Lightweight Steel Frame Construction
What is a light steel frame structure?
Light steel frame structure is a steel building system with a load-bearing frame made up of H-beams (or I-beams), high-frequency welded H-beams and cold-formed square tubes and other components, with a composite curtain wall or infill wall as the envelope structure. The span of KU 6m allows full flexibility of internal space planning.
How strong is the light steel structure?
Lightweight steel frame construction uses light steel which employs an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio, thus using much less material and energy for the same area than conventional building types.
What are the advantages of light steel construction compared to timber light framing?
1. Construction costs
Although steel is a more costly raw material than timber construction. This can only be reduced by the time taken to erect the building. When erecting a steel building, the less time taken to erect equals less labour and crane costs. The relative cost is then lower.
The insurance and safety costs of steel buildings are also a point that we often overlook, as steel structures are non-combustible and therefore their risk is relatively low, so the insurance costs at a later stage are relatively low.
2. Strength and durability
As you know, the strength and durability of steel is a great advantage. It has a very high strength-to-weight ratio and can withstand fractures caused by natural disasters such as strong winds and earthquakes. The steel is also durable and will not be affected by mould, insects or rot, and will only need to be replaced if necessary. Nor will it be affected by warping, cracking, splitting or shrinkage due to use.
How to build a lightweight steel frame construction？
Building your own light steel frame structure can be a tedious task. When you are ready to build, it is vital that you understand and complete each step in the assembly of a metal building. If you have the expertise, you can refer to our steel building process to complete your own project.
1. Check the instructions: First you need to check the appropriate drawings and the way they are put together to have a good idea of what to expect.
2、Foundation construction: The foundation construction is the most important step to ensure that the surface where the cement slabs are located is completely flat and that the bolts are evenly distributed to prepare for the subsequent installation.
3. Frame installation: As all the components are factory prefabricated, the first step in site installation is to start with the I-beam posts and rafters. Make sure the bolts are free of any concrete and correctly placed before attaching the columns.
4. Bindings, purlins and framing openings: Once the main frame has been established, you can start adding rafter frames, eave struts, purlins and the remaining wall beams to provide more support for the walls and roof
5. Roof and walls: Once most of the build is complete it is time to install the roof and walls, focusing on insulation and the choice of insulation materials to be installed.
6. Facade: At this point the overall build is complete and any trim, guttering, fittings and other metal architectural options you have purchased can be installed to your liking.
