Seven Reasons why you should consider Structural Steel for your next building project.
Recent developments in steel construction have made steel-framed multi-storey buildings more cost-efficient than ever.
Much of the developed world is undergoing a quiet building revolution – the increasing use of structural steel for construction.
Steel institutions in the United Kingdom, France, Japan, the United States and New Zealand have fully documented this revolution.
We have combined elements of their findings with our own experience to formulate this booklet.
1. Earlier Occupation
2. Reduced Exposure to On-Site Risks
3. Larger Column-Free Space
4. Using Structural Steel can “Future-Proof” Your Investment
5. Take Advantage of Technology
6. Completely Recyclable
7. All This at a Most Competitive Cost
1. Earlier Occupation
Fit-out of the lower levels can commence much sooner because propping of formwork is not required.
Work can proceed on a number of fronts with steel construction
Steel erection
Decking installation / stud fixing
Concrete placement
Installation of services
Facade installation / internal fit-out.
Early occupation means you get a return on your investment sooner.
Examples include:
209 Kings Way, South Melbourne
Deakin University Carpark, Melbourne
Melville Carpark, Perth
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2. Reduced Exposure to On-Site Risks
Off-site fabrication.
Reduced on-site workforce
Reduced delays due to weather
Reduced on-site congestion
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3. Larger Column-Free Space
Larger column-free space is provided by the long-spanning capability of structural steel
Architectural freedom is provided by the column-free space giving flexibility to building owners and occupiers
More attractive space is provided by the smaller columns that are typically found in a steel building
Examples:
Grosvenor Place, Sydney – 14.5m span
Chifley Tower, Sydney – 15m span
QV Building, Melbourne – 18.5m span
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4. Using Structural Steel can “Future-Proof” Your Investment
It is easier to make major changes to a building framed in structural steel.
Beams and columns can be strengthened to take extra loads by welding on additional plates
New floor penetrations can be simply installed
Steel offers a light-weight frame which makes it an ideal construction method for expanding existing buildings in any direction
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5. Take Advantage of Technology
Extensive research over the past decade has lead to more economical steel framed buildings.
Advances in fire engineering have drastically reduced the cost of protecting a steel frame without compromising safety
Structural design advances result in more economical designs
Advances in computer aided design and drafting together with computer-controlled fabrication has improved both the cost and speed of delivering a steel solution
The electronic transfer of information from design to detailing to beam-line fabrication and to construction all assist in tighter project control.
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6. Completely Recyclable
Steel is completely recyclable. All Australian made steel contains recycled product even galvanised Pipe for sale. This means:
Nearly all structural steel from building demolition is recycled
Demolition expenses are reduced
Landfill volume is also reduced, making it a more environmentally friendly product.
7. All This at a Most Competitive Cost
Examples:
290 Kings Way, South Melbourne
“Multiplex accepted our proposal for a steel framed building as a cost effective alternative”
Rick Sheldon, Director, Alfasi Steel Construction
Volvo Truck and Bus Headquarters, Chullora NSW
“Quality construction and fast delivery are our company hallmarks – and with steel we can design creatively, build economically and deliver on time”
Danny Wilson, General Manager of Construction, Lang Walker Projects.
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Look at the structural steel option at the concept stage of your next building project and reap the benefits.