1. What is steel structure?
Steel structure is a building structure that uses steel as the primary load-bearing material and is connected by welding or bolts. It is usually used in industrial buildings, large commercial buildings, bridges, towers, and other projects. Steel has the characteristics of high strength, lightweight, and convenient construction. It can withstand large loads and adapt to changing climate and geological conditions. Therefore, it is widely used in modern buildings.
2. Main types of steel structure
Steel structures can be divided into the following types according to different functional requirements and building forms:
Frame structure: composed of beams, columns, and connectors, it is widely used in multi-story or high-rise buildings.
Grid structure: a three-dimensional mesh structure composed of steel pipes or rods, suitable for large-span spaces, such as gymnasiums, exhibition halls, etc.
Truss structure: a structure formed by connecting multiple rods, commonly used in bridges and roof structures.
Portal frame: commonly used in industrial plants and warehouses, with the characteristics of large spans and open spaces.
3. Advantages and disadvantages of steel structure in construction
Advantages
High strength and strong bearing capacity: Steel has high strength and can withstand large loads even with a small cross-section, which is suitable for large-span structures.
Quick construction: Steel structure components can be prefabricated in the factory and only need to be assembled on site, which shortens the construction period.
Light weight and space saving: The steel structure is lighter, which reduces the burden on the foundation and can create more usable space.
Good seismic performance: Steel structure has good toughness, can effectively absorb and disperse earthquake energy, and enhance the seismic resistance of the building.
Strong recyclability: Steel can be recycled repeatedly, which is in line with the concept of modern sustainable development.
Disadvantages
Poor fire resistance: The strength of steel decreases rapidly at high temperatures, so fire prevention measures need to be taken to enhance the fire resistance of steel structures.
Poor corrosion resistance: Steel is easily corroded by corrosion factors such as moisture, acid and alkali, and requires regular maintenance and anti-corrosion treatment.
Relatively high cost: The price of steel is high, plus the processing and transportation costs, the overall cost is often higher than that of concrete structures.
4. Properties of Steel Structures
Steel structures have the following significant properties:
High strength: Steel has extremely high tensile and compressive strengths and can withstand large loads.
Good ductility: Steel has good ductility when stretched, can produce certain deformation when subjected to force, and is not prone to brittle fracture.
Good toughness: Steel can maintain good performance in extreme environments, especially in low temperature environments to ensure the stability of the structure.
Strong plasticity: Steel has good machinability and can be cut, bent and welded in different shapes and sizes according to design requirements.
5. Standards for Steel Structures
The steel structure design must comply with relevant standards.
“Steel Structure Design Code” (GB 50017): The basic specification for steel structure design in China, which stipulates the basic requirements and design methods for steel structure design.
AISC 360: “Steel Structure Design Code”
This is the main steel structure design standard issued by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), covering all aspects of steel structure design, including loads, material selection, connection design, etc.
EN 1993: European Code for Design of Steel Structures
This is the basic specification for steel structure design in the European Union, covering the design principles, load calculations and material requirements of steel structures.
6. Application areas of steel structures
Steel structures are widely used in the following areas:
Industrial buildings: such as factories, warehouses, workshops, etc., due to the high strength and large span characteristics of steel structures, they are very suitable for these building forms.
Commercial buildings: such as shopping malls, office buildings, etc., large space designs can be achieved through steel structures.
Bridges: The application of steel structures in bridges can achieve long spans and substantial bearing capacity requirements.
Sports facilities: such as gymnasiums, swimming pools, etc., the flexibility of steel structures enables these buildings to meet various functional requirements.
High-rise buildings: With the development of technology, steel structures have gradually been used in high-rise buildings, with strong earthquake and wind resistance.
7. Steel structure construction process
The construction process of steel structures generally includes the following steps:
Step 1: Plan
Before construction, the design team discusses with the client to clarify project requirements, functional requirements and budget constraints to prepare for subsequent design.
Step 2: Propose a solution
Based on the specific needs of the project, the designer proposes a preliminary plan, conducts structural analysis, functional planning and design optimization.
Step 3: Sign a contract and implement the project
Once the plan is determined, the two parties sign a formal contract, the project enters the implementation phase, and the construction schedule and cost budget are determined.
Step 4: Make technical drawings
Based on the plan, the engineer draws detailed construction drawings, including structural design drawings, material lists, construction processes, etc.
Step 5: Manufacture steel structure components
According to the drawings, steel cutting, welding, assembly and other processing and manufacturing are carried out in the factory to ensure that the structural components meet the design requirements.
Step 6: Fast and safe installation process
The steel structure components are transported to the site and the installation is quickly completed using technical means such as hoisting, reducing on-site construction time and costs.
Step 7: Quality assurance
After the installation is completed, a quality inspection is carried out to ensure that the structure is safe and stable, and a certain period of warranty service is provided.
8. Frequently Asked Questions about Steel Structures
Q1: Is steel structure suitable for high-rise buildings?
A1: Yes, steel structure has high strength and good earthquake resistance. More and more high-rise buildings use steel structure as the main load-bearing structure.
Q2: How to prevent corrosion of steel structure?
A2: Anti-corrosion measures for steel structure include spraying anti-corrosion coating, hot-dip galvanizing, and selecting corrosion-resistant steel.
Q3: How long is the life of steel structure?
A3: With proper maintenance, the service life of steel structure can usually reach more than 50 years, or even longer.
Q4: How long is the construction period of steel structure?
A4: The construction period of steel structure is shorter, usually faster than that of concrete structure building, especially when prefabricated parts are processed in the factory, the on-site assembly speed is faster.
Through reasonable design and standardized construction, steel structure can provide safe, economical and flexible building solutions, and is widely used in various construction projects.
