What Are the Methods for Steel Structure Design?

 

Structural steel drafting and design is the method of making the elementary framework of structures like bridges, buildings, skyscrapers, godowns, etc. Such frameworks made of steel need to be strong enough to endure different external forces and natural calamities like storms or earthquakes. These structures must withstand the roof load, the load of the floors, seismic forces, and other building constituents. 

In this blog, we will discuss the methods related to steel structural design and drafting used by the design fabricators. 

 

 

• Continuous Structural Design/Frame

 

Continuous building frames are used when the vertical structure is not an option, mainly for aesthetic or accessibility factors. Another advantage of continuous frames is the ability to reduce beam depths when, particularly in comparison to a simply supported frame.

In this design, the moment is transmitted between members. This assumes members are constrictive and rigid. Various software programmes are used to analyse this steel structure. Frames in this design can withstand horizontal forces without resorting to a supplemental bracing system for stabilisation.

Two significant benefits of this design are that the structures can perform better in earthquakes. And the beams used in this structure are less deep compared to that of the simple steel frames. 

 

 

• Semi-continuous Structural Design Frame

 

Compared to a simple construction design, the semi-continuous structural design frame supports reduced beam depths and weights. This is also the economical structural design and drafting type that minimises fabrication and framing charges. 

This framing is used for the wind moment method in the case of unbraced or foundationless frames. This is the process where the design frame bears the sideways or lateral wind loads. For supporting frames, on the other hand, the actual joint behaviour is considered in this process by reducing the lateral load implemented to the beam and the deflection.

 

 

• Simple Structural Design Frame

 

This has been the most common steel structure design style used in steel design and framing. In this, an assumption is made such that the moment is not transmitted from one member to the other member. Also, this method presumes that the design structure is pin jointed.

It is critical for the design engineer to recognise the assumptions about the joint response in this design. They also need to ensure that the connection specifics are such that there are no moments that would negatively affect the structural behaviour. To meet the main principle of the specifics in this design, the architect should refer to the basic joint connection in a simple structure.

 

 

• Plastic Structural Design Frame

 

This method is relatively new compared to the other steel structural designs. The plastic framing design is hard to put into action. One disadvantage of the plastic design is that the material's structural usability is restricted to the applied load. Determining the final load capacity and resilience of the joint in these designs is critical. 

When calculating deflection of the beam, sway deflections and stability, the rigidity of the joints should be utmost. Moreover, the plastic design frame is more cost-effective than simple and continuous steel design models.

 

Career As a Steel Structure Architect

A steel structure architect or a civil engineer specialises in the architectural integrity of different public constructions. They are known as structural design engineers because they undertake courses like civil engineering to learn the specifics of designing a building project. 

A design architect's primary goal is to ensure that a project can endure various types and levels of stress (incredibly natural calamities). They play a crucial role in the safety and efficiency of many urban developments. The main focus of such architects is generally divided into several issues, such as the initial design and framework, investment criteria, and the final construction.

The job of a structural designer also requires extensive communication with architects to determine the position, project dimensions and detailing of the structural members. A structural designer also monitors the worksite, considering the different stages, security, environmental, and historical factors that may affect the design specifications. 

You can be a part of the government sector, multinational construction design and construction companies, and or be your boss and work as a structural design consultant. This profession provides multiple satisfying potentials for both personal and societal growth. 

 

How Can You Upgrade Your Structural Engineering Skills with Skill-Lync?

Upgrading your skills is always an option if you wish to learn more about the field and advance in becoming an expert. 

Skill-Lync courses in structural design can help you upgrade your skills in the best possible manner. A few courses offered by us in this regard are - 

• Post Graduate Program in Bridge Design and Analysis
• Post Graduate Program in Precast, Prestressed and Concrete Structures for Bridges and Buildings
• BIM in AEC Industry using Revit Architecture
• Post Graduate Program in ETABS and SAFE Software for RCC, Composite and Precast Buildings

 

With the best-in-class course modules and support from the leading faculty members in the industry, you are sure to get a notch higher in an understanding of the subject with Skill-Lync. 

You must know that the Revit drafting software is integral in creating and managing digital structural models these days. Skill-Lync’s courses will offer you extensive knowledge of Revit designing and several other software.

 

Conclusion

A career in structural steel drafting and design could be the best way to have a successful career today in India and abroad. With an increase in the various types of building constructions, an add-on course with Skill-Lync in the same can help amp up your resume in no time.