Comparison of Steel and Concrete Structures

STEEL STRUCTURE
MERITS & DEMERITS OF STEEL STRUCTURE AS

COMPARE TO CONCRETE STRUCTURE
MERITS:
 Reliability: Steel has homogeneity and uniformity as compare to other materials like
concrete. It usually gives predictable results of strength test, tension test etc. Due to
which steel satisfies most of the design assumptions and results obtained are reliable
while concrete structures are of heterogeneous material giving nonlinear stress strain
relationship.
 Strength to weight ratio: When compared to steel concrete has low compressive
strength so steel has high strength to weight ratio. Steel structure’s dead loads are smaller
causing small sections in construction contrary to concrete that have large sections.
 Pre-fabrication: Prefabrication of steel is easy as it is light weighted and can be
transported and assembled easily. Steel structures can be modified even for last minute
changes. Although concrete elements are also pre-fabricated but can’t pre-fabricate large
sections.
 Ductility: The property of material to withstand high tensile stress without failure is
called ductility. Steel is very ductile material due to which under high stress at various
points, it yields at these points and give a sort of warning before failure. While concrete is
brittle material.
 Extension of existing structures: Steel structures can easily be extended by making
connections as compare to concrete. Even a whole new structure can be added.
 Formwork: Unlike concrete steel structures doesn’t need formworks.
 Scrap value: Having a good scrap value also makes structural steel a better option than
concrete which has practically no scrap value.
 Fast construction: The construction process is faster with steel structures as they are
easy to erect. This contributes to faster project completion. On the other hand, concrete
construction is time-consuming.
 Foundations: Steel structures can be made without a foundation but this is not
applicable to concrete structures as they are heavy.
 High temperature regions: Concrete structures can’t withstand high temperature
causing cracking and losing of strength while steel structures can endure high range
temperature.
 Air and water proof: Steel structures provide impervious construction and structures
like reservoirs, oil gas pipes.
 Long span construction: Steel can be used for long span construction as compare to
concrete. Construe can go upto 20-30 m span while steel trusses can go upto 90 m and
bridges upto 300 m using steel girder plates.
 Versitality: Steel is a flexible material that can be fabricated into a wide array of designs
for endless applications. Although concrete can be molded into many different shapes, it
does face some limitations when it comes to floor-to-floor construction heights and long,
open spans.
 Temporary construction: For temporary construction steel structure is always prefer as
it is easy to dis assemble it and reuse it.
DEMERITS:
 Skilled labors: Not many builders use this material, as it requires special tools to use and
skilled labors.
 Cost: As steel is not present in very large amount in Pakistan so its use can increase the
cost of construction effectively as it may need to be import from other regions.
 Susceptibility to corrosion: Steel may corrode when it comes into contact with water. If
left without proper care, it could affect the safety and security of a structure. Therefore,
one should care for the steel with such processes such as water-resistant seals and paint
care. Fire-resistant features may be included when water-resisting seals are applied.
 Low temperature region: During winter in absolute biting cold, steel structures usually
gives up easily and might affect people working on it, although now a day’s appropriate
coatings and insulations are applied but it causes increase in cost.
 Fire resistance: Steel is inherently a non-combustible material. However, when heated
to extreme temperatures, it’s strength can be significantly compromised. Therefore, it
requires steel to be covered in additional fire resistant materials to improve safety. While
composition of concrete make it naturally fire resistant.
 Susceptibility to buckling: Buckling is characterized by a sudden sideways deflection of
a structural member. As the length and slenderness of compressive steel column
increases, its danger to buckling increase.
 Aesthetics: For certain buildings steel is recommended but in most of cases cladding
must be provided for aesthetics.

Comparison of Steel and Concrete Structures

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Comparison of Steel and Concrete Structures

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Comparison of Steel and Concrete Structures

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

STEEL STRUCTURE

MERITS & DEMERITS OF STEEL STRUCTURE AS

You might also like