Steel is a versatile and reliable material that has been widely used in construction projects for many years. Its sustainability means that it’ll likely be used in some form of another for many years to come, too. Steel framing clearly offers many advantages over other types of construction materials such as wood, concrete, or brick, not least in terms of strength and of course safety.
In this piece, we will explain the use of steel framing in construction, split up into three categories: external, internal, and structural. We will also discuss some of the reasons why steel framing is an efficient and effective choice for building design and performance.
External Framing
External framing refers to the use of steel components to support the exterior cladding of a building, such as metal panels, glass, or stone. Steel external framing can provide a sleek and modern aesthetic, as well as enhanced durability and resistance to weather, fire, and pests. Steel external framing can also allow for large spans and openings, creating more natural light and ventilation for the building occupants.
Some examples of buildings that use steel external framing are:
- The Gherkin in London, UK
- The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE
Internal Framing
Internal framing refers to the use of steel components to divide the interior space of a building using metal stud walls, such as partitions, walls, ceilings, and floors. Steel internal framing can offer more flexibility and adaptability than timber or concrete internal framing, as steel components can be easily fabricated, installed, modified, or removed. Steel internal framing can also provide better acoustic and thermal insulation, as well as fire resistance and safety.
Some examples of buildings that use steel internal framing are:
- The Empire State Building in New York, USA
- The Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia
Structural Framing
Structural framing refers to the use of steel components to form the main load-bearing skeleton of a building, such as columns, beams, trusses, and braces. Steel structural framing can offer superior strength and stability than other types of construction materials, as steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio and can withstand high stresses and loads. Steel structural framing can also enable more complex and innovative shapes and forms, as well as longer spans and higher heights.
Some examples of buildings that use steel structural framing are:
- The Beijing National Stadium in Beijing, China
- The Tokyo Skytree in Tokyo, Japan
Convinced yet?
As mentioned, steel framing is a widely used and beneficial method of construction that can offer many advantages over other types of construction materials. Steel framing can provide durability, flexibility, performance, sustainability, and safety for various types of buildings and applications. Steel framing can also create stunning architectural designs that showcase the beauty and versatility of steel. There is one negative, and that’s the cost. But if you have the budget, steel framing is the most effective solution for your project, no matter how large.
