Designing Tips for High-Quality Steel Structures
Steel structures are the industry standard for constructing industrial facilities because of their strength, durability and ductility. However, steel structures are only as good as their design.
For a steel structure to last, it must be carefully planned by a professional who intimately knows the properties of steel and how to design a building that is safe, easily accessible and OSHA-compliant.
Steel plays a crucial role in developing resilient, sustainable and versatile structures. Its unique properties, like its high strength-to-weight ratio, durability and customization, make it an ideal choice for industrial facilities.
The advantages that make steel such a popular material in industrial construction and other projects include:
Strength: Steel’s most well-known characteristic is strength. Engineers and architects design using high-quality steellbecause steel can bear high loads and resist tension without bending, deforming or breaking.
Durability: Steel is naturally resistant to corrosion, weathering and other long-term wear that can affect the structural integrity of other materials. That means that steel structures will last longer and require less maintenance than structures made from alternative solutions.
Lightweight: Even though steel is strong and durable, it’s surprisingly lightweight. Steel can support a bigger load than other materials while reducing the structure’s overall weight. Because steel is lightweight, it also costs less to transport.
Rapid Construction: Prefabricated steel components can be made and shipped quickly, then transported and assembled on-site. Using steel for construction helps keep jobs on schedule and on budget without sacrificing quality.
Sustainability: Steel is a sustainable material for construction because it’s easy to recycle and reshape. Steel can be reclaimed and used again without losing its durability, strength or malleability.
4 Design Considerations
When architects and engineers design projects for industrial facilities, certain design considerations are crucial to ensure a building’s safety and longevity.
1.Structural Support
Designing projects that can withstand the seasonal weather means relying on the high load-bearing capacity of steel. Steel components will maintain structural integrity even in intense weather like snow storms, and high wind.
Choosing the right steel grade and thickness for an individual project and understanding the appropriate steel connections are essential to Raeco’s design process.
Our experts start by designing the steel in a way that ensures structural integrity while providing the functionality your facility requires. They then fabricate the steel off-site and install it modularly, allowing for a complete turn-key experience.
2. Safety and Compliance
Steel is a preferred material for construction because it makes it easy for architects to meet local building codes.
Adhering to structural standards is essential for ensuring structural safety and stability, as well as meeting all applicable local ordinances and codes. At Raeco Builders, all of our materials and design practices meet OSHA standards, ensuring your facility is safe and compliant.
3. Ease of Access
Plant facility managers and engineers often have access-related issues that hinder their work or increase the chances of injury. Raeco Builders design structural steel platforms, ladders, stairs and handrails to make even the most difficult-to-reach locations easily accessible.
Because steel is lightweight and adapts to different shapes, it can be customized to fit certain areas without sacrificing access to vital components like valves or platforms, allowing facility workers to access these areas quickly and safely.
Additionally, the ease of access that steel provides ensures maintenance personnel can keep your industrial components clean and cared for. This can extend the lifespans of extensive and costly machines and provide your maintenance personnel with a safe working environment.
4. Space and Practicality
Steel components allow engineers to optimize space utilization because of their expansive design possibilities. Slim and streamlined steel supports and components can brace structures without bulk.
Designing with steel is the best way for architects and engineers to future-proof the demand for their design because steel components provide opportunities for future expansion.
As design aesthetics and environmental factors change, buildings with steel structures can be expanded, reconfigured and redesigned to meet those needs.
Raeco Builders Can Bring Your dream to reality.
At Raeco Builders, we offer a truly turn-key process — from design to full service general contractor — making your project seamless from start to finish. Our clients value having a single trusted partner handle every stage of their project, eliminating the need to coordinate with multiple vendors. From initial concept to on-site assembly, we deliver high-quality results while keeping your project on time and on budget.
Whether you need a custom steel structure for your building or components to solve specific industrial challenges, our expert team can bring your vision to life.