Steel Buildings in Europe

Part 1: Architect’s Guide 2 - v SUMMARY This publication presents an introduction for architects to the use of steel in single storey steel-framed buildings. The primary application of such buildings is for industrial use but single storey solutions are appropriate for many other applications. The advantages of the use of steel, in terms of low weight, minimum construction dimensions, speed of construction, flexibility, adaptability and sustainability are explained. The primary forms of steel structure and the methods of cladding them are introduced. It is noted that the requirements for fire resistance are usually modest, since occupants can usually escape quickly in the event of fire. The influence of providing a crane inside a single storey building, in terms of the structural design, is briefly addressed.