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The Home Insurance Building was the first building to use structural
steel in its frame. It was built in 1884 in Chicago, Illinois, but was
destroyed in 1931 to make way for the Field Building.
For many years, steel was subject to heavy negative preconceptions about
how it was sourced, how it was produced and how it could be used. Because
of these negative preconceptions, it has been shunned in favour of materials
such as wood for design and construction.
However, now that were in the modern world, things have changed, and with
new technologies, new production process and new research, lightweight
steel is becoming an increasingly popular choice for construction. In fact, in
some cases, its now starting to overtake the former traditional choice of
wood.
Why? Because, quite simply, it holds considerable benefits right from the
moment its selected as a material all the way through to its influence in
architecture and design, and even to its existence as a final end product.
STEEL IS PRODUCED SUSTAINABLY
As previously stated, steel holds a variety of benefits right from moment its
chosen as a material for a construction project. In fact, an increasing number
of Australian construction firms are now choosing steel over other materials
simply because of the positive sustainable production properties associated
with doing so.
Steel has also become a popular choice for architects when designing an
internal building structure. Most notably, the design flexibility of steel in
the use of a buildings frame enables architects to focus on the
energy efficiency of the planned building. Steel structures generally
have a much better ventilation system thanks to a more capable
stack effect, thus making the entire structure more energy efficient.
I think its safe to say that steel has made a case for itself in the modern
world of building and construction, and I believe it will only become of greater
importance in construction processes moving forward.
Arch fig4.png
Although the choice of structural form is often the province of the structural
engineer, architects should have an appreciation of the factors leading to the
selection of the structure and its details. Traditionally, most detailing of
connections is the responsibility of the structural engineer or steelwork
contractor but, for exposed steelwork, detailing is of much more interest to
the architect, as it impacts on the concept of the building.
Arch fig3.png
Urban scale Wide range of building forms achieved using steel structures on
Londons South Bank
Tension structures are efficient and lightweight, particularly for long span
enclosures.
Colours and finishes of painted steelwork can be used to great visual effect.
Structural Scale
Tubular diagrid structure used over the public concourse at Londons Kings
Cross station
120m long curved fabricated beams used over the Departures area of
Londons Heathrow Terminal 5
To achieve economic and practical architectural details, there has to be a
basic appreciation of the performance of the overall structure itself and the
loading conditions on the member or component in question. The form of the
structure will strongly influence the details employed.
Structural details often evolve through the logical stages of the concept
design, followed by further rationalisation into the detailed design, i.e. from
the macro to the micro. The architect may approach the concept design with
the key component details already in mind. However, the final solution will be
influenced by structural issues, an understanding of the fabrication process,
as well as transport and installation considerations.
Assembly scale Expressed use of steel struts and ties to support a tent roof
structure at Belfasts Odyssey
Detail scale Expressed use of steel nodes and ties to support the roof
structure at Manchesters Etihad Stadium
Steel offers architects more design freedom in colour, texture and shape. Its
combination of strength, durability, beauty, precision and malleability gives
architects broader parameters to explore ideas and develop fresh solutions.
Steels long spanning ability gives rise to large open spaces, free of
intermediate columns or load bearing walls. Its capacity to bend to a
certain radius, creating segmented curves or free-form combinations for
facades, arches or domes sets it apart. Factory-finished to the most exacting
specifications under highly controlled conditions, steels final outcome is
more predictable and repeatable, eliminating the risk of on-site variability.
Read more about using steel in residential construction via our Westcliff
Pavilion case studyRead more about using steel in residential construction via
our Tea Houses case studyFind out about steels unique properties and its
capabilities as a construction material
Read more about using steel in residential construction via our Vila House
case studyRead about important aspects of structural safety with regard to
steel buildingsLearn more about the use of steel in mixed-use buildings
Read more about using steel in residential construction via our Veranda
House case study Learn more about how steel can help achieve maximum
open spaces via our Case Natura case studySee the interview with Carl Perry,
Chair of Living Steel and learn more about the benefits of steel in residential
construction
Endlessly recyclable
See how steel makes an ideal choice for sustainable solutions: Read an article
about recycling materials for emergency relief and recoveryRead about
Pritzker Prize winning architect Glenn Murcutts views on designing in
harmony with nature
The idea of just using materials that eventually go back into the earth is very,
very sustainable. I like that to me it is very important.
GLENN MURCUTT -
2002 PRITZKER PRIZE | 2009 AIA GOLD MEDAL | 2006, 2008 LIVING STEEL
JURY CHAIR
Earthquake resistance
Earthquakes are unpredictable in terms of magnitude, frequency, duration,
and location. Steel is the material of choice for design because it is
inherently ductile and flexible. It flexes under extreme loads rather
than crushing or crumbling. Many of the beam-to-column connections in a
steel building are designed principally to support gravity loads. Yet they also
have a considerable capacity to resist lateral loads caused by wind and
earthquakes. In their entirety, these connections provide superior reserve
strength and defence, increasing a buildings resistance against earthquakes
and potential for repair.
Earthquake resistance
Learn about the different types of corrosion and how to protect against
themFind out about steels unique properties and its capabilities as a
construction materialRead more about using steel in residential construction
via our Westcliff Pavilion Case Study
Steels ability to maximise space and internal width with the thinnest shell
possible means thinner, smaller structural elements are achievable. Steel
beam depths are around half that of timber beams, offering greater
usable space, less materials and lower costs compared with other
materials. Wall thicknesses can be thinner because steels strength and
excellent spanning capacity means theres no need to build solid,
space-consuming brick walls. This can be particularly relevant for heavily
constrained sites, where steels space-saving properties can be the key to
overcoming spatial challenges.
For the past century, steel has provided wonderful opportunities for invention
in building design, especially where strength for weight and pre-fabrication
are key considerations.
PETER STUTCHBURY -
GLENN MURCUTT -
The winning projects and their respective team members were recognized on
April 17 during AISC's 2013 NASCC: The Steel Conference in St. Louis. Each
year, awards for each winning project are presented to the project team
members involved in the design and construction of the structural framing
system, including the architect, structural engineer, general contractor,
detailer, fabricator, erector and owner.
Sierra Bonita