mfstructural
Structural
- Feb 1, 2009
- 230
I wanted to start a thread on selection of structural systems and materials for new buildings/projects.
For example, let's say you get a set of preliminary plans from the architect to bid on. How do you decide what materials/structural systems to use?
Sometimes obviously the architect will designate a material, for example, they may want a particular building with masonry brick/CMU composite wall at the exterior.
Sometimes that's not the case, so what are the variables that would drive you to choose a given system over another. Like using steel framing with concrete on deck as opposed to a concrete flat plate construction? Cost? Ease of constructabllity?
Maybe someone has some rules of thumb they use?
For example, let's say you get a set of preliminary plans from the architect to bid on. How do you decide what materials/structural systems to use?
Sometimes obviously the architect will designate a material, for example, they may want a particular building with masonry brick/CMU composite wall at the exterior.
Sometimes that's not the case, so what are the variables that would drive you to choose a given system over another. Like using steel framing with concrete on deck as opposed to a concrete flat plate construction? Cost? Ease of constructabllity?
Maybe someone has some rules of thumb they use?