01-06-2012, 10:33 AM
Steel Construction
steel-construction.pdf (Size: 36.55 KB / Downloads: 66)
Introduction:
Steel is the material of choice for design because it is inherently ductile and flexible. It
flexes under extreme loads rather than crushing and crumbling. Structural steel’s low
cost, strength, durability, design flexibility, adaptability and recyclability continue to
make it the material of choice in building construction. Today’s structural steel framing
is bringing grace, art and function together in almost limitless ways and is offering new
solutions and opportunities to create challenging structures, which were once thought
impossible. Steel structures have reserve strength. Simple “stick” design in the steel
framings allows construction to proceed rapidly from the start of erection. Fast
construction lowers overhead expenses for construction management services.
Conventional steel buildings:
Approach towards metal building systems has never been made till recent past as
conventional steel construction in India never suffered because of the following
considerations:
· Every construction site is a manufacturing unit, which doesn’t call for huge
investment
· Fabrication is simple , as mostly low tensile steel is used
· Hot rolled sections are used for primary members, not requiring extensive welding
and rectification
· Simple connections at the base, cap and other required places
· Fabricator is the erector and hence fabrication and erection are compatible
· Deployment of work force for fabrication and erection is higher, which takes care of
social justice
· Low tensile steel is used and hence consumption of steel material is high, leading to
less inventory
Tube Products India, Pennar Steels etc are constructing pre-fabricated buildings, using
Cold Rolled Form Sections (CRFS). They are not as popular as that of conventional steel
buildings. Of course safety, strength and stability are better addressed than that of
pre- engineered Buildings.
Pre-engineered buildings:
Of late, Kirby Building Systems, Zamil Steels, Tiger Steels etc started manufacturing
metal building systems in India.
· Manufacturing process is automatic. Automation does not ensure quality unless
adequate attention is paid in operation and maintenance of machinery.
· Low deployment of work force, depriving employment opportunities to the skilled
work force ; Gas-cutters, fitters, riggers and welders
· Low consumption of material by using high strength steel
· Light construction consequent to non-stringent serviceability design considerations
Conventional steel buildings vis-à-vis pre-engineered buildings:
Conclusion:
Owners or their consultants are advised to study the merits and demerits before they
would take a decision to go for the pre-engineered buildings. They are further advised
to specify the design criteria including serviceability concerns for the metal building
system, furnish applicable design loads, check the designs independently using
reputed/ branded soft wares (not relying on the computer outputs given by
manufacturers) and conduct thorough inspection at the manufacturing units.
Inspection during erection ( may be by a different agency) is also a must so that defects
in manufacture, if any, could be rectified. Non –compliance of the above shall definitely
jeopardize the owners requirements.