Structural System ( Concrete or Steel)

[Kelly89]

Hello,

for long span beams ranging between ( 15m to 20 m), which is better to use steel beams/frames or use post tensioning concrete beams ?

Thanks

 

[Once20036]

What are the columns made of?

 

[Kelly89]

They can be either steel or concrete.

 

[jayrod12]

It is entirely location dependent most of the time.

Where you are located plays a large role in choice mainly due to material availability and skilled worker availability. Whether you are in a seismic zone or not also plays a factor.

You can't ask which is better because the answer is both, and it could be neither.

 

[KootK]

I'll assume urban North America just so we can move forward. Important local market factors aside:

If it's a roof, then steel. If it's a floor, match the material used elsewhere in the building. There are lots of exceptions of course.

We can be more helpful if you share more detail about your building. Where is it? What is the occupancy? How many stories? What materials are used elsewhere in the building? Is it all comprised of these long spans?



I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[Kelly89]

Its a University building of 4 storey and its located in the Gulf Region.

Spans in one direction are ( 20m,10m and 5m)typical for all floors

Concrete is the material used for other members

 

[KootK]

I see post-tensioned concrete beams in your future. And that's great as it performs well for vibrations etc.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.