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Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings

Material choice

Whether to use steel or concrete for the structural frame is one of the most significant early decisions of any project.
This choice has a wide-ranging affect on many subsequent aspects of the building design, programme and performance. These, in turn, all have an impact on the cost and value of the project and are fundamental to its overall success. Steel has, for many years, been the dominant form of construction for commercial buildings in the UK. The reasons for this are numerous and well known, but made abundantly clear by the results of this latest Corus funded independent cost comparison study. The study looks in detail at the costs of commercial buildings, built using a range of steel and concrete framing options. Corus employed the services of leading practitioners in the industry including Arup, The study is also relevant to hospitals, educational and retail buildings. This publication sets out the results of that study, which examined steel and concrete systems in two typical commercial buildings. The buildings were fully designed, taking into account all the major variables of structure, foundations, cladding and services. The results enable us to compare in great depth the costs and other related benefits of the different construction materials. MACE, Davis Langdon and the Steel Construction Institute to ensure the study drew on the most up to date knowledge and expertise.

Introduction

Savings with steel

The results conclusively demonstrate that steel-based options are, in all cases, the most cost effective. The cheapest option in terms of structure costs alone was the composite beam and slab, showing why this form of construction is the most popular multi-storey flooring solution in the UK. When variable costs, such as cladding and foundations are considered, Slimdek becomes an equally cost effective alternative. In general, reinforced concrete systems are three to eight per cent more expensive than the steel options. The study also highlighted the many other advantages of steel frames. These include speed of construction, adaptability and ease of service integration. If we adopt a more global approach to costing moving beyond

structure costs alone then cellular beams become the most economic long span option, thanks to the improved integration of services and greater flexibility of design that this system affords. The cost and design benefits offered by steel, allied with its speed of construction, flexibility and consistent quality make it the construction material of choice for commercial buildings. Add to this the minimal disruption caused during construction and its limited impact on the environment and steel truly deserves its position as the dominant form of construction for commercial buildings throughout the UK.

Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings

Buildings in Detail

Buildings indetail
The two buildings in the study represent typical modern commercial structures, for which a number of steel and concrete systems were examined.
Building A is typical of a speculative office building of modest specification in a regional UK city. This study assumes it is located in Manchester, which is a major area of growth in steel construction. It is a four storey building, of a width that permits good natural ventilation and lets in plenty of natural light. The building is not air conditioned, but does have perimeter heating. It is serviced from zones at each end of the building, where the stairs and lifts are also located. There are three tenperson lifts. Inside the building is generally open plan, but may be divided into individual offices. It has a fire resistance of 60 minutes, and is not sprinkler protected. It is clad in traditional brick, with regularly spaced individual windows making up a quarter of the building faade.

Building A standard regional office block

Structural systems for Building A Five structural systems for Building A are detailed in this publication. They are: Composite beam and slab Slimdek Long span cellular beams Reinforced concrete flat slab Insitu concrete with precast floors

Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings

Buildings in Detail

The foundations are pad footings on sand, and the ground floor is not suspended. The top floor is designed to take the same loads as all other floors. There is an additional roof structure comprising steel portals, purlins and tiles, which is not suitable for occupancy.

Minor pipework in this building is passed underneath or through the beams or floor. Provision for lighting units, fire protection, ceiling depths and an allowance for deflections are included in the depth of the floor zone.

Floor zones
Composite beam and slab = + + + 150mm raised floor 130mm slab 352mm beam 150mm ceiling & lighting = 782mm 800mm Cellular beams Slimdek Reinforced concrete flat slab = 150mm raised floor + 300mm concrete slab + 150mm ceiling & lighting = 600mm Insitu frame with precast hollow core units = 150mm raised floor + 75mm screed + 400mm hollow core + 150mm ceiling & lighting = 775mm 800mm

= + + +

150mm raised floor 130mm slab 660mm beam 150mm ceiling & lighting = 1090mm 1100mm

= 150mm raised floor + 300mm slab + 150mm ceiling & lighting = 600mm

Floor

Floor

Floor

Floor

Floor

Ceiling Ceiling

Ceiling Ceiling

Ceiling

Idealised plan

Section
6m

Service cores within this area.

