Steel & Concrete Frames

Question 1

Concrete vs. Steel on fire protection?

Answer 1

Concrete - inherently fire protective as a material. Can withstand high heat for prolonged periods of time. Hence use for protected zones, such as lift cores etc.
Steel - requires additional fire protection, such as an intumescent coating, otherwise steel can loose structural integrity in prolonged high heats

Question 2

Concrete vs. Steel on cost?

Answer 2

Both are costly, and rise with time. Steel is more likely to fluctuate due to sourcing requirements, whereas concrete tends to be steadier
Concrete framed buildings can be easier to insure due to their safety advantages (fire)

Question 3

Concrete vs. Steel on time?

Answer 3

Concrete - will generally be built quicker than steel overall, with longer time on site required for in-situ installation. Requirement for pre-cast items increases overall time as off-site manufacturing is required
Steel - will generally be built slower overall, but with greatly reduced time on site due to complete off-site manufacturing. Argument for higher quality as controlled engineering environment

Question 4

Concrete vs. Steel in design?

Answer 4

Concrete - takes what ever form required, so more flexibility for unusual shapes. Generally achieves a lower slab to slab height
Steel - easily accommodates open plan areas with wide spans

Question 5

Concrete vs. steel in environmental considerations?

Answer 5

Concrete - can be constructed from local materials, but is very difficult to recycle
Steel - 85% of steel is recycled, and can be easily recycled for construction use

Question 6

Concrete vs. steel in load transference?

Answer 6

The same method. Imposed/gravity loads are exerted on the horizontal members, which in turn exert on to the vertical members down to the foundations and then to the load bearing stratum