Steel structures play a vital role in various industrial and civil construction projects such as factories, warehouses, high-rise buildings, bridges, and more. However, to ensure that steel structures perform efficiently, maintain stability, and have a long service life, it is crucial to carefully consider and control various technical, material, and environmental factors.
In the article below, ATAD provides a detailed analysis of the key factors that impact the durability of steel structures—from the design phase to construction and operation.
1. Steel Material Quality – The Foundation of a Solid Structure
The steel used in structural applications must meet mechanical standards such as yield strength, tensile strength, ductility, weldability, and corrosion resistance. Choosing substandard steel can lead to brittle fracture, fatigue cracks, or rapid corrosion when exposed to harsh environments.
Key considerations include:
- Steel grade must match design requirements (SS400, SM490, Q345, ASTM A36, etc.)
- Verified origin and quality certificates from the manufacturer
- Material testing and inspection before fabrication
2. Structural Design – The Determining Factor for Safety and Longevity
An optimal steel structure design ensures both load-bearing safety and cost efficiency, facilitates easy construction, and adapts well to environmental conditions. Design errors such as incorrect load analysis, improper cross-section allocation, or inadequate vibration assessment can significantly compromise the structure’s stability and durability.
A good structural design should:
- Comply with design codes and standards (TCVN, Eurocode, AISC, BS)
- Be optimized while maintaining appropriate safety factors
- Simulate actual load conditions using specialized software like SAP2000, Tekla, or ETABS
3. Fabrication and Erection – The Execution Determines Quality
Even with the best materials and design, the structure may fail to meet durability expectations if the fabrication and erection processes are not technically sound. Common issues such as substandard welding, misaligned holes, warped cutting, or loose connections create localized weaknesses that can lead to structural failure.
Key technical requirements:
- Welding must comply with AWS or equivalent standards, with ultrasonic weld inspection
- Accurate cutting, punching, and drilling without material deformation
- Dimensional tolerances must be tightly controlled during assembly
4. Environmental Impacts – The “Silent Enemy” of Steel Structures
Steel is highly sensitive to environmental conditions, especially high humidity, coastal climates, industrial acids, or areas with extreme temperature fluctuations. Without proper protection, steel can oxidize, corrode, and suffer significant loss in mechanical strength.
Harmful environments include:
- Coastal areas: high salinity and sea breeze accelerate rusting
- Chemical plants: acidic fumes or SO₂ gases
- Regions with acid rain, high humidity, or freezing temperatures
5. Protective Measures and Maintenance – Prolonging Structural Life
Implementing anti-corrosion methods and regular maintenance helps steel structures retain their durability and minimizes future repair costs.
Common protective measures:
- Anti-rust coatings, three-layer epoxy or polyurethane paint systems
- Full hot-dip galvanization of components
- Periodic maintenance: weld inspections, repainting, bolt connection checks
6. Operational Loads – Using the Structure as Designed
Every steel structure is engineered to bear specific loads, including:
- Dead loads (self-weight)
- Live loads (machinery in operation)
- Environmental loads (wind, storms, earthquakes)
If actual usage exceeds the design load, it may result in overloading, deflection, or component failure.
Operational recommendations:
- Do not install additional equipment that exceeds load capacity
- Avoid load concentration at structural weak points
- Monitor deflection and deformation during long-term use
About ATAD Steel Structure Corporation
ATAD Steel Structure Corporation is one of Asia’s leading brands in the field of design, fabrication, and erection of pre-engineered buildings and industrial steel structures. With three state-of-the-art factories in Southeast Asia and a team of over 2,700 highly skilled engineers and technicians, ATAD has successfully completed thousands of projects in more than 60 countries worldwide.
We are committed to delivering comprehensive steel structure solutions – superior quality – cost optimization – on-time execution.
Contact Us for Expert Steel Structure Consultation
Are you looking for design or construction services for steel structures in factories, plants, logistics centers, or industrial projects?
- 📞 (+84) 28 3926 0666
- 📧 sales@atad.vn
- 🌐 www.atad.com.vn
