Category: Structure & materials
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
A steel structure is a frame of steel sections fabricated in the workshop and erected on site with bolts or welds, used for warehouses, halls, shades and mezzanines.
Why it matters on a project
It is quick to build and spans wide areas without internal columns, but needs corrosion and fire protection and precise connection details.
Measurement and pricing
Steel in tonnes; cladding and painting in square metres.
Common mistake
Fabricating before shop drawings and connections are approved, so misfits appear at erection.
Frequently asked questions
How is a steel structure protected from rust?
By surface preparation and a multi-coat paint system at set thicknesses, or by hot-dip galvanising.
Does a steel structure need fire protection?
Depending on building use and the fire code; intumescent paint or fire-rated boarding may be required.
Related terms
- Shop drawingsDrawings prepared by the contractor or fabricator showing how items are made and installed, approved by the consultant before execution.
- Surface preparationCleaning a steel surface to a specified grade (e.g. SSPC-SP 10) before coating to ensure adhesion.
- Dry film thickness (DFT)The thickness of a coating after drying, measured in microns and checked against the specification.
- CantileverA structural element fixed at one end and free at the other, such as balconies and canopies.
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