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Rajesh Maheshwari, head of Technical Marketing (Coated Steel), Tata BlueScope Steel, expounds on the eco-friendly virtues of steel: “Earlier, steel-making processes used to be energy intensive; but over a period of time, energy inputs per tonne of steel have been considerably reduced by process innovations and improvements. Steel can be used as a more eco-friendly material as it is 100% recyclable and provides great opportunities for reuse. At times, it can be reused without any modification. Similarly, its consumption can be reduced, e.g. by using thinner, higher strength steel instead of thick, low strength – which in turn further improves other related efficiencies. Steel processing also provides opportunities for the use of eco-friendly chemicals. For instance, the usage of shot blasting instead of pickling; or water as a solvent in a paint system instead of hydrocarbons.”
Penny-wise
“We’re evolving as an industry,” insists Malik. “Now, the client examines capital expense vs. operational costs and makes an informed decision.” The construction of steel structures is quick, saving on installation costs and ensuring early occupation of the building.
The lifecycle cost of steel is also less due to reusability and recyclability. Another facet to a structural steel framework is that, in its exposed form, it doubles up as a design element for the interiors as well, negating the application of an elaborate interior design and thus compensating costs.
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Adds Amin: “Using steel can reduce construction time by about 30%. By using good steel structural design, INSDAG (Institute for Steel Development & Growth) has recently proved that a 40-storey building can be built at a cost 10% lower than otherwise.”
The downside expressed by developers and architects alike is the additional cost of fireproofing steel. Instances where budgets are high do not pose a hindrance to costs, and the best intumescent coatings may be used. Shabbir Kanchwala, VP Project Coordination, K Raheja Corp, Mumbai, opines that it is cost-effective to build in steel when the material is procured in large quantities for infrastructure projects – but not when a variety of steel sections are required in small and medium quantities for a residential building.
Vivek Garg, Senior Associate Engineer with Mahimtura Consultants Pvt. Ltd., among the oldest structural engineers and architects involved in large-scale design-build projects, refutes the notion that steel structures are 2.5 to 3 times more expensive than conventionally-built RCC structures. Speaking about the lifecycle of a residential or commercial building, he maintains that one needs to look at costs through a wide-angled lens to obtain a clear view.
The Hybrid Persona: Steel has a wonderful quality to contrast and combine with different materials to form composite structures. “The need for steel in a structure is immediately felt when you have to refurbish an old building, connect two buildings, add elements of design like space frames, canopies, create a central atrium, a lightweight freestanding interior staircase, elevational features and the like without additional dead load on the structure,” says Seema Puri, an upcoming architect who is working with steel elements as hybrid combinations with glass and concrete.
Steel with concrete makes for the best composite design and is most prevalent. Whilst steel coated with fireproofing agents constitutes a stand-alone feature, it is often encased in concrete to offer additional strength and longevity. Steel augments formal architectural language when partially exposed in combination with different materials like wood, glass and fabric.
Several architects are fascinated with the material, but deterred by the costs of fireproofing steel or even bogged down by the dearth of a skilled workforce. This is where a composite design effectively fulfils all parameters of design vs. cost. Dome, Arch, Hexagon, Polygon are shapes that can be fabricated as per requirement and can be clad with polycarbonate sheets, fibre sheets, toughened glass, etc. Combinations of steel with wood, with glass, with fabric are aplenty and can be commonly seen at malls, hotels, parks, etc. Again, the visual impact is determined by the strength of its design.
Future Stock
The extent of awareness and knowledge is a clear indication of the positive and negative sway of this pendulum. While some builders who are majorly into the residential segment feel that steel merely adds on to their costs and does not offer flexibility in design, those involved in large commercial and corporate set-ups prefer the alternative of a steel structure.
The bottom line lies in predetermination and relevance of design and not in mindless aping: what type of building is being built and for what purpose; does the design really merit the use of steel and to what extent - as a core feature or a hybrid element; availability of a skilled engineering team; timeline of the project, budget and the like. As Alimchandani reaffirms, “In India, structural steel is being used more often in building projects, as recycled steel is an effective sustainable solution for green buildings.
The demands of better quality and greater speed of construction makes steel a more viable material. Of course, steel fabrication requires greater skilled labour and more complex manufacturing; but as the construction industry in India progresses, more refined steel structures would grace the urban skyline.”
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