In current times, the world and technology are developing at a rapid pace. In the construction industry, the changing trends and technology are influencing how projects are constructed. Different structural solutions and materials are used due to these changing factors. Nowadays, there is a great extent to consider in construction- such as cost-effectiveness and sustainability. When considering these factors, construction steel seems like an effective choice for the future. Here at Weldform Structures, we provide high-quality perspectives on structural solutions for your project- using construction steels in our standard practices.
Understanding Construction Steels
Before exploring the future, let’s understand the foundations of construction steels. Also known as structural steel, this material is a low-alloy steel that is used for multiple projects. For example; building constructions, ships, excavators, bridges, cranes and other machinery. Today, it is an essential material in construction- known for its stability and versatility.
Market Growth Forecast
There are many predictions for the global market for construction steel. By 2033, the construction steel is predicted to reach a market valuation of $166 billion! Evidently, there has been a growing demand for its application across a variety of operations.
Manufacturing Process
The current advancements in manufacturing processes are influencing the contemporary structural steel industry. Two notable developments include the adoption of electric arc furnaces (EAFs) and the zero slag process (ZSP), originating in Japan. Electric arc furnaces is a process that uses 100% old steel to produce new steel. This type of manufacturing is appealing due to its reduction of energy consumption and carbon emissions. Simultaneously, the Zero Slag Process is a new technology with a focus on minimal impurities in raw materials, consequently decreasing the slag production during the steel-making process. Since slag disposal is costly and environmentally harmful, this process is beneficial by presenting significant cost savings and environmental benefits for steel producers.
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
In the construction industry, the coolest steel buildings are created using Building Information Modeling (BIM) due to its advanced technology. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process that involves construction professionals to plan, design and construct a structure. The BIM packages accumulate data from a variety of construction management packages and packages – collecting a construction project’s data. BIM objects store the data and make up the BIM model. The data is shared in the common data environment which is used for all stages of a building process. In the future, BIM will continue to become more sophisticated for buildings that may be 4D, 5D or even 6D!
Future Steel Structures
Advanced technology will influence steel structures – making them smarter and more adaptable. Potential implementation of sensor technology and data analytics can monitor structural health in real-time. Furthermore, adaptability will improve through faster construction times, less waste and greater scalability. This enables an easy expansion, modification, or relocation.
3D Printing Steel Structures
As technology advances, 3D printing is one of the incredible advancements that are revolutionising manufacturing. New applications of 3D printing to structural elements at an equivalent level to structural steel are still developing. However, it is believed that future steel structures could be printed on-site.
Sustainability of Steel
Sustainability is a critical concept now and in the future. Sustainability concerns have become a crucial conversation in the construction industry. Therefore, to address this issue- the steel construction industry has to adopt eco-friendly methodologies. Eco-friendly practices are recommended like; optimisation of fabrication processes, and recyclable options.
Key Takeaways
The future of construction steel is an exciting revolution for the construction industry. Many new technologies and trends are emerging rapidly – increasing efficiency, effectiveness and other benefits. Given construction steel and its importance, its future is worth investing in and learning about. Contact us for any further information so that we can provide suitable structural solutions!