WHY METAL CONSTRUCTIONS
What are composite constructions?
In composite constructions, composite structural elements are used. These are structural components whose individual cross-sections and sections are interconnected and function in unison:
- Metal beams (with extruded or welded cross-sections), hollow beams (in composite columns) or lattices
- Sections of non pre-stressed or pre-stressed reinforced concrete with tendons encased in the concrete.
Advantages:
Composite construction is the most modern construction method available today, and presents a number of significant advantages over conventional construction methods. These are:
- Lightweight and thin structures: The interconnected function of elements in a composite construction allows the use of components with relatively small dimensions, even in cases of high loads and large widths.
- Speed of construction: A high rate of construction is achieved, resulting in earlier operation of the building and a faster return on investment.
- Large width capability: Allows the creation of spaces with a lower density of support structures and thus presents many advantages in terms of interior layout configuration and variability of use. This includes both the ease of configuration and conversion of the usage of spaces, as well as a significant extension to the structures operational lifespan, which results in financial and environmental benefits.
- Eco-friendliness: the high degree of prefabrication involved transforms the construction site into a dedicated assembly area, via the timely delivery of prefabricated components. This is clearly a manufacturing method that significantly improves reliability and accuracy, due to the industrial manufacture of the basic structural elements.
Additional advantages:
- A direct benefit arising from the reduction in factory costs
- Reduces the dependency of construction work on weather conditions
- Reduction in the number of excavations and overall foundation volume due to lower weight
Additional benefits to consider:
- Reduction of construction site impact and pollution in densely populated areas
- Reduction of demolition/disassembly costs
- Excellent response to seismic stress
- Reduction in overall floor thickness, resulting in a reduction of the total height of the building for the same number of floors
- Ease of vertical or lateral expansion for an existing building
- Architecturally diverse and aesthetically pleasing structures that can be adapted to a variety of architectural applications