When to Use Steel Solutions？

Structures have been built with concrete and wood for hundreds of years however a dwindling supply of old growth tree and environment concern has cause quantity to diminish. Today it is clear that there is a need for a new building material and steel has proven to be it.

• Highest strength to weight ratio of any building material
• Non-combustible- doesn't burn & will not contribute fuel to the spread of fire
• Inorganic-will not rot, warp, split, crack or creep.
• Dimensionally stable- does not expand or contract with moisture content.
• Consistent material quality- produced in strict accordance with standards
• High strength results in safer structure less maintenance & slower ageing of structure.
• Fire safety
• Not vulnerable to termites
• No additional preservative chemicals are required over & above the galvanizing process.
• Less probability of damage in high winds- stronger connection riveted & screwed versus nailed.
• Less Probability of damaged in an earthquake lighter structure with stronger connection results in less seismic force.

What is a Conceptual Solution? 

The development of a Conceptual Solution is a complimentary service provided by the Steel Solutions Center to demonstrate the viability of a steel framing system for a specific project. The Steel Solutions Center will evaluate the project requirements and develop a solution to meet those requirements using a structural steel system for the proposed building or bridge layout.

A Building Conceptual Solution can include:

• Framing system comparisons based on economy, ease of erection, and project schedule
• Floor framing bay studies and optimized column layouts
• Evaluation of steel framing systems for project-specific requirements, including low floor-to-floor heights and vibration 
• Member sizes and steel quantities based on past framing studies

A Bridge Conceptual Solution can include:

• Steel bridge superstructure designed per AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and limited State design criteria for Strength I, Strength II, Service II, and Fatigue limit states, as well as specific deck placement sequence and Constructability criteria
• A report that includes the recommended project-specific steel bridge structural details including typical cross-section, framing plan, girder elevation, suggested cross-frame or diaphragm types, and other concept details
• Controlling maximum performance ratio criteria and location, girder service bearing reactions, estimated structural steel quantities, and fabricator FOB pricing estimates for delivery to jobsite
• LRFD Simon input file used for analysis and design

Check out the sample Conceptual Solutions below for an idea of what we're able to provide and contact our Steel Solutions Center for a customized Conceptual Solution for your specific project.

Example Bridge Conceptual Solution

The conceptual solution and estimates for this project are based on parameters defined through bridge preliminary design information received and GDOT Bridge and Structures Design Manual. This conceptual study examined a continuous 2 - span steel bridge superstructure. The conceptual design is based on the Load and Resistance Factor Design method in accordance with the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specification, 9th Edition.

Bridge Conceptual Solution Example