Why use steel in infrastructure?
In almost any large scale infrastructure project it is likely that steel will have been involved in its realisation. Steel is utilised globally in the construction of infrastructure, from large and small bridges to tunnels, airports, train stations and car parks. It is a versatile and durable material that provides efficient and sustainable solutions to the unique engineering challenges these projects often represent.
Steel used in infrastructure can offer high fatigue performance, making it ideal for use in projects where reliability and endurance are key. Steel bridges have a proven life span extending to well over 100 years. Any signs of deterioration are readily apparent, without the need for extensive investigation. Many common problems, such as corrosion, rarely compromise the structural integrity of the bridge and can be swiftly addressed by repainting the affected areas. Sections that do suffer from fatigue can also be fully demounted and replaced, further increasing a bridge’s service life.
A key factor in why steel can feature in such varied and challenging projects is its adaptability. In car parks, for example, steel allows for column-free space where large numbers of cars can be parked. Meanwhile, its flexibility allows floor plans to be arranged to suit the shape of the car park and allow for a much more fluid flow of cars. These qualities also inform its use in train stations and airports, allowing for structures that combine stunning architecture with the functionality to support busy transport systems that may require expansion at a later date.
Speed of construction allows disruption to be kept to a minimum, if not completely eliminated. Structural steel components are relatively low in weight, meaning that large sections of infrastructure can be prefabricated offsite, drastically reducing on-site construction time. In some circumstances, complete structures can be moved into position overnight. For large scale infrastructure projects these efficiency gains are vital to help keep costs down and meet strict timetables.
Steel offers a number of sustainability benefits when deployed in infrastructure. It can be used to create energy efficient building envelopes, it has high flexibility in long term use, does not rot or shrink, can be easily extended, adapted and can be completely refurbished, recycled and reused once its initial service life is concluded.
Also, should the need for replacement occur, steel is recoverable and recyclable, with a decent proportion of structural steel either finding its way back into the steelmaking process to create new steel products or being reused, with little or no degradation in performance.
1. Cost-effective: When compared to other construction materials, structural steel can offer cost savings due to the installation time being shorter than that of concrete.
2. Accelerated schedules: A major advantage of structural steel is that it can be fabricated off-site while preliminary site preparation and foundation work are being performed. When brought to the site, it can be rapidly erected, accelerating the overall schedule of the project.
3. Increase usable floor space: The material is both light and strong, allowing for long spans and open, column-free spaces.
4. Aesthetically pleasing: Structural steel frames provide designers with a wider range of options for addressing a project’s aesthetic requirements. It can be rolled, curved and integrated into irregular structure shapes.
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5. Future adaptability: Existing steel frames can be easily modified to adapt to changing structural requirements and uses.
6. Quality and predictability: Structural steel is fabricated off-site under controlled conditions, ensuring a high-quality product and reducing the number of costly fixes at the job site.
7. Sustainability: Steel can be recycled endlessly and is often reclaimed from old steel structures. This means that the production process causes less damage to the environment than when concrete is produced, or trees are chopped down for construction.
8. Availability: Whether as a raw alloy or pre-made component, steel is widely available in the local market.
9. Strength and durability: Due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, less steel is needed in a single support or beam. It can withstand strong physical impacts and forces, keeping users safe while not wearing away or needing to be replaced afterward. Furthermore, the natural fire and rust resistance of alloy steel makes it viable for exterior structures.
10. Steel is always the solution: No matter what project specific challenges arise, structural steel can meet them.
Learn more on the topic by reading our blog, “Structural Steel Companies in Dubai”
Waagner Biro has been building bridges for over 160 years, and for the last 50, we have been providing both government and private clients throughout the Middle East with reliable, technically-advanced and cost-effective turnkey engineering solutions.
We combine design and construction under one roof for better communication, project management and a more cost- and time-effective end product. Our interdisciplinary team covers everything from design to erection, and we have our own fabrication yard to produce solutions immediately and as needed.
If you would like to learn more about our services in Dubai, get in touch with us and one of our team members will be happy to help.
Want more information on steel products for buildings and infrastructure solution? Feel free to contact us.