Steel Space Frame Maintenance Challenges & Long-Term Cost Management
Introduction Steel space frames offer great strength, large spans, lightweight, and architecturally appealing visual appeal. However, maintaining these advantages requires addressing several maintenance challenges and considering long-term cost management. Mastering these challenges can save significant repair costs and extend the life of the structure. Common Maintenance Challenges for Steel Space Structures 1.Corrosion & Rust Steel is susceptible to rust in environments exposed to humidity, sea breezes, or chemical vapors. Inadequate protective measures (galvanizing, powder coating, or corrosion resistant coatings) can reduce the metal's cross-sectional area and lower its load-bearing capacity. 2.Thermal Bridging & Energy Loss Steel is a highly conductive material. Without proper insulation and sealing in the structural design, energy can be lost through the steel components, leading to heat loss in winter and difficulty dissipating heat in summer. 3.Fire Resistance Issu...