There are many advantages to Steel Framing Systems (SFS) and this modern method of construction (MMC) scores highly in the core considerations of cost, time and sustainability.
Steel framed buildings have been around in the UK since the Ritz Hotel (London) was completed in 1908 and ever since then the construction industry has been working hard to reduce weight and cost on site. Steel Framing Systems (SFS) consists of light weight cold-rolled sections resulting in savings both in weight and cost.
Costs can be saved in many ways by utilising SFS, from reduced foundations, lower labour costs due to less time on-site and saving on transport due to significantly less deliveries.
All projects are time critical and this is another area where SFS comes to the rescue. SFS is around 33% quicker than blockwork and takes the façade off the critical path. Sustainably is so important and making sure we protect our environment for the future is crucial. Thankfully Steel is 100% recyclable and an SFS system can reduce the number of deliveries by over 90% therefore reducing the need for fossil fuels and providing savings.
Benefits of SFS are:
• 75% quicker to install over blockwork
• No hot-rolled support required unlike blockwork
• Material is not part of the fire triangle
• Not affected by wood eating in sects
• Doesn't warp or rot
• System allows for movement of floors and facades
• Supports both the inner leaf of plasterboard and the outer façade
• Is able to achieve a high level of thermal performance
• Is lighter than blockwork or timber, therefore reducing foundation costs.
SFS allows for the construction of prefabricated panels and modules offsite under factory-controlled conditions, further reducing the time required on-site. Factory produced panels are highly accurate and easy to assemble on site with no site waste.
Early involvement with Ayrshire Metals and precise foundations are key with this form of construction. To gain the most from modular construction, it is best to start the design with this in mind and create as much duplication room-to-room as possible so that the minimum number of module designs are involved.
Ayrshire Metals have carried out fire testing gaining up to two hours fire rating on its SFS systems, this coupled with the ability to achieve a high thermal U-value makes it the right choice for your project. SFS can be utilised on nearly any type of building from schools to apartments, hospitals to offices, and student accommodation to hotels. SFS doesn't just support a brickwork outer leaf but also render, cladding panels, terracotta tiles and more, therefore, providing the substructure to many different façade types to meet the architectural requirements for your project.
Early involvement and free indicative designs will help get your project started on the right path, making sure the structure is value engineered from the beginning. Ayrshire Metals' engineers and sales team are on hand to assist you with every stage of getting your project from concept to completion. Get in touch to find out how we can help you.
For more information visit: www.ayrshire.co.uk
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