Structures can be divided into 3 categories:

Framed structures
Shell-type structures
Suspension-type structures
 Framed structures
E.g. buildings and bridges
Multistory buildings
Consists of beams and column, either rigidly or with simple
connection
With diagonal bracing to provide stability
Industrial building
Long span truss, lattice girder
Column-free structure
Bridges
Beams and plate girder or trusses
 Shell-type
E.g. water tank, storage bins
Suspension type
Tension cables are major supporting elements
E.g. suspension bridge
 Speed of execution
 Edge trims are available to level
concrete and prevent over-run

Metal decking ready to be laid by hand

The shear studs which provide the key

between beam, deck and concrete can be
placed by a single operative at 1000 per
day
 Concrete being placed by pumping

Services are easily fixed to the

underside of the decking
 Prefabricated stairs can be transported by
crane and placed in position to give rapid and
safe access for construction workers

Cladding units - pre-cast granite faced or

curtain walling -can be lifted straight from
the lorry and into position to avoid site
storage
 Lightness, Stiffness and Strength
Steel structures are generally lighter than other materials. In
almost all cases this lower weight leads to lower costs for
foundations particularly for sites with poor ground.
Smaller columns increase effective floor utilisation and, where
longer spans are required, the cost savings between steel and
other forms of construction increase considerably. For large
column grids in buildings, steel is the only feasible solution.
Long span floor systems for office buildings
 Adaptability
of Usage of Steel Frames for
Refurbishment
Structural steel provides maximum adaptability
for changes in building use, because structural
alterations can be accommodated with relative
ease. Where additional members are required,
connections can be made to the existing frame
with minimum disturbance and cost.
Quality
A steel frame is a factory made, precise product,
produced by a stable, well-trained workforce.
Only the erection of pre-fabricated members is
left for the site - a process which is easily
controlled.
 Steelwork construction can be affected by decisions
regarding the precise form of element, type of steel used
and the method of connection.
For large projects, steel can be purchased directly from
the mill in the exact lengths required and in the desired
grade. The price of individual structural products varies
not only with type (hollow sections are generally more
expensive than open sections such as I-beams and H-
columns) but also within a product range.
Small orders is purchased from stockholders. In this case
the steel is only available in a limited range of grades,
(probably only mild steel). In addition certain sizes of
standard section may not be stocked and the sections will
only be available in a limited range of lengths.
Where higher grades of steel are available they may offer
the opportunity for improved efficiency. For instance, high
yield steel has a yield strength approximately 25% higher
than normal mild steel yet costs only about 10% more.
 A breakdown of costs for structural steelwork in
a multi-storey building might typically be as
follows:
steel 47%
corrosion protection 5%
fabrication 22%
erection 8%
fire protection 18%
More potential for reducing costs in fabrication
and erection than in the steel itself. In this
respect, work on site is of most importance -
easier assembly is likely to lead to overall
economy. Transport is also important, not as a
cost item in itself but as an aid to more efficient
erection.
 Multi-storey frame
 Truss and lattice
girder
 Bracing
 Connections/joints
 Beams and girders members carrying lateral loads in
bending and shear
Ties members carrying axial loads in tension
Struts, column and stanchions members carrying axial
loads in compressions. These members are often
subjected to bending as well as compression
Trusses and lattice girders framed members varying
lateral loads. These a re composed of struts and ties
Purlins beam members carrying roof sheeting
Sheeting rails bema members supporting wall cladding
Bracing diagonal struts and ties that, with columns and
roof trusses, form vertical and horizontal trusses to resist
wind loads and stabilize the building
Joints connect members together such as the joints in
trusses, beam-to-beam joints and beam-to-column joints.
Bases transmit the loads from the columns to the
foundations.