Steel Buildings in Europe

Part 1: Architect’s Guide 1 - 36 7 CONCLUSIONS Steel is a versatile material that allows the architect and engineer to design any type of structure, ranging from orthodox portal frames for industrial use to state of the art buildings with architectural features, unorthodox shapes or any other requirements the stakeholders might have. Structural steel design is familiar and efficient, providing elegant cost effective solutions. Structural steel can be combined with other materials to achieve the desired look, properties or functionality. Fabrication of a steel building is carried out in a workshop, ensuring a high quality product and contributing to a low waste, sustainable solution. Standardised details and forms of construction are available which allow fast erection on site, with minimised disruption to the surroundings. Steel has a very high resistance to weight ratio, resulting in a light, attractive solution with minimal intrusion into the working area of the structure. The transportation of highly prefabricated elements reduces deliveries to site, which is especially important in congested areas, such as city centres. The structural efficiency of steelwork results in lower loads being transferred to the foundations, leading to further economy. Long span buildings can easily be designed in steel, resulting in large clear areas. This increases the functionality of the structure, offering flexibility of building use. Steel buildings are adaptable and may be easily extended, making refurbishment of the building a realistic solution for future use, instead of demolition. Steel has excellent sustainability credentials. Steel buildings can easily be dismantled and reused. The steel can always be recycled without any loss of strength, minimising the amount of raw material required. Steel’s low weight, sustainability and versatility, make steel the optimum choice for any type of building.