واجب ستيل علي نعيم

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Requblic of Iraq

Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Reseach


University of Technology
Civil Engineering
Structural Engineering Branch

-‫ املقارنة بني البناء ابخلرسانة والبناء ابحلديد‬-


The comparison between building with concrete
and building with steel

Duty ( Steel Design I ) 1nd Course

By
Ali Naeem Mahmoud
4th Stage / Morning Study

2019-2020

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1. Safety
 Concrete

Many experts have always been firm on the point that concrete is safest. It endures very
high temperatures for a long time. Concrete requires no additional fireproofing treatments
to meet stringent fire norms; and perform well during both natural and human-made
disasters. Due to concrete’s inherent heftiness, mass, and strength, it can resist winds of
more than 200 miles per hour.

Ductility is a must for structures with metal beams located in areas with seismic activities.
Moreover, with proper designing, engineering, and construction, concrete structures are
safeguarded against active volcanoes too.

With careful planning, concrete is somewhat ductile but, overall, is rather brittle and has a
massive carbon footprint.

 Structural Steel

Experts admit that steel structures can soften and melt with exposure to extremely high
temperatures. However, with additional passive fire protection, such as spray-on
fireproofing; steel metal beams can sustain higher temperatures and therefore, provide extra
safety.

A steel structure has strength and flexibility, and along with design and engineering, make
it a good choice in areas of seismic activities. It can also bend without breaking in high
winds.

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2. Cost
 Concrete

A significant cost benefit to concrete is the fact that its price remains relatively constant. On
the flipside, concrete also requires ongoing maintenance and repairs, meaning added costs
throughout the lifetime. Supply and demand may also impact the availability of concrete.
Even though it can be poured and worked directly onsite, the completion process can be
lengthy and accrues higher labor costs.

Insurance companies look favorably on cast-in-place reinforced concrete structures because


the safety and structural integrity reduce liability on their part. Owners and developers of
such concrete structures save nearly 25% annually on the costs of property insurance.

 Structural Steel

A majority of all steel manufactured today comes from recycled materials; ex- A992 steel.
This recycling usage makes steel cheaper compared to other materials. Although the prices
may fluctuate, it typically remains a less expensive option compared to reinforced concrete.

Off-site prefabrication reduces the labor costs as the crew won’t be required for long. The
metal beams arrive ready to erect, and there is little to none on-site metal work or wastage.

To get an accurate reading on which material is cost-effective, analyze current steel and
concrete framing prices on a project-by-project basis.

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3. Material Availability
 Concrete

In the early 2000s, there was a shortage of cement which is the holding ingredient in
concrete. This was due to massive construction needs in Florida which was hit by a gigantic
hurricane then. Shipping rates also shot up, and transport ships were of limited availability.
The result was another hike in prices and an unreliable supply of concrete for metal beams.

The impact of this shortage was most significant on small companies, builders, and
contractors – nearly every business involved in construction, with low cash reserves. While
cement companies began expansion with expected completion to increase domestic capacity
by 2008, the supply continued to suffer in times of natural disasters.

 Structural Steel

Steel availability has been the subject of discussion among experts for more than a few
decades later, with the blame on the expanding construction activity in Asian countries like
China. However, experts from the steel industry are eager to dispel the myth that there isn’t
enough steel to meet the ever-growing demand.

Nevertheless, the steel industry shows no shortage, even though there has been a substantial
increase in construction activity. Canada produced 14 million tons in 2017; 1.6 billion tons
were distributed worldwide.

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4. Weathering
 Concrete

With proper construction and care, reinforced concrete is water-resistant and does not
corrode. However, it is important to note that the steel reinforcement inside should never be
exposed. If exposed, the metal beams become compromised and rust easily, compromising
the strength of the structure.

 Structural Steel

Steel may erode when it comes into physical contact with water. If left without proper care,
it affects the safety and security of the structure. Professionals should care for the steel
structures with protective materials such as water-resistant seals and processes like paint
care. Fire-resistant features are included when water-resisting seals are applied.

5. Environmental Considerations
 Concrete

Concrete is a material often locally sourced and thus typically require minimal energy to
transport to building sites. Rebar for concrete is usually produced from recycled steel. At
the end of life, concrete can be crushed and recycled, but the recycled material can’t be used
for new building concrete.

 Structural Steel

85% of steel is recycled, a process easier made by the fact that magnets are used in the
process to sort steel. New steel made from scrapped steel uses about one-third of the energy
necessary for metal beams from virgin materials. Steel fabrication made be done at a
significant distance from a construction site, increasing the transportation cost.

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There are hundreds of choices that need to be made for any construction project. Making
the wrong decision could prove to be disadvantageous in the end. This is why one must
have confidence knowing that your builders are the best in town.

There will never be a definite answer as to whether a builder should choose concrete or
steel. The specifications of the project lend more insight into which construction material is
more fit in terms of its affordability, schedule, and the quality control it can provide.

In the end, it is important to consider the structure’s function and requirements. Those will
determine whether to choose steel or concrete. Contact us today to learn more about the
tremendous benefits offered by both materials.

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