Innovative uses of steel structures

Due to its superior performance and affordability, steel has been widely used in the construction industry. The rapid growth of the steel industry has led to a significant development in its innovative applications. There are more and more innovative steel buildings that are constructed. This writing shall explore some of the most innovative uses of steel structures around the world.

1. An overview of steel structures

Steel structures are a type of building that use steel as the main material for support and framing. Steel buildings have become more and more popular due to a number of advantages such as strength, durability, flexibility, and so on.

First of all, steel structures are strong and durable, so they are suitable for constructions that require large spaces like warehouses, factories, and so on. Besides, their ability to resist fire, seismic force, etc means that they can provide a high level of safety and security. Steel material is also flexible, making it easy to be shaped into configurations that meet the demand of building owners.  

2. Innovative uses of steel structures

Thanks to its various benefits, nowadays, steel structures are commonly used in several types of buildings. This part shall explore some innovative uses of steel structures.

2.1 Art installations 

Steel's plasticity and versatility make it an ideal material for creating large-scale sculptures and installations that capture the imagination. Steel structures have been used to create large-scale art installations that attract visitors from all over the world. For example, the Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago's Millennium Park is a massive sculpture made of polished stainless steel that reflects the surrounding skyline and reflects the changing weather and light conditions. It has become a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Chicago.

2.2 Bridges

Steel is a popular material for building bridges because of its strength and durability. Its features make it ideal for constructing long-span structures that can withstand heavy loads and harsh environmental conditions. Innovative designs can create beautiful and functional structures, such as the Helix Bridge in Singapore. The bridge's design is inspired by the double-helix structure of DNA. The pedestrian walkway spirals around a central core, which is intended to represent the nucleus of a cell.

2.3 Solar power plants

Steel structures can be used to support solar panels in solar power plants. The panels can be mounted on steel frames that can withstand extreme weather conditions and provide a stable platform for the panels. For instance, Solar Star, one of the largest solar power plants in the world, located in Rosamond, California, consists of over 1.7 million solar panels mounted on steel structures. The steel structures were designed to withstand high winds and other extreme weather conditions in the area.

2.4 Sports facilities 

Steel structures can be used to build sports facilities such as indoor arenas and stadiums. The steel frames can provide clear spans for large spaces, allowing for unobstructed views and flexible layouts. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, USA, a multi-purpose stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, features a retractable roof made of steel that can open and close in just 12 minutes. The roof is made up of eight triangular panels that are supported by a steel frame.

2.5 Greenhouses

Steel structures can be used to build large-scale greenhouses for commercial agriculture. The steel frames can support the weight of the greenhouse structure and provide stability in windy conditions. An example of a greenhouse is Eden Project which is a large-scale greenhouse complex located in Cornwall, UK. It features several biomes made of steel frames and ethylene tetrafluoroethylene panels that allow in natural light. The steel frames provide the necessary support for the panels and allow for a variety of plant species to be grown in the different biomes.

2.6 Mining facilities

Steel structures can be used to build mining facilities such as processing plants and storage facilities. The steel frames can withstand the harsh conditions of mining environments and provide a strong foundation for heavy machinery. An example of a steel mining facility is The Escondida Copper Mine which is located in the Atacama Desert in Chile and is one of the largest copper mines in the world. The mine uses steel extensively in its construction, including for the processing plant, conveyor systems, and storage tanks. The processing plant consists of a series of crushers, mills, and flotation cells that refine the raw copper ore into usable metal.

2.7 Offshore platforms

Steel structures can be used to build offshore platforms for oil and gas exploration and production. The steel frames can be designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and provide a stable platform for drilling and production equipment. The Troll Platform, a natural gas platform located in the North Sea off the coast of Norway is the tallest structure ever moved by humans and was constructed using steel. The platform stands 472 meters tall and weighs over 1.2 million tons.

2.8 Communication towers

Steel structures can be used to build communication towers for cell phone and radio networks. The steel frames can support the weight of the antennas and provide stability in windy conditions. The Tokyo Skytree, a self-supporting steel tower located in Tokyo, Japan stands at 634 meters tall. It is the tallest tower in Japan and is used for television and radio broadcasting, as well as for observation and tourist activities.

Above is some information regarding innovative uses of steel structures. Hopefully, this article has provided you with useful information. Visit BMB Steel’s website to read more about pre-engineered steel buildings and steel structures. You can also contact us for design consulting and steel production services.