Traditional Brick/Block Cladding 7.5m 13.5m A 6m 2.7m 2nd 48m Additional line of columns on A-A for short span systems 2.7m 1st A 2.7m 3rd

2.7m Ground

Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings

Buildings in Detail

Building B prestige company headquarters

Structural systems for Building B Five structural systems for Building B are detailed in this publication. They are: Composite beam and slab Slimdek Long span cellular beams Reinforced concrete flat slab Post tensioned ribbed slab

Building B is typical of a prestige office building in central London, suitable for a company headquarters or similar high status function. It is a more complex structure than Building A, designed around a central covered atrium. It is eight storeys high and is comfort cooled by a fan coil system. The structure is serviced from two main zones at opposite ends of the building. The service cores also include fire-fighting lifts and fire-protected lobbies. There are three stairways in the building, and three 16-person lifts adjacent to the entrance lobby, as well as two ten-person lifts in the outer cores. It has a fire resistance of 90 minutes and is not sprinkler protected.

Inside, the building is open plan, but may be subdivided to create individual offices or meeting rooms around the perimeter. Outside, the faade is glazed, using a proprietary glass curtain walling system. The atrium roof is constructed from tubular steel and glass, and has a mechanical smoke extraction system. The foundations for this building are single largediameter under-reamed piles, bearing in clay. The pile capacity is achieved by end bearing and side friction. The upper floor has two areas that house the air conditioning equipment, close to the cores that they service. This top floor is designed to take the same loads as other floors, with local strengthening under the heavy equipment. Further plant and major services are located in a basement, which covers a quarter of the building plan area.

Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings

Buildings in Detail

Floor zones
Composite beam and slab = 150mm raised floor + 130mm slab + 358mm beam + 400mm services + 150mm ceiling & lighting = 1188mm 1200mm Slimdek = 150mm raised floor + 300mm floor slab + 400mm fan coil unit/duct + 150mm ceiling & lighting = 1000mm Cellular beams = + + + 150mm raised floor 130mm floor slab 668mm beam 150mm ceiling & lighting = 1098mm 1100mm Reinforced concrete flat slab = 150mm raised floor + 300mm concrete slab + 400mm fan coil unit/duct + 150mm ceiling & lighting = 1000mm Post tensioned ribbed slab = 150mm raised floor + 500mm beam and slab + 400mm services + 150mm ceiling & lighting = 1200mm

Floor

Floor

Floor

Floor

Floor

Ceiling Ceiling Ceiling

Ceiling

Ceiling

Idealised plan

Section

Service cores within this area.

15m 7.5m 7.5m 7.5m 7.5m 15m Roof 1.5m 6m 15m B B 6m 3m 6th 45m 9m 7.5m B 7.5m B 6m 1.5m 60m Additional line of columns on B-B for short span systems Red grid shows adjustment for post tension design 3m Ground 3m 1st 3m Full Height Glazing 7th Atrium

9m 15m Atrium

6m

Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings

Study Methods

Study methods
The overall study considered 20 layouts covering 12 different structural forms.
This included virtually every regular form of steel and concrete design used in modern multi-storey construction. The complete set of results appear in the updated Steel Construction Institute publication SCI-P-137 Comparative Structure Cost of Modern Commercial Buildings, but for the purpose of brevity only the most cost-effective options for each material type have been detailed in this summary version. Construction programme assumptions The study was conducted using some of the industrys top construction specialists. Their expertise and independence ensures the credibility and accuracy of the study results. The design of the steel and composite options was carried out by the Steel Construction Institute, while concrete options and the foundations were designed by Arup. MACE detailed each construction programme and Davis Langdon then priced up all the options. Design assumptions The Steel Construction Institute provided the steel designs and Arup provided those for concrete. Where necessary, column grids were adapted to suit a particular construction form, such as post tensioned concrete. A list of the main design parameters and assumptions are shown in Appendix one. Building A is erected using one mobile crane, while Building B requires two tower cranes. Both buildings employ a concrete pump to install insitu concrete, and all concrete options use table forms. The steel columns in both buildings are a maximum of two storeys high during construction and all options use precast stairs. The programming for all options was undertaken by MACE. It is assumed that the programming and plant resources for each option are consistent so that they do not favour any form of construction. The key interfaces between preceding and following trades are assumed to be well maintained. Fire protection For effective fire protection, it is assumed that an intumescent coating is used for the beams and bracing, and that a board system is used for the columns. Asymmetric Slimflor Beams (ASBs) are partially encased in concrete and do not require any additional protection for 60 minutes fire resistance.

Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings

Study Methods

Costing assumptions The pricing of all options was carried out by Davis Langdon. In some cases, where a construction form had many possible arrangements, cost was used to determine the preferred layout. Price levels in the study are those prevailing in the final quarter of 2003.

Regional cost adjustment Although Building A is located in Manchester and Building B in central London, the study results can be adjusted to take account of regional price differences, using the table below. Adjustment to cost tables (%)

The rates for steel fabrication include design, connections, transport and erection, but assume that the steel is not to be painted. Other steel-related components, such as fire protection, shear studs and steel decking, have also been accurately costed. The itemised rates for the various concrete components, including foundations, ground floor, basement, upper floors and roof as well as the associated work such as excavation, reinforcement and formwork have similarly been compiled from recently tendered projects. The composite unit rates used for other elements in the buildings have been compiled from Davis Langdons costs database, and reflect a typical developers standard specification. A contingency and design reserve of 7.5 per cent has been added to reflect the typical cost for the generic offices represented by the two buildings. No allowance has been made for external works and services, drainage and non-construction costs, such as furniture, professional fees and VAT.
Outer London Central London East Anglia East Midlands North East North West Northern Ireland Scotland South East South West Wales West Midlands Yorkshire and Humberside

Building A +16 +23 -4 -1 -2 0 -15 -1 +11 0 -1 0 -4

Building B -7 0 -16 -19 -20 -19 -30 -20 -11 -19 -20 -19 -22

Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings

Cost Effective Construction

Cost-effective construction
The study showed that steel-based systems offer the cheapest and quickest forms of construction for commercial buildings.
Cheaper in steel For Building A, the study showed that the composite beam and slab system was the lowest cost option, closely followed by Slimdek . In Building B, Slimdek was the cheapest structural system, with composite beam and slab not far behind. In both buildings, the two concrete options proved to be the most expensive solutions. The cellular beam option is particularly economic in the In general, the variation in total cost of all the steel-based options is relatively small - and all are considerably cheaper than the concretebased systems. The cost of foundations is also relatively small for both buildings. Here again, the long span steel option offers further cost savings, since it incorporates fewer columns. highly serviced Building B, as the beams are perfectly designed for the integration of air distribution pipework.

The study results also show that the premium paid for long spans is relatively small. In Building B, the additional cost for such column-free space is about one per cent of the total building cost. This option provides open-plan interiors that offer total flexibility in the internal layout.

Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings

Cost Effective Construction

BUILDING A a four storey office building in Manchester with a gross floor area of 2,600m2 Elemental building cost per SQ M gross floor area for structural options
Code Description Composite beam and slab Slimdek Long span cellular beams Insitu concrete Reinforced concrete frame with precast concrete floors flat slab

/m2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Substructure Frame and upper floors Pitched roof Stairs External walls Windows and external doors Internal walls, partitions and doors Wall finishes Floor finishes Ceiling finishes Fittings Sanitary fittings and disposal Mechanical services Electrical services Lift installation Builders work in connection 25 71 20 19 70 99 33 16 63 25 10 44 97 85 42 33

/m2 26 90 20 18 67 99 32 16 63 25 10 44 97 85 42 33

/m2 26 91 20 20 77 99 35 16 63 25 10 44 97 85 42 33

/m2 37 118 20 18 67 99 32 16 63 25 10 44 97 85 42 33

/m2 34 101 20 19 71 99 33 16 63 25 10 44 97 85 42 33

Subtotal Preliminaries (approximately 13.00%) Subtotal Contingency (7.50%)

751 103 854 64

765 99 864 64

782 101 883 66

804 107 911 68

791 105 896 67

Total building cost/m2 GFA Construction period (weeks) Extra/(saving) in finance costs @ 6 % p.a. Net building cost/m GFA
2

918 42 -2 916

928 40 -3 925

949 41 -2 947

979 43 0 979

962 43 0 962

Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings

Cost Effective Construction

BUILDING B an eight storey prestige company headquarters in London with a gross floor area of 18,000m2 Elemental building cost per SQ M gross floor area for structural options
Code Description Composite beam and slab Slimdek Long span cellular beams Reinforced concrete flat slab Post tension ribbed slab

