What Is a Steel Structure?

A steel structure refers to a framework in which the main components—such as beams, columns, bracing systems, and other elements—are made of metal, particularly steel. Due to their high strength, resistance to various forces (such as earthquakes and wind), flexibility, and long lifespan, steel structures are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as in large-scale infrastructure projects such as bridges, industrial sheds, and towers.

Types of Steel Structures

  1. Structural Steel for Buildings:
    Steel Frame Buildings:
    Commonly used in multi-story buildings such as towers and commercial complexes.
    Industrial Sheds:
    Large steel structures designed for factories, warehouses, and sports halls.
    Steel Bridges:
    Bridges made of steel, capable of bearing heavy loads—especially useful in civil engineering and road construction projects.
  2. Industrial Steel Structures:
    Refinery and Petrochemical Structures:
    These include foundations and supports for heavy industrial equipment in refineries and petrochemical plants.
    Power Plant Structures:
    Used to support equipment such as turbines and generators in power plants.
  3. Special Steel Structures:
    Offshore and Marine Structures:
    Includes oil platforms and offshore frameworks designed for marine environments.
    Retrofitting and Strengthening Structures:
    Used to reinforce existing buildings or to provide seismic strengthening.
سازه فلزی

Construction Stages of a Steel Structure

  1. Design and Engineering:
    Preliminary Analysis and Calculations:
    Structural design is carried out based on architectural drawings, engineering calculations, and load analysis (e.g., seismic, wind, and dead loads).
    Preparation of Shop Drawings:
    Detailed execution drawings are prepared for manufacturing and assembly.
  2. Material Selection:
    Steel:
    The primary material due to its high strength and flexibility.
    Special Alloys and Materials:
    In specific applications, corrosion-resistant alloys or lightweight materials such as aluminum may be used.
  3. Fabrication:
    Cutting and Shaping:
    Steel sheets and profiles are cut and formed using specialized machinery to meet the required dimensions and shapes.
    Welding:
    Components are joined together using various welding techniques.
    Initial Assembly:
    A trial assembly is performed in the workshop to ensure dimensional accuracy and proper fit.
  4. Transport and Installation
    Transport to Site:
    The fabricated components are transported to the construction site.
    Erection of the Structure:
    Components are installed using cranes and heavy equipment, following the execution drawings with precision to ensure stability and durability.
    Final Connections:
    Final welding and bolted connections are completed to stabilize the entire structure.
  5. Inspection and Final Testing:
    Weld Inspection:
    Non-destructive tests (NDT) such as radiography or ultrasonic testing are performed to verify weld quality.
    Strength and Stability Testing:
    Structural integrity and load-bearing capacity are tested post-installation.
  6. Final Coating and Protection:
    Anti-Corrosion Painting:
    Steel surfaces are coated with anti-rust paints and protective finishes to prevent corrosion.
    Insulation (if required):
    Thermal or acoustic insulation is applied when needed.

Design and Construction of Steel Structures by Rabin Sazeh Pardaz

Rabin Sazeh Pardaz, leveraging its technical expertise and industry experience, provides a complete range of design, construction, and fabrication services for steel structures—delivering the highest quality within the shortest possible time.