ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF STEEL STRUCTURES

In general, the advantages of steel structures are as follows:

Steel has a high strength to weight ratio. Therefore the dead weight of steel structures is relatively small. This property makes steel a very attractive structural material for some multi-story buildings, long-span bridges, etc.

It can undergo plastic deformation before failure; this provides greater reserve strength. This property is called ductility.

Properties of steel can be predicted with a very high degree of certainty. In fact, steel shows elastic behavior up to a relatively high and usually well-defined stress level.

Steel structures can be built with a high-quality relationship and narrow tolerances.

Prefabrication and mass production is usually possible in steel structures.

The rapid construction is possible in the steel structures. This results in the economic construction of steel structures.

Good fatigue strength is also the advantage of the steel structure.

If necessary, the steel structures can be strengthened at any time in the future.

The reused capability of steel construction is also an advantage.

While in general, the disadvantages of steel structures are as follows:

Steel structures are more costly than other types of structures.

The strength of steel is reduced considerably when heated at temperatures commonly observed in a fire; therefore the treatment of fireproof is needed.

The steel structures when exposed to air and water as in the case of bridges, there is a big possibility of corrosion and it needs regular maintenance.

steel structure