/m2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Substructure Frame and upper floors Pitched roof Stairs External walls Windows and external doors Internal walls, partitions and doors Wall finishes Floor finishes Ceiling finishes Fittings Sanitary fittings and disposal Mechanical services Electrical services Lift installation Builders work in connection 41 83 34 25 310 4 95 16 85 46 4 46 231 97 58 78

/m2 40 100 34 24 295 4 92 16 85 46 4 46 229 97 58 78

/m2 37 105 34 25 303 4 95 16 85 46 4 46 233 99 58 78

/m2 48 144 34 25 310 4 92 16 85 46 4 46 235 97 58 78

/m2 48 170 34 24 288 4 88 16 85 46 4 46 235 100 58 78

Subtotal Preliminaries (approximately 15.00%) Subtotal Contingency (7.50%)

1,253 178 1,431 107

1,248 178 1,426 107

1,268 176 1,444 108

1,323 198 1,521 114

1,324 200 1,524 114

Total building cost/m2 GFA Construction period (weeks) Extra/(saving) in finance costs @ 6 % p.a. Net building cost/GFA

1,538 67 -8 1,530

1,533 67 -8 1,525

1,552 66 -9 1,543

1,635 76 0 1,635

1,638 77 0 1,638

Rapid construction The speed of construction of steel structures was highlighted by the study. For both steel and concrete, the erection of the structure is a relatively small proportion of the overall programme time but steel was shown to be the faster option. For Building A, steel structural systems could be erected in six or seven weeks, compared with eight weeks for reinforced concrete systems. In addition, In Building B the differences were even more marked. Steel options took 13 weeks to erect, whereas reinforced concrete systems required 18 weeks. The long span steel option is the fastest construction system, since there are fewer pieces to assemble, requiring less use of the crane. all concrete frame structures need to begin later than the steel alternatives, since a ground-bearing slab must be constructed first.

10 Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings

Cost Effective Construction

Time-related savings Faster construction has additional benefits. It results in savings in the cost of site management and on-site activities. It reduces the cost of finance, since a shorter construction period reduces the time during which Building A - Time related savings
Structural form Composite beam and slab Slimdek Cellular beams Reinforced concrete flat slab Insitu concrete frame with precast concrete floors Frame (weeks) 7 6 6 8 8 Overall (weeks) 42 40 41 43 43

interest has to be paid. The rapid completion of a building also brings an earlier return on investment. New tenants can move in sooner, offsetting the cost of borrowing. Building B - Time related savings
Structural form Composite beam and slab Slimdek Cellular beams Reinforced concrete flat slab Post tension ribbed slab Frame (weeks) 13 13 13 18 19 Overall (weeks) 67 67 66 76 77

Additional measurements The tables below compare the finished structural dimensions and weights of each of the five construction systems for each building. These findings illustrate some of the merits of the different systems, but should not be considered in isolation. For example, Building A - Additional measurements
Structural form Beam and slab depth Overall floor zone Building height Area fire protection (m2/m2 floor area) 0.66 0.44 0.90 Basic steel frame weight per floor area (kg/m2) 35.5 34.1 44.4 Total steel weight per floor area

the weight of steel is only a crude measurement of efficiency - and does not take into account the reduced costs of fire protection and cladding and the ease of service installation.

(mm) Composite beam and slab Slimdek Cellular beams Reinforced concrete flat slab Insitu concrete frame with precast concrete floors 482 311 790 300 475

(mm) 800 600 1100 600 800

(m) 14 13.2 15.2 13.2 14

(kg/m2) 43.7 42.3 52.6

Building B - Additional measurements

Structural form Beam and slab depth Overall floor zone Building height Area fire protection (m2/m2 floor area) 0.69 0.42 0.74 Basic steel frame weight per floor area (kg/m2) 35.4 38.4 44.4 Total steel weight per floor area

(mm) Composite beam and slab Slimdek Cellular beams Reinforced concrete flat slab Post tension ribbed slab 490 320 800 300 500

(mm) 1200 1000 1100 1000 1200

(m) 31.2 29.6 30.4 29.6 31.2

(kg/m2) 37.4 40.4 46.4

Note: Total steel weight includes that required for wind posts, cladding rails, pitched roof, plant room, atrium roof etc.

Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings 11

The Value of Steel

The value of steel

Steel offers considerable advantages over concrete, making it the first choice material for large building construction in any location.
Minimal disruption Steel construction can dramatically reduce the impact of building activities on the surrounding area. This is particularly important in inner city locations or sites close to residential areas. Steel construction minimises noise and dust, shortens the construction period and reduces the amount of waste generated. Deliveries can even be timed to suit local traffic conditions and keep disruption in the area to a minimum. Flexible solution Long span steel construction reduces the number of vertical columns in a building and offers complete flexibility of internal layout. It means a building can be configured to incorporate any combination of large open-plan areas, individual offices, meeting rooms and corridors. All internal walls can be repositioned, allowing buildings to be adapted endlessly to suit the changing needs of their occupants. Also, if when contructed the building use changes, steel frames are easier to alter than the concrete alternative. Environmental benefits Steel offers a clean, efficient and rapid construction method, which reduces the impact of building activities on the environment. The small amount of waste produced is generally recycled, and all steel is potentially reusable. Today, around 40 per cent of steel is produced from scrap. Steel does not suffer from creep or shrinkage and, when properly protected, does not rot or decay. Built-in quality Off-site fabrication improves the quality of the building frame, since the majority of work is carried out under closely controlled factory conditions where it is not affected by on-site trades or the weather. All steel frames are prefabricated leading to a right-first-time build and minimising time and disruption on site.

12 Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings

Slimdek

Steel flooring solutions

Composite beam and slab 300mm and 400mm depth with a flat soffit and no downstands. Due to the encasement of the steel beam, the system has inherent fire resistance up to 60 minutes without the need for fire protection. Another key benefit of the system is the ease of service integration within the floor depth. Cellular beams Composite beam and slab is the most popular form of multi-storey frame construction in the UK. This fast, efficient, lightweight solution comprises of a shallow metal deck spanning, typically, 2.5m to 4.5m between supporting steel beams. The effective span range of the beams is 5m to 12m. A shallow concrete slab is cast on the decking and composite action between the beam and slab is generated by shear studs that have been welded through the decking on to the supporting beams. Cellular beams provide long clear spans offering The speed and structural performance, coupled with many other benefits, makes composite construction the preferred option for offices and other multi-storey building frames. Slimdek

Courtesy of Fabsec Limited.

tremendous flexibility of space. The effective span range is 10m to 18m. Web openings allow simple service integration within the structural zone. The beams work compositely with the floor slab and can be fabricated asymmetrically for improved efficiency. The beams are commonly treated with an intumescent fire protective coating, which is applied off-site as part of the manufacturing process. Modern fire protective coatings are thin build, but highly durable to withstand the rigours of transport and erection. The cost study investigated cellular beams as both primary and secondary members. For both buildings, the long span secondary beam option proved to be the most economic, so it is that arrangement which is included in this summary report.

Slimdek is an engineered shallow depth flooring system for multi-storey buildings. The system comprises of rolled asymmetric steel beams (ASB) supporting deep metal decking on an open grid up to 9m x 9m with no secondary steelwork. During construction, the ASB beam is encased within the concrete floor slab and composite action is generated without shear studs. This results in a floor of between

Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings 13

Appendix One

Appendix one Design parameters and assumptions

Common features The common features of the structural design of both buildings are as follows: They are designed for a specified imposed load of 3.5kN/m2, plus 1kN/m2 for partitions and 0.7kN/m2 for the ceiling, services and raised floor. Although these loads are slightly higher than required by the Building Regulations, they are typical of those specified in modern commercial buildings. Deflection limits are taken as defined in BS 5950 Part 1. Total deflections of the beams or slabs of all options are limited to a maximum of span/200 or, alternatively, a maximum of 60mm in the long span options. Deflection of beams supporting the glazed faade is limited to a maximum of span/500 or 25mm. In practice, deflections will be much less than these limits, owing to the stiffness of the connections. The natural frequency limit is taken as 4Hz with a response factor of 8 for a busy office. The planning grid adopted is 1.5m, and therefore column spacing and beam spans are generally based on multiples of this dimension i.e. 6, 7.5, 13.5 and 15m. The span of the composite slab is taken as either 3 or 3.75m, depending on the column grid. This necessitates a change in the deck profile where unpropped construction is used. Normal weight concrete is used for Building A, and lightweight concrete for the composite slab options in Building B. S355 steel (to BS EN 10 025) is used in the heavily loaded members such as the long span beams and columns. S275 steel is used for secondary beams, which are controlled by serviceability criteria. The 2002 Building Regulations also require that all buildings possess robustness through provision of tying action. This necessitates the placement of an additional insitu slab with reinforcement across the beams in the Slimdek and precast concrete options. The steel options for both buildings are designed as braced against wind load with bracing accommodated within the core area. In the concrete options, reinforced concrete shear walls or cores are used to provide stability. Fire protection is taken as board for columns. Internal beams and bracing members are assumed to be protected by intumescent coatings. For the cellular beam option in Building B, the intumescent coatings are applied off-site. In Slimdek the ASB beams are partially encased in concrete, and only require protection for more than 60 minutes fire resistance. The core positions are selected to offer the required escape routes and zones for vertical services. Their size is sufficient to accommodate lifts, stairways and vertical ducts and pipes. In Building B, the location of the vertical risers controls the horizontal distribution of ducts and can have an influence on the required depth of the construction. However, although the cores are located and designed on a simplistic basis, it is not expected that they will have a major influence on the final design quantities and costs. The ground floor is a reinforced concrete slab with under-slab thermal insulation in all cases. Additional concrete works are required for the lift shafts and basement area, which are common to all schemes.

14 Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings

Appendix One

Internal walls: Core walls are medium dense concrete masonry. Other walls are demountable lightweight steel/plasterboard partitions. Raised access flooring: Medium duty 600 x 600mm with loose lay carpet tile finish. Vinyl flooring to ancillary areas. Ceramic tiles to toilet floors and epoxy paint to plant room floors. The raised flooring is 150mm deep in Building A and 200mm deep in Building B to accommodate telecommunications equipment. Suspended ceiling: 500 x 500mm suspended ceiling with concealed grid. The ceiling grid is 1500mm square to match the structural grid. Toilets: Proprietary cubicles, modular duct panels and vanity units. Internal doors: Veneered solid core within a hardwood frame with stainless steel ironmongery. Internal finishes: Wall finishes are plaster/plasterboard with emulsion paint finish. Feature finishes: High quality reception area with perhaps some granite flooring local to the main entrance. Roof: In Building A, a portal frame supporting roof tiles is provided. In Building B, a steel roof enclosure is provided over the major air conditioning plant and lift motor rooms with louvered sides, where necessary. Elsewhere the roof is a ballasted flat roof.

Male/female toilets located together in opposite cores with additional toilets at ground floor level. Three 10-person lifts with a maximum speed of 0.6m/s are provided, each requiring a shaft size of 1.9m x 2.3m. Two lifts are located adjacent to the entrance lobby.

The building is generally open-plan but may be divided into individual offices with adequate day lighting and means of escape.

Means of escape is via 1100mm wide protected staircases at both ends of the building.

Building B The specific features of the structural design for Building B are: Occupancy level of one person per 10m2 of net floor area, which allows for a maximum occupancy of 1400. Net floor area may be taken as 80% of the gross floor area. The vertical risers in the main service cores occupy an area of 5m x 2.5m. Male/female toilets located in two cores, with additional toilets at ground floor level. The toilet units are 7.5m x 3.5m. Three 16-person lifts are provided and these are located adjacent to the entrance lobby. The lifts have a minimum speed of 1.6m/s and require a shaft size of 2.6 x 3.3m each. A motor room of 80m2 plan area will also be required. Two 10-person lifts are also provided in the other cores. The building is generally open-plan but may be sub-divided to include perimeter offices of 3m width and 4.5m depth. Internal heat gains are assumed to be 80W/m2 in the design of the comfort cooling system. Means of escape is via three 1100mm wide protected staircases, which are separated from the atrium. The maximum travel distance is 45m. Three 8-person fire-fighting lifts are provided, one adjacent to the entrance lobby and one in each of the main service cores. Each lift requires a shaft size of 2.5 x 2.2m. The atrium is provided with a mechanical smoke extract system. The costs do not include those for non-combustible glazing to the atrium walls. A detailed approach to fire engineering may provide alternative options, depending on means of escape and use of sprinklers, etc.

