions purposes. In this context, the paper addresses the benefits and the limitations of using structural steel in construction.
According to Thuita (2018), a structure constructed using the structural steel can last for up to 40 years if properly maintained. Steel, when compared to other building materials such as Iron, has the highest tensile strength. Johnson & Salmon (2009) state that structural steel’s strength to weight ratio is quite high compared to its possible substitutes such as magnesium alloys. Furthermore, structures steel’s high strength to weight ratio implies that it has high strength per unit mass. In this case, no matter how large a structure will be, the structural steel used in the process will remain lightweight and small. Secondly, structural steel can be easily fabricated and favor mass production. The production process of structural steel is mainly done off-site in shop floor and the assembling of the various parts done at the site. As a result, structural steel significantly increases the efficiency of the construction process.

Thirdly, structural steel can be molded into various shapes depending on the needs of the structure being constructed. Moreover, the molding process does not alter its properties. Lastly, the cost of productions of structural steel is quite lower than its alternatives. Nawy (2008) states that the overall expenses of construction decreased with the introduction of structural steel in the construction industry2008).
However, being an alloy of iron, structural steel is susceptible to corrosion thus requiring an additional application of anti-corrosion materials which is an additional cost. According to Johnson & Salmon (2009), steel tends to score poorly as a fireproof material. At high temperatures, steel tends to lose its strength properties. It has a high expansion rate with a slight change in temperature thus being detrimental to the entire building. Moreover, the length of structural steel frames is limited by its tendency to buckle.
In summary, the benefits of structural steel outweigh its limitations. Its strength and durability properties make it the favorable construction material. Some of its disadvantages such as corrosion and buckling can be solved by using additives.

References
Johnson, J., & Salmon, C. (2009). Steel structures: design and behavior: emphasizing load and resistance factor design.
Nawy, E. G. (2008). Concrete construction engineering handbook. CRC press.
Thuita, P. (2018, July 19). Key benefits of using steel in construction projects. Retrieved October 6, 2018, from https://www.constructionkenya.com/2134/steel-building-construction/