Advantages and Disadvantages of Steel Construction:

Steel is one of the most widely used materials in structural construction, because of the following advantages:

(a) It has got high strength and lighter weight to carry the same load.

(b) It has an improved service life and durability.

(c) It is simple to handle, fabricate and erect at site.

(d) Pre-fabrication or shop-fabrication is easier.

(e) Can be easily dis-assembled and re-used without much loss.

(f) Further strengthening by joining additional elements is easy.

(g) Inspection at site is quick and easy.

However, there are certain disadvantages:

(a) Steel is susceptible to corrosion, and frequent anti-corrosion measures like painting, etc. is essential; hence regular maintenance costs are quite high.

(b) Steel is expensive to manufacture from the natural iron ore, and rolling them into structural shapes further enhances the cost.