Steel Buildings and Tilt-up Concrete Construction Together: Using the Strengths of Each

http://www.tiltup.com/commercial-construction-articles/steel-building-concrete/

A basic yet explanatory interpretation of how the different characteristics of steel and concrete can complement each other in various ways. The article highlights 3 uses of when steel might be combined with tilt up construction to provide the best quality and value:

- Steel framing is used for large office or retail buildings for its structural properties and economic value. However concrete panels might be used for thermal mass, fire protective qualities or as an exterior façade for aesthetic purposes.

- “An existing manufacturing building or warehouse made of concrete blocks could be expanded by adding a steel lean-to structure to one of its exterior support walls”.

-It is the combination of a rigid frame with the steel roofing system that provides a warehouse or distribution centre with a large clear span. Therefore the structural integrity remains the same regardless of which material is used – steel framing or concrete panels. This is particularly relevant to our project as a large uninterrupted floor area is required.

This article discusses the reasons for when and how it is most appropriate to combine the construction methods of steel with concrete. It might be that steel framing is used with tilt up construction, or that a concrete structure uses steel roofing system or components. The adopted method is dependant on the various issues raised in the previous articles such as size, location and purpose.