When choosing a suitable metal building, picking the right one among its classifications is essential. A versatile material like metal offers a wide range of classifications based on design, functionality, and material.
Classification of Building Metal Structures
Metal Structure classification will help you choose the best one for your needs and design preferences. Here’s a list of building metal structures, ranging from brackets, trusses, and frames to canopies and residential purposes.
Beam Structures
With their robust, cantilevered, and continuous design, Beam Structures are reliable structural elements that instill a sense of security and confidence, especially when supporting heavy loads.
These are used for warehouses to hold raw materials, completed goods, and industrial production workshops (heavy or light steel). The steel structure of the building has the benefits of great strength, wide span, and efficient use of space. It may fit into the procedure cycle, and various manufacturing equipment may be considered.
Bracket Structures
It is mainly defined by mechanical equipment brackets or structures that simplify process equipment support and maintenance. These brackets or structures have several cross-section mutations and staggered structures. It is appropriate for businesses that use many equipment, like steel, chemicals, power, and offshore platforms.
Truss Structures
Truss Structures, with their efficient triangular framework design, are a testament to the power of minimalism. They use the least amount of material to span large distances, making them a reliable choice for structures such as towers and roofs.
The main structure is primarily hybrid. It is mainly made of steel frames, trusses, grids, reticulated shells, steel-concrete structures, string beam structures, spiral staircases, hyperbolic beams, etc.. Usually, it has curved surface shapes, such as curtain walls, metal roofing, and other enclosure structures.
Its shape is unusual, its recognition level is strong, and its connections between different internal functional regions are good. It works well in various settings, including scientific and technology centers, transit hubs, cultural research facilities, and other historic structures.
Steel Structures for Venue
The main structure is primarily hybrid and mostly made of steel frameworks, trusses, grids, circulated shells, steel-concrete structures, string beam structures, spiral staircases, hyperbolic beams, etc. It usually has curved surfaces, such as curtain walls, metal roofing, and other enclosure structures.
Its shape is unusual, its recognition level is strong, and its connections between different internal functional regions are excellent. It works well in various settings, including scientific and technology centers, transit hubs, cultural research facilities, and other historic structures.
Frame Structures
These consist of a network of beams and columns that create a skeleton for a building. They provide stability and support and are used in many multi-story buildings and industrial facilities.
Composite column
A composite column is a reinforcement column composed of reinforcement, concrete, and structural steel. Composite columns frequently serve as longitudinal reinforcement and have a tremendous load-bearing capability in constructing high-rise buildings. They offer great strength in a small cross-section and often exhibit outstanding fire performance.
Columns can be categorized according to their shape: square or rectangular columns. For support, they have at least four longitudinal steel beams. Frequently make shuttering, installing reinforcement, and pouring concrete simple. This and their general price make them a well-liked option for construction projects.
Steel Truss Construction
Steel truss construction is a versatile solution, capable of forming substantial members with lower cross-sections. Its inspiration can be found in various applications, from tower corridors of commercial and industrial buildings to TV towers, mast towers, roofs, bridges, and marine oil platforms, inspiring the audience with its adaptability.
The steel truss construction is made up of many rods that are hinged at both ends. It is separated into two types: space trusses and plane trusses. It can be divided into tube and angle steel trusses, per the parts section. The upper chord, lower chord, diagonal web, vertical rod, and inter-truss support are typically found in a truss. Compared to solid web beams, trusses require less steel, have a lighter structural weight, and have more rigidity.
Canopies
Canopies, with their elegant design and generous lower space that does not obstruct vision, are a testament to the beauty of steel structures. Their use on train platforms, pedestrian streets, stadium stands, and other places is why they appreciate their design.
Also Read: How to Keep Your Metal Building Cool During the Summer Heat in 7 Ways
Bracing made of steel
Steel bracings, the diagonal steel members in a steel structure, are crucial in maintaining longitudinal equilibrium and withstanding forces like wind, earthquakes, and other vertical stresses. Each type of steel bracing, from chevron support to inverted V-bracing, has its unique design and function, serving a specific purpose in reinforcing the structure.
Commercial Structures
These consist primarily of architectural steel constructions, including office buildings, retail centers, hotels, and other commercial buildings. Steel structures can be created in various ways and for multiple purposes to satisfy business premises’ flexible and customizable needs. For instance, steel can be used for the framework, the facade, or even the interior design of a building. Steel-structured commercial buildings can be produced more quickly and function on schedule than typical concrete buildings since they are constructed in the manufacturing facility and placed on-site, increasing their economic worth.
Residential buildings
Apartments, villas, high-rise homes, and other constructions frequently use steel structures. Because of their strength and lightweight, they can lower foundation pressure, expenses, and structural weight.
Steel constructions can guarantee the safety of buildings and occupants since they are seismically resistant and meet strict safety regulations for residential buildings. In addition, the steel framework of the building can be recycled to achieve material recycling, fulfilling the criteria for the environmental sustainability of green structures.
Conclusion
The categorization of steel structures is the foundation for their study and application. It is crucial for enhancing metal structure design efficiency and the logical choice of steel structure types. In real engineering, the right steel structure should be chosen based on material conditions and other considerations to preserve the structure’s security, durability, economic performance, and elegance. Meanwhile, as technological and scientific developments advance and engineering practice accumulates, steel structure categorization and application will require regular updating and improvement.
