Steel frame construction, with precast concrete or sheet metal cladding is by far the most common construction process for industrial buildings.
This construction method allows for buildings with open interior spaces, which is ideal for warehouses and other industrial structures. Structural steel buildings also allow easy inclusions of overhead cranes and are inherently fire resistant.
There are several benefits of using structural steel for industrial building construction, including:
- Large spans: steel structures can create large open spaces without the need for intermediate support, which is ideal for industrial operations that require a large open floor plan.
- Ease of modification: steel structures can be easily modified and expanded to accommodate changes in production processes or equipment upgrades.
- Utility integration: steel structures are well-suited for the integration of utility systems, such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
- Strength and durability: Structural steel is a strong and durable material that can withstand heavy loads and high winds, it has a high strength-to-weight ratio, which means it can support more weight with less material.
- Speed of construction: Steel framing can be erected quickly, reducing the overall construction time of a building. This can result in cost savings and faster project completion.
- Flexibility: Steel members can be fabricated to almost any shape or size, making it easy to accommodate unique architectural designs and building layouts, such as clear span structures.
- Fire resistance: Steel is non-combustible, which means it does not burn, and it maintains its structural integrity and strength longer than other materials in a fire.
- Energy efficiency: Steel buildings can be designed to be highly energy efficient, reducing energy costs and minimizing the environmental impact of the building.
- Cost-effective: The use of steel can result in cost savings over the life of the building, as it requires less maintenance and has a longer lifespan than other materials.
- Design versatility: With steel, it is possible to design for virtually any architectural style, from traditional to modern and everything in between.
- Low-waste and sustainable: Steel can be recycled and reused, reducing the amount of waste generated during construction and helping to minimize the environmental impact of the building.
- Mezzanine flooring: steel construction allows for the easy installation of mezzanine flooring, creating additional space in the building without expanding the footprint.
