Advantages and Disadvantages of Steel as a Construction Material

Advantages of Steel:

Ø  Steel member have high Strength per unit length.
Ø  Steel is a ductile material and hence does not fail suddenly.
Ø  Steel members are light in weight & hence easy to handle & transport.
Ø  Steel structure has long life.
Ø  The properties of steel mostly not change with time.
Ø  Steel has high scrap value among all building materials.
Ø  Structural Steel are Tough i.e. They have both Strength & Durability.
Ø  Steel is Ultimate reusable material.

            Disadvantages of Steel:

Ø  Steel structures are subjected to corrosion hence required frequent painting.
Ø  Steel Structures required Fire proof treatment which increases the cost.
Ø  Steel is costly material.
Ø  It required skilled labours for erection.
Ø  Steel Structures does not give pleasing appearance as compared to concrete structures.
Ø  Strict supervision is required to take care strength of joint.
Ø  The Strength decrease with increase in Temperature.
Ø  The maintenance cost of steel is also high.
Ø  Electricity may be required during erection.