Staircases: The staircases are generally precast concrete with powder coated balustrades and hardwood handrails. Windows: Windows to Building A are openable aluminium polyester powder-coated double-glazed. The windows are to be 2100mm high with a sill level of 600mm above raised floor level. Windows to Building B are of the same specification, but are sealed. Building A The specific features of the structural design for Building A are: Occupancy level of one person per 10m2 of net floor area, which allows for a maximum occupancy of 200. Net floor area may be taken as 80% of the gross floor area (GFA).

Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings 15

Major Element Rates

Appendix two Major element rates

The unit cost rates used in this study are those found to be typical during the fourth quarter of 2003 for Building A in Manchester and Building B in Central London. The cost rates for some of the major elements used for the frame and floor costings in the study are included here for information but do not necessarily reflect current competitive pricing.
Building A Structural steelwork Universal beams Universal columns Cellular beams Asymmetric Slimflor beams - S355 Tubular wall bracing Tubular wind posts Fire protection Conlit Board Firecase S board Mandolite spray Intumescent coating for 60mins (on-site) Intumescent coating for 90mins (on-site) Intumescent coating for 90mins (off-site) Other structural items 19mm diameter x 100mm long shear studs A142 mesh reinforcement A193 mesh reinforcement Normal weight concrete slab - pumped Light weight concrete slab - pumped PMF CF70 steel floor deck Ribdeck E60 steel floor deck SD225 steel floor deck Reinforcement bar Concrete columns and walls - 400 x 400mm, reinforcement - 295kg/m3 - 600 x 200mm, reinforcement - 185kg/m3 - 450 x 450mm, reinforcement - 280kg/m
3

Building B

Unit Tonne Tonne Tonne Tonne Tonne Tonne 1,000.00 975.00 1,300.00 1,075.00 1,550.00 1,250.00 1,100.00 1,050.00 1,400.00 1,120.00 1,650.00

m2 m
2

9.50 16.00 8.65 10.50 23.00 32.00 20.00

m2 m2 m2 m
2

Each m2 m2 m2 m2 m2 m2 m2 Tonne

1.30 2.00 2.50 97.00

1.40

3.00 115.00 130.00

12.00 13.50 26.00 575.00 25.00 730.00

m m m m m
2

93.60 71.40 154.00 192.00 99.10 137.00

- 600 x 600mm, reinforcement - 200kg/m3 Reinforced concrete shear wall - 250mm thick Reinforced concrete shear wall - 300mm thick Concrete floor slab Reinforced concrete flat slab - 300mm thick Attached reinforced concrete beams - 200 x 400mm Isolated reinforced concrete edge beams - 500 x 825mm Bison precast concrete floor slabs - 400mm thick Reinforced post tensioned concrete slab - 150mm thick Attached reinforced concrete beams - 500 x 500mm Reinforcement interface between slabs and columns

m2

m2 m m m2 m2 m Each

81.20 48.80 165.60 51.00

100.00

125.30 160.00 240.00 310.00

16 Comparing the cost of steel and concrete framing options for commercial buildings

Support for the construction industry from Corus Construction and Industrial
Guidance on the design and use of structural sections and plates.
Corus provides free advice to the construction industry covering all aspects of the design, specification and use of its range of construction products. Corus Construction and Industrial manufactures structural sections and plates for building and civil engineering applications. Advice is provided by our team of qualified engineers with extensive experience in the design and construction of buildings and bridges. Specialist advice on fire engineering, durability and sustainability is also available. Our regional network of engineers covers the whole of the UK and Ireland and is supported by a dedicated design team based at our manufacturing centre in Scunthorpe. General enquiries on other products and systems manufactured by Corus will be routed to our Construction Centre who will direct you to the appropriate source of market and product expertise. Corus Construction & Industrial Technical Sales and Marketing PO Box 1 Brigg Road Scunthorpe North Lincolnshire DN16 1BP You can contact us as follows: Technical Hotline +44 (0)1724 405060 Facsimile +44 (0)1724 404224 Literature Line +44 (0)1724 404400 Email [email protected] www.corusconstruction.com

Front cover photograph: More London - Plot 1 Courtesy of Severfield-Rowen Plc

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Care has been taken to ensure that this information is accurate, but Corus Group plc, including its subsidiaries, does not accept responsibility or liability for errors or information which is found to be misleading. Copyright 2004 Corus

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