The metallic structure for warehouses brings several advantages for works of different sizes and segments, such as coverings in industrial warehouses, silos for grain storage and even Small Hydroelectric Plants (PCHs). Among these advantages, we highlight the best cost-benefit and the sustainability of the work.
Sin embargo, el acero sigue siendo un material poco explotado en la construcción civil. Aunque el mercado del acero creció en 2021 -en gran parte relacionado con la demanda reprimida por el tiempo de inactividad debido a la pandemia de Covid-19-, actualmente este mercado presenta una tendencia a la baja del 8% interanual.
This expectation was raised by Alacero, an entity that comprises more than 60 steel product manufacturers in Latin America. Despite the downward trend, the specialists affirm that, even so, the steel consumption volume will be higher than the years before the pandemic.
This shows us that, despite some misinformation and insecurity of some designers, steel is a material with a good return in financial and sustainable terms, besides bringing several other advantages to the works. Many managers have been paying attention to this scenario, which explains the relatively growing interest in the material.
With that in mind, we prepared this content that brings a brief overview of the use of steel in civil construction. We will list the main benefits of investing in the use of steel structure for warehouses and show that the return is guaranteed when the project is well executed. Check it out!
Why is steel still in the background in civil construction?
The lack of knowledge in the production chain of what can be done with steel in civil construction is one of the reasons that still keeps this material in an unfavorable position in relation to concrete. To have an idea, the percentage of use of steel structure in construction sites in Brazil varies between 10 and 15%, while in other more developed countries this figure is around 70%.
This versatility of the metallic structure - already quite explored in other countries - could be better exploited in Brazil. To have an idea of the potential of this material, there are more than 3 thousand types of steel, some of which are specific for civil construction.
What happens is that, many times, the lack of guidance and unpreparedness of those who are conducting the project end up reducing the quality of the works, simply because certain materials were not well explored in all their potentialities.
This was what usually happened with steel, since the lack of information about its subsystems generated insecurity about the use of the material. Even in Brazilian universities, the training of engineers favors concrete over steel.
The exception is the Southeast - especially Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro - because these states are home to many steel mills and already have more knowledge about the material. The low competitiveness of steel in relation to reinforced concrete is also due to the informality of the Brazilian market in this sector.
"In Brazil there is a clear division in the sector between formal and informal construction, with informal professionals in the majority. This makes the competition process unfair, since informality operates based on 'feeling' and popular knowledge, to the detriment of the use of technical and performance standards," explain the engineers Luciano Pires (LSP Consultoria e Representações) and Rodrigo Pedreira (Carvalho Pedreira Engenharia).
Is it really worth it to use steel structure for sheds?
Although most professionals are directed to the understanding of masonry as the first option, the reality is that reinforced concrete will not always be the most appropriate choice. But one thing is certain: when opting for a certain material, it is necessary that the entire projection of the construction work be in line with this same concept. "In a residential building, for example, the house's span has to be designed to work with concrete or steel," explain Luciano and Rodrigo.
The design of the project is a relevant and limiting factor, however, as long as it is planned from the beginning, steel can be used in any construction, which overturns any and all previous limitations.
"What we want to emphasize is the understanding that there is no good or bad material, there is the project design," reaffirm the engineers Luciano Pires and Rodrigo Pedreira. The segment of the project that will be developed also interferes in the conception of the works, since some segments are very aggressive to steel structures, as in the case of chemical, acid and fertilizer industries.
In these cases, the option for steel should take into account all its subsystems that will need to be worked on to put the work in practice. The elaboration of a glass façade to protect the material, the implementation of an aluminum composite layer, paint treatment, among other adjustments, will be essential for the quality of the steel structure for warehouses in each case.
Among the most obvious advantages of using a steel structure for warehouses we can highlight the significant reduction in construction time - on average 40%. That is, the work will be ready in almost half the time of another that has concrete as the first option.
The choice for steel is very smart also from the point of view of industrial sustainability. Since the material does not generate waste or rubble, the work is optimized, more economical, and the construction site is always kept clean, since the structure arrives ready to be installed.
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What are the benefits of the steel structure for sheds?
e will now detail the advantages of using steel in the steel structure of industrial buildings, considering aspects such as functionality, versatility, and return on investment.
Accelerates the delivery of the work
Because it is a malleable and lighter material, the option for metallic structures in comparison to conventional reinforced concrete structures considerably speeds up project delivery. This aspect has extra importance in industrial projects, in view of the fact that the delay in the execution of a work means a parked production chain and a drop in invoicing.
Reduces production cost
Besides having the work delivered on time, those who choose steel structure also save on the global cost of the project. Although steel budgets are initially higher, the cost-benefit is worth it, since the lightness of the material relieves the foundations and interferes in the indirect expense with labor and transport. Not to mention that the agility in the delivery of the work favors the continuity of manufacturing operations.
Makes the project more sustainable
Buildings made with steel are cleaner and more sustainable, since the material is manufactured off-site and leaves no waste on the construction site, as is the case with masonry. The design is also more aesthetically beautiful, much due to the combination with elements such as glass, in addition to the possibility of the steel being embedded.
Promotes schedule flexibility
Flexibility is another advantage of using a metal structure for warehouses, allowing you to expand the space or even dismantle the structure to move it if necessary. It is not necessary to break the wall to put a door, for example, as in the case of a conventional reinforced concrete structure.
It is a light, strong and durable material
A great differential of the metallic structure is its weight. As the materials used are lighter, the foundation will require a smaller amount of blocks, which generates less tension in the columns and beams, delaying wear and tear over time. The resistance and durability are other differentials. To give you an idea, a shed with a metallic structure can last for centuries.
Brings modernity and versatility to the work
A material such as steel allows designers to create various configurations with differentiated aesthetics. It is possible, for example, to make large spans without pillars or structural walls. This versatility of the material leads to more modern and innovative constructions, which also gain in terms of valorization of the enterprise.
Presents the best cost-benefit
We talk about the lightness of steel in relation to the concrete structure, which can be up to 30% heavier. This lightness generates load relief in the foundations, which makes the work more durable and economical in the medium and long term. Therefore, when it comes to cost-benefit and return on investment, the steel structure is undoubtedly more advantageous.
It has greater temperature resistance
Industrial construction often requires working with heat-resistant materials that do not suffer effects such as expansion and warping due to thermal exposure. Here too, steel is more advantageous, and can even be used very safely to make boilers, steam turbines, industrial furnaces, etc.
All these advantages justify the investment in steel structure. By making a conscious choice, in addition to the benefits associated with the metal shed, the manager also gains in industrial sustainability and optimization of the cost of the work.
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