Designing Steel Structures

Steel structure buildings are increasingly popular in the construction market due to their rapid construction speed, factory-made components, high level of industrialization, good appearance after installation, long service life of steel materials, durability, and recyclability of materials. As the popularity of steel structure workshops continues to grow, the issue of construction cost has also attracted more and more attentions. How to ensure the durability of the steel frame structure while controlling the cost has become a key concern for many steel structure suppliers. Below are some key factors affecting the cost of steel structure workshops and how to control costs through reasonable design and construction management.   Raw Material Factors: Steel and sheet steel materials are the main components of the steel prefabricated building's framework, accounting for about 70% to 80% of the total cost. Fluctuations in steel market prices due to supply and demand directly affect the cost of the steel prefabricated buildings. The cost of light steel structures varies with different materials and specifications of the sections, as well as the thickness and material of the cladding plates. Therefore, raw materials are a key factor affecting the cost of light weight steel structure garages.   Design Factors: Reasonable design is the key factor for saving raw materials and controlling budget. Different design drawings will affect the amount of raw materials used, thereby affecting the total cost. Experienced designers, by considering the location and environment of the steel structure workshop, as well as the specific needs of the client, can provide cost-effective architectural design drawings. Similarly, in environments with few earthquakes or low wind forces, excessive stacking of materials or over-emphasizing the seismic capacity of the steel framed structure often leads to a sharp increase in construction costs. Therefore, choosing a designer with industry experience is crucial during the design phase of the steel structure buildings.   Foundation Design: The cost of the foundation is closely related to geological conditions. The construction of the foundation is an important factor in the stability of the steel structure factory building, and its construction period accounts for about 25% of the total construction period, with the cost of foundation construction accounting for 15% of the total cost of the steel structure project. In the design phase, it is necessary to fully consider the geological report, choose the appropriate foundation type, and reasonably control the size and depth of the foundation to effectively control the total cost. For example, in areas with soft soil, the foundation depth is deeper, and the cost is often higher. In areas with hard soil, the foundation for the steel structure is shallower, and stability can be maintained without the need for a deep foundation.   Column Grid Design: The column grid layout determines the span, spacing, and number of columns in the steel structure building. Under the premise of meeting the needs and process requirements, it is preferable to choose a small-span portal steel frame. Although this small-span design increases the number of columns, it reduces the use of materials such as the steel structure roof and steel beams, achieving better economic benefits. The economic column spacing is usually 6 to 9 meters, and exceeding this range will increase the steel consumption and thus the cost. Of course, the number and layout of columns should not only meet economic requirements but also consider the needs of the steel structure workshop. In some steel structure industrial building that need to be used as warehouses, an overly dense number of columns increases the risk when vehicles enter and exit or when moving items.   Beam Design: The rectangular section beam is a common bending member, often used in design, but has a low material utilization rate. One reason is that the material stress near the neutral axis is low; the other is that the bending moment of the beam changes along the length. Because most sections of the equal section beam have low stress, the material is not well utilized, and the material utilization rate can only be improved when the beam is subjected to axial force. Therefore, during the design, planar trusses can be used to replace rectangular beams. Planar trusses are equivalent to hollowed beams, removing excess material from the beam, which is both economical and reduces self-weight. It can also develop into a spatial grid, greatly improving the material utilization rate.   Construction and Installation Factors: The length of the construction period also affects the cost. A long construction period often leads to an overspend in the overall budget of the prefabricated steel structure workshop. How to save the installation and construction period to reasonably control costs is particularly important. Among them, the proficiency of the installation team is the key to determining the construction period. Experienced installation teams, through reasonable time arrangements for the assembly of various components and the reasonable use of engineering machinery and equipment during installation, can improve installation efficiency without increasing a large amount of installation costs. Building a steel structure workshop is a complex system project, involving many aspects such as the construction period, policy changes, and project scale, all of which can affect the cost.

Steel structure engineering plays a vital role in modern construction due to its advantages like fast construction, lightweight, and high strength. However, water leakage in steel structure roofs has long been a challenging problem that compromises the quality of projects. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes of water leakage in steel structure roofing and propose effective measures to prevent it. By considering design, construction, material selection, and regular maintenance, we can significantly enhance the waterproofing performance of steel structure roofs, ensuring the longevity, safety, and comfort of buildings.   Causes of Water Leakage: water leakage issues in steel structure roofs stem from various factors, including design flaws, construction quality, and material-related concerns. Insufficient roof slope, inadequate junction design, and improper selection of roof panels are some design factors that can hinder proper drainage, leading to water ponding and leakage. Construction quality problems, such as inadequate roof protection, insufficient anti-corrosion treatment in gutter systems, and careless workmanship at critical junctions, can severely impact the overall waterproofing performance. Additionally, material aging, deformations, and issues with sealants and waterproofing materials are common culprits behind water leakage.   Effective Strategies: to effectively tackle water leakage, a holistic approach is required, covering every stage from design and construction to material selection and ongoing maintenance. During the design phase, it is crucial to consider the roof's drainage capabilities, selecting appropriate roof slopes and panels, while ensuring the rationality and completeness of junction designs. Enhanced on-site management and improved professionalism of the construction team are essential during the construction process to ensure the quality aligns with the design requirements. Furthermore, opting for high-quality waterproofing materials and sealants and reinforcing critical areas like ridges, skylights, and openings can significantly enhance the steel structure roof's waterproofing capabilities. Regular steel structure roof inspections and maintenance, along with timely replacement of aging materials, are necessary to ensure long-term waterproofing performance. Let's consider an example to illustrate the importance of proper design and construction practices. Imagine a steel structure building with a flat roof that lacks an adequate slope for water runoff. During heavy rain, the water pools on the roof, exerting pressure on the seams and joints. Over time, this constant stress weakens the waterproofing layers and causes leaks. By incorporating an appropriate roof slope and installing efficient drainage systems, such as gutters and downspouts, the excess water can be effectively channeled away, minimizing the likelihood of leaks.   Resolving water leakage issues in steel structure roofing requires a comprehensive approach that considers steel structure design, construction, material selection, and ongoing maintenance. By implementing scientific design principles, rigorous construction management, appropriate material choices, and effective maintenance measures, we can significantly enhance the waterproofing performance of steel structure roofs, extending the lifespan of buildings while ensuring their safety and comfort. Only through a comprehensive strategy can we achieve the ultimate goal of a steel structure roof that remains watertight under any circumstances.