Steel Fabrication: Reducing the Costs of Structural Reinforcement
Posted on: 28 October 2021
Steel is a suitable material for reinforcing structures for improved strength and durability. For instance, steel is perfect for enhancing the performance of concrete columns, walls and even fences. Moreover, the metal allows for fabrication into custom shapes to match the unique requirements of any structure. Unfortunately, the cost of incorporating steel can be considerably high. Therefore, if you plan to use reinforcement steel, you should calculate the potential expenses with care to avoid compromising your budget. In addition, here are crucial guidelines for managing the total costs.
Avoid Unique Sizing
The cost of purchasing and fabricating reinforcing steel will be higher if you choose non-standardised materials. In simple terms, if the supplier of the structural products has to order custom materials for your project, the purchase price will be higher. For example, if the length of reinforcing bars is unique, a special order will be needed. Therefore, opt for readily available stock materials. Also, keep in mind that the custom fabrication of steel pieces of unique sizes is also more expensive. The fabricator might require more labour or specialised equipment for the work.
Choose Simplicity
The design of reinforcing steel elements should be as simple as possible. Therefore, when planning for your structure, consider the best approach to refining your design for a simpler appearance. Where possible, use the reinforcing materials in their original condition or with minimal modification. For example, when reinforcing bars are installed in concrete, the only fabrication needed is usually bending. Do not use a complex mesh or grid unless it is required. If you are uncertain about the requirements for your building, discuss the specifications with your contractor.
Use Plain Metal
ost people are afraid of incorporating steel into their structures because of the fear of rusting. As a result, when using structural steel, it is not uncommon for owners and developers to focus on treated steel materials. Treated materials are coated with protective layers to prevent corrosive reactions between the metal and air and water. However, this problem is not important or prominent when dealing with reinforcing metal. The steel serves a functional purpose, and the elements are often concealed. So, the treated material is unnecessarily expensive for most projects. Also, note that some coatings used for anti-corrosion effects affect fire-retardant treatments. Finally, you should discuss the possibility of avoiding factory fabrication of structural steel. Onsite manufacturing reduces transportation expenses and related inconveniences. Moreover, you will have more flexibility when working on the materials within the project space and installing them directly.
For more insight, contact steel fabrication services.
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