STRUCTURAL STEEL DESIGN

INTRODUCTION
 Structures can be divided into 3 categories:
 Framed structures
 Shell-type structures
 Suspension-type structures
 Framed structures
 E.g. buildings and bridges
 Multistory buildings
 Consists of beams and column, either rigidly or with simple connection
 With diagonal bracing to provide stability
 Framed structures
 Industrial building
 Long span truss, lattice girder
 Column-free structure
 Framed structures
 Bridges
 Beams and plate girder or trusses
Shell-type
 E.g. water tank, storage bins
Suspension type

 Tension cables are major supporting elements

 E.g. suspension bridge
Advantages of Steel
 Speed of execution
 Metal decking on the floor

The shear studs which provide the key

between beam, deck and concrete can be
placed by a single operative at 1000 per
day
 Concrete being placed by pumping

Services are easily fixed to the

underside of the decking
 Prefabricated stairs can be transported by
crane and placed in position to give rapid and
safe access for construction workers

Cladding units - pre-cast granite faced or

curtain walling -can be lifted straight from
the lorry and into position to avoid site
storage
 Lightness, Stiffness and Strength
 Steel structures are generally lighter than other materials. In almost all cases this
lower weight leads to lower costs for foundations particularly for sites with poor
ground.
 Smaller columns increase effective floor utilisation and, where longer spans are
required, the cost savings between steel and other forms of construction increase
considerably. For large column grids in buildings, steel is the only feasible
solution.
Long span floor systems
 Adaptability of Usage of Steel Frames for Refurbishment
 Structural steel provides maximum adaptability for changes in
building use, because structural alterations can be
accommodated with relative ease. Where additional members
are required, connections can be made to the existing frame
with minimum disturbance and cost.
 Quality
 A steel frame is a factory made, precise product, produced by a
stable, well-trained workforce.
 Only the erection of pre-fabricated members is left for the site -
a process which is easily controlled.
STEELWORK COSTS
 Steelwork construction can be affected by decisions regarding the precise form
of element, type of steel used and the method of connection.
 For large projects, steel can be purchased directly from the mill in the exact
lengths required and in the desired grade. The price of individual structural
products varies not only with type (hollow sections are generally more
expensive than open sections such as I-beams and H-columns) but also within a
product range.
 Small orders is purchased from stockholders. In this case the steel is only
available in a limited range of grades, (probably only mild steel). In addition
certain sizes of standard section may not be stocked and the sections will only
be available in a limited range of lengths.
 Where higher grades of steel are available they may offer the opportunity for
improved efficiency. For instance, high yield steel has a yield strength
approximately 25% higher than normal mild steel yet costs only about 10%
more.
STEELWORK COSTS (ctd)
 A breakdown of costs for structural steelwork in a multi-storey
building might typically be as follows:
 steel 47%
 corrosion protection 5%
 fabrication 22%
 erection 8%
 fire protection 18%
 More potential for reducing costs in fabrication and erection than
in the steel itself. In this respect, work on site is of most
importance - easier assembly is likely to lead to overall economy.
Transport is also important, not as a cost item in itself but as an
aid to more efficient erection.
STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
 Multi-storey frame
• Truss and lattice
girder
 Bracing
 Connections/joints
Structural Elements
 Beams and girders – members carrying lateral loads in bending and shear
 Ties – members carrying axial loads in tension
 Struts, column and stanchions – members carrying axial loads in
compressions. These members are often subjected to bending as well as
compression
 Trusses and lattice girders – framed members varying lateral loads. These a
re composed of struts and ties
 Purlins – beam members carrying roof sheeting
 Sheeting rails – bema members supporting wall cladding
 Bracing – diagonal struts and ties that, with columns and roof trusses, form
vertical and horizontal trusses to resist wind loads and stabilize the building
 Joints connect members together such as the joints in trusses, beam-to-beam
joints and beam-to-column joints. Bases transmit the loads from the columns
to the foundations.