Common Steel Structure Forms in Construction
Edit by:Ellermann Steel
With the rapid development of the construction industry, steel structures have gained significant attention as an essential building form due to their diverse structural types. Below is an overview of several commonly used steel structure forms, along with their characteristics and applications.
Portal Frame Structure
Typically spanning from 18 to 36 meters, with the potential for extension in special cases, the portal frame structure is widely used in industrial plants, warehouses, aircraft hangars, and sports halls. It provides a spacious, column-free space to accommodate equipment placement and traffic flow, making it an ideal solution for efficient construction in industrial and public buildings.
Grid Structure
With spans ranging from 30 to 100 meters, or even wider, grid structures are preferred for large public buildings such as sports arenas, exhibition halls, theaters, and waiting halls. Their expansive interior spaces offer comfort for large-scale events, showcasing the advantages of steel structures in public building applications.
Shell Structure
Spanning from 30 to 200 meters, shell structures are crucial in large public buildings like planetariums and swimming pools. Their excellent mechanical properties allow for the precise realization of complex architectural shapes, making them a perfect fit for buildings with specific functional requirements.
Truss Structure
Generally spanning from 12 to 60 meters, truss structures excel in applications such as bridges, crane bridges, and industrial plant roofs. They ensure structural stability while enabling large spans, maintaining the stability and reliability of projects.
Frame Structure
Offering flexibility in span, typically ranging from 6 to 18 meters, frame structures are commonly used in multi-story and high-rise buildings such as office buildings, hotels, and apartments. Their flexible spatial layout meets diverse functional needs and serves as a foundation for urban development.
Suspension Structure
With the ability to achieve spans ranging from 100 to 1000 meters, suspension structures are often used for large bridges and specialized buildings such as conference centers and exhibition halls. Known for their impressive spanning capabilities and unique structural aesthetics, they are a signature solution for large-span buildings.
Membrane Structure
Spanning from 10 to 100 meters, membrane structures shine in applications such as sports venues, landscape architecture, and gas stations. Their light and transparent qualities not only meet functional needs but also impart a distinctive visual appeal to the buildings.
These common steel structure forms, each with its distinct advantages, will continue to play a key role in future building projects. They will contribute to the construction industry’s advancement toward higher quality development, driving innovation and progress in building technology, while providing solid and reliable structural support for a wide range of construction projects.
About Ellermann Steel
Ellermann Steel is a leading company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and installation of steel structures. With a deep commitment to quality and innovation, we provide comprehensive steel solutions for a wide range of construction projects, from industrial facilities to large-scale public buildings. Our expertise and advanced technology ensure that every project is completed with the highest standards of safety, durability, and efficiency. Let Ellermann Steel help you bring your vision to life with reliable and sustainable steel structure solutions.