HND in Quantity Surveying

- 44 -
Semester 1 Construction Technology - A
Task- 12

Explain Steel as an Alternative Structural Material
for Building Frame

Steel Frame Structure

The Steel Framed structured is more suitable where speedy execution oI the
work is essential. In some preIabrication work can also be undertaken beIore the work
actually starts on the site. A Irame work suitable section is erected to carry all the
loads coming over the structure and the Iiller walls are constructed oI other materials.

When we consider about the steel structure, Construction cost is more than the
concrete. But more strength than the concrete. There are many steel structural
elements use in the construction sites. AIter the tsunami in Sri lanka most oI the
important bridges got demolished. The government had to construct the bridges.
These kinds oI situations, the steel structure was inIluencing to construct the whole
bridges.

Structural steel frames

The design, Iabrication, supply and erection oI a structural steel Irame is
normally placed in the hands oI a specialist subcontractor. The main contractor`s task
is to provide the Ioundation bases in the correct positions and to the correct levels
with necessary holding- down Iixing bolts. The designer will calculate the loadings,
stresses and reactions in the same manner as Ior reinIorced concrete and then select a
standard steel member whose section properties meet the design requirements.

Steel section

1. #olled and Iormed Sections
2. Compound Sections
3. built up Sections
4. Cold Sections














HND in Quantity Surveying

- 45 -
Semester 1 Construction Technology - A
Rolled and formed Sections

Universal Beams

These are very eIIicient sections Ior resisting bending moment about
the major axis.













Universal columns

These are sections produced primarily to resist axial load with a high
radius oI gyration about minor axis to prevent buckling in that plane.













1oists

These are a range oI small size beams which have tapered Ilanges and are
useIul Ior lintels and small Irames around openings.










Figure 32
Figure 33
Figure 34
HND in Quantity Surveying

- 46 -
Semester 1 Construction Technology - A

Channels

These are rolled with tapered Ilanges and designated by their nominal overall
dimension mass per metre run and can be used Ior trimming and bracing members
or as a substitute Ior joist sections.
















T-Bars

These are used Ior the same purposes as angles and are available as rolled sections
with a short or long stalk or, alternatively, they can be cut Irom a standard universal
beam or column section. Designation is given by the nominal overall breadth and
depth mass per meter run.






















Figure 35
Figure 36
HND in Quantity Surveying

- 47 -
Semester 1 Construction Technology - A

Equal and unequal Angles

These are light Irame structure and bracing sections with parallel Ilanges. These are
used Ior bracing members, truss members and Ior purloins and sheeting rails.















Compound Sections

Compound Sections are Iormed by the Iollowing means.

1. Strengthening a rolled section such as a universal beam by welding on cover
plates as shown below.
2. Combining two separate rolled sections as in the case oI crane girder. The two
members carry loads Irom separate.



















Figure 37 Figure 38
Figure 39
Figure 40
HND in Quantity Surveying

- 48 -
Semester 1 Construction Technology - A

Built up section

Built up sections are made by welding plates together to Iorm I, H or box
members which are termed plate girders, built up columns box girders or column
respectively.














Cold rolled sections

Thin steel plates can be Iormed in to wide range oI sections by cold rolling.



























Figure 41
Figure 42
HND in Quantity Surveying

- 49 -
Semester 1 Construction Technology - A

Fire Protection

All multi storey steel buildings must require Iire protection. Structural steel
work perIorms badly in Iires, with the strength decreasing with increase in
temperature. At 550
0
C the yield stress has Iallen to approximately 0.7 oI its value at
normal temperatures; that is , it has reached its working stress and Iailure occurs
under working loads.





U














Connections in Steel

There are three types oI connections available in steel structure work.

1. Bolts
2. #ivets
3. Welding

Bolts

These kinds oI connections whenever we want to connect we can easily
connect and remove it easily than other connections.

There are three types bolt connection available. Those are
1. Black bolt
2. Bright bolt
3. High strength Iriction bolts

Rivets
#ivets are made by mild steel. This connection also easily can easily connect, but
can`t easily remove.
Figure 43
HND in Quantity Surveying

- 50 -
Semester 1 Construction Technology - A

Welding

Most oI the connections are doing by using welding. This is very strong than
others.

Compare Steel with reinforce concrete



Steel frame structure reinforce concrete frame structure
Cost oI the Construction is more Cost oI the Construction is less than
Steel
When use these kinds oI structure we can
have more moveable spaces.
Moveable space less than steel
Can construct shorter period. It will take time

Must provide more Iire protection the
cost oI it very high.
Design time it will consider. Cost less
Must provide more corrosion protection
the cost oI it very high.
Design time it will consider. Cost less




Nowadays steel structures are using in many places, such as Iactories, Ilats,
warehouses, Tele Communication Tower, oIIices, and School. Most oI the Tele
Communication Towers have Iixed by using steel structure. The cost oI the in situ
concrete is more than steel Ior these kinds oI structure. So their choice is acceptable.

Table 1