With its unique advantages, steel-structured buildings have gradually expanded their application in various fields, especially in commercial, industrial, agricultural and other fields. The advantages of steel structure buildings, such as short construction period, light structure, strong earthquake resistance, and recyclability, are also applicable to steel-structured houses, but the development and promotion of steel-structured houses have always faced some problems and obstacles. Here we explore some of the problems faced by steel-structured houses and whether steel-structured houses are worth promoting.
Challenges faced by steel-structured houses:
High cost: Although steel-structured houses have many advantages, the initial investment cost is still relatively high compared to traditional brick-concrete houses and wooden houses. Moreover, the price of steel fluctuates greatly, which is difficult to be accepted by developers and ordinary consumers. Therefore, the first challenge facing steel residential buildings to be more widely promoted is the price issue.
Low public awareness: Steel-structured buildings mainly appear in commercial, industrialized and temporary forms in daily life, making them difficult to be accepted by the public as residences. Consumers are accustomed to traditional buildings. The promotion of steel-structured houses still needs more education and publicity, as well as government policy support, to gradually improve people’s awareness and acceptance of it.
High fire and corrosion resistance requirements for steel structures: For residential buildings, fire prevention, corrosion prevention, earthquake resistance, and sound insulation are inevitable requirements, but the cost of steel-structured buildings will increase if they meet all the requirements. If part of the cost is saved in the early stage, the maintenance cost in the later stage will increase. Therefore, the promotion of steel-structured houses is still very challenging.
Advantages of steel-structured houses:
Fast construction speed: Steel-structured houses are prefabricated in factories and installed on site, which is about 50% faster than traditional buildings.
Strong earthquake resistance: If steel-structured buildings are well earthquake-resistant, their earthquake resistance is stronger than traditional buildings, which is of great significance for resisting huge natural disasters.
High space utilization: The cross-section of steel structure components is small, which can save about 8% of the building area and improve space utilization.
Environmental protection and sustainability: Steel can be 100% recycled, reducing construction waste, while reducing the use of cement and bricks, reducing carbon emissions, and complying with the concept of green buildings. Moreover, installation is quick and simple, reducing noise pollution.
Promotion prospects of steel-structured houses:
Market demand: Steel-structured houses have their advantages and meet environmental protection requirements. With economic development, there will be a certain market demand for steel-structured houses even if the price is relatively high. Especially for earthquake-prone areas, steel-structured houses are a very necessary choice.
Policy support: Steel-structured houses belong to green buildings, and the promotion of steel-structured houses can hide steel for the people. The support and subsidies of national policies can help promote steel-structured houses.
Technological progress: With the improvement of fire prevention and anti-corrosion technology, the safety and durability of steel-structured houses will be greatly improved. It is conducive to the promotion of steel-structured houses.
At present, steel-structured houses may be difficult to promote on a large scale, but steel-structured houses have obvious advantages, are in line with the development trend of future buildings, and belong to green buildings. With the continuous progress of the country and the improvement of people’s cognition, I believe that steel-structured houses will develop to a certain extent.
