Metals are a popular construction material and they can be used to create a wide range of buildings. They have a great strength to weight ratio and are extremely durable and can withstand a lot of pressure.
There are many different variations of metal that can be used in the construction industry including iron, copper and aluminium. This article will cover each of these metals and their use cases.
Steel
Steel frames have become the most popular choice in building construction, mainly due to their incredible durability. A single steel bar 1 inch in diameter can hold up to 20 tons, which makes steel structures significantly more durable than other types of buildings. Steel is also flexible, able to bend without cracking, which can prove useful in circumstances like earthquakes and heavy winds. This flexibility is due to a trait known as plasticity, which is the ability of structural metals to deform rather than crack.
Steel is also environmentally friendly. It can be recycled several times without losing any of its strength or ductility, and it is resistant to corrosion and oxidation. Because of this, steel-framed buildings tend to have a lower environmental footprint than other types of buildings.
Lastly, steel frames are termite and pest-resistant, which can save builders on maintenance costs down the road. However, this resistance comes with a few drawbacks. For one, steel framing can be expensive to install. Additionally, working with steel requires specialized equipment and safety protocols.
Despite the initial investment, the advantages of steel framing can more than make up for this cost. The prefabrication process allows for faster construction, which in turn leads to reduced project timelines and helps businesses start generating returns on their investments sooner. Additionally, steel frames can be clad with a variety of materials, which provides designers with greater architectural freedom. Steel framing can be built using conventional or advanced steel fabrication methods, such as cold-formed or automated welding. Conventional fabrication involves cutting and assembling steel components at the construction site, whereas automated welding uses computer-controlled machines to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Copper
Copper is often found in the pipes and tubing used in a building’s water systems, especially for heating and cooling. It is malleable, and can be easily formed to create complex designs. It also has antimicrobial properties, killing any pathogenic microbes. Its ability to conduct heat and electricity makes it a popular choice for electrical wiring.
Alloys containing copper are popular in building, including bronze (copper and tin), brass (copper and zinc), nickel silver and Monel metal, which contain a significant amount of nickel; and stainless steel, made from chromium and nickel. All of these metals offer strength, durability and beauty in construction.
In addition to providing structural integrity, copper’s colouring and natural patina make it a beautiful architectural material. It is often used in decorative finishes, such as doors and window frames. It is also being used as an energy-efficient cladding. Its natural insulating properties keep buildings warm and reduce the cost of heating and cooling. It is a key element of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green rating system, and is often recycled from building waste.
Modern architects have long incorporated copper in their projects, including Frank Lloyd Wright, who specified copper in all of his buildings; Michael Graves, who used it in over 350 structures; Eero Saarinen’s Deere and Company building, built with pre-patinated copper; and Marianne Dahlback and Goran Mansson, whose Vasa Museum in Stockholm features 12,000 square meters of copper cladding.
Today, companies such as Alucobond produce cutting-edge aluminum composite materials to fit the facades of many different building shapes and sizes. These panels can be custom-colored to any RAL shade and are easy to process and install. They are also incredibly durable, with the ability to resist corrosion and provide a long lifespan.
Aluminium
Aluminum is one of the most versatile metals available to builders and manufacturers. It is both light and strong, with the ability to withstand extreme weather conditions such as storms, high winds and horizontal tremors. It is also easily molded into different shapes for use in the creation of building facades, cladding and other structural elements.
Extruded aluminum cladding can be manufactured in a variety of finishes to suit architectural styles and thematic colorways. It is one of the most popular options for modern buildings and can be used as a contemporary contrast against stone or brick. It is highly sustainable and long lasting, with the added benefit of being 100 percent recyclable with no loss of quality or strength.
Unlike steel, which can be difficult to work with during fabrication, aluminum is a softer material that is easier to shape. This makes it a better choice for architects and builders that are designing more unique or complex building designs. It also provides greater flexibility and a superior strength-to-weight ratio than other framing materials.
Another important factor in choosing aluminum frames is that they can be fabricated to withstand hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes. These natural disasters are not only devastating to buildings and homes, but they can also cause structural damage if the frame cannot flex with the powerful force of the wind or tremors. Aluminum is designed to withstand these forces because it can bend slightly under pressure and then return to its original structure without breaking or collapsing.
Aluminum frames are also a smart choice for commercial spaces, such as offices or retail areas. Studies have shown that workers are more productive and happy in spaces that are well lit, provide access to natural scenery and allow them to move around freely. These benefits make the choice of an aluminum framework a smart and economical decision for commercial space design.