Summary:
The buildings discussed in this chapter are structures
of three or more storeys in height, consisting essentially
of beams and columns making up an orthogonal three-dimensional
framework. They would include multi-storey office buildings,
apartment buildings, hospitals, schools, shopping centres,
parking garages and warehouses. Features common to such
buildings are uniform storey heights and the regular spacing
of columns in each direction in plan.
Because of the relative simplicity of the structural layout
the steelwork can be produced economically and erected
quickly. In terms of the overall project, the steelwork
usually represents a very small percentage of the total
cost, in view of the expensive nature of the other work
involved – building, finishes, fireproofing, services,
etc. When construction time is taken into account, however,
a steel-framed structure has the decided advantage of
being able to be erected in a very short space of time,
thus allowing the following trades to proceed without
delay. It is this feature of quick erection that places
structural steelwork ahead of any other construction medium
when used in fast-track projects – and the relative
advantage increases with the height of the structure.At
the architectural design stage of any project an early
decision has to be made whether to use steel or reinforced
concrete for the main load-bearing framework. When comparative
cost estimates are made it is usually found that the two
construction media are competitive on a price basis. If
a case is to be made for the use of steel it is necessary
to exploit the inherent advantages of this material fully.
This chapter provides the basis of argument.
Format:
Pages : 14
Size: 85 kb
Author :Southern African Institute of Steel Construction
(SAISC)
Download:Multi-Storey Buildings
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