How Structural Steel Is Changing Modern Architecture and Design?

When it comes to steel, almost everyone has heard of carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel, but few people know about structural steel. If you are from the construction industry, you must know the term and what this steel signifies.

Once regarded as merely functional metal, it is now changing how modern architecture is constructed. Structural steel transforms the construction world from skyscrapers to bridges, public buildings, and iconic offices.

If you wish to learn how, this blog is for you, where we will discuss why it is so.

What is Structural Steel?

Structural steel is a carbon steel made mainly of carbon and iron. It is known for its exceptional strength and thus, it is used in the foundational structures of buildings. Even though it is a hard metal, it can be transformed into various forms, such as steel beams, pipes, angles, channels, etc.

Structural Steel And Modern Architecture

Here is how structural steel is transforming modern architecture and design:

Strength and Flexibility

Malleability is one of the key characteristics of steel. It can be bent, cut, and shaped in multiple ways. Thanks to technological advancements, shaping or transforming steel is now easier than ever. Thus, even though structural steel is hard, it is flexible enough to be transformed into multiple shapes and designs. This flexibility allows architects and designers to push their boundaries and design structures with long spans and minimal supports. Gone are the days of traditional buildings; today, designers and architects can use steel to make striking, strong, and aesthetically pleasing designs. This is possible because structural steel has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it possible to achieve impossible heights without compromising on stability

Enhanced Sustainability

Nowadays, every material choice boils down to the question- “is it sustainable?”

When using structural steel, you must know it is 100% recyclable. In fact, many contractors and builders seek recyclable steel for construction projects. You should also know that it is the most recycled metal globally, making it a sustainable option that reduces waste and conserves resources. Even after recycling, steel doesn’t lose any of its properties. Recycling structural steel is also an economic option, as businesses can save up to 50% by recycling instead of buying new steel.

If you are looking for reasons to recycle steel, here they are:

• Recycling steel causes low carbon emissions as compared to steel production.
• Recycled steel can be readily used in construction projects, contributing to resource conservation.

Aesthetic Appeal

Structural steel is very versatile and can be transformed into many ways to create foundational structures and stunning forms and shapes to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space. Designs with visible steel elements exude modernity and class, as steel is shiny and has a beautiful surface. Chrysler building, Arcelor Mittal Tower, and US Steel Tower are some of the examples where steel has been used beautifully. These buildings have used something distinguished other than concrete and wood and have come up with something exceptional. Designers use steel to create transparent facades, curved shapes, and bold, unconventional forms that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with other materials.

Modular and Prefabricated Architecture

Modular construction is a new concept of construction wherein offsite constructed modular components are used and assembled on-site to complete large-scale projects in the minimum time possible. Steel has proved to be the right fit for modular construction. Steel Suppliers play a significant role in it, as only reliable and expert professionals are responsible for creating precise steel components that can be assembled on-site without any rework. This trend is particularly beneficial for temporary or portable buildings and areas where on-site construction may be challenging.

Time and Cost-Efficiency

Time and cost-efficiency are the deciding factors for materials in construction projects. Structural steel is a metal that makes modular construction possible, as discussed in the point above. Prefabricated steel components can be manufactured offsite, transported, and quickly assembled on location, reducing overall project timelines. As for the cost, structural steel is comparatively affordable and, thus, the first choice for modern architecture.

Conclusion

It has been established that structural steel is changing the way modern architecture and designs are created. While contractors and builders are choosing it, it’s the metal suppliers who are behind sourcing the quality metal and forming it in the desired shapes. Thus, their contribution to modern architecture and designs cannot be undermined.

New Mexico Metals LLC is also playing its part in supplying structural steel to large-scale construction projects. Being the renowned metal expert in Albuquerque, we receive multiple orders for structural steel, and thus, we house the widest range of steel products.

To know more about us, visit us at the store!