|
Prefabricated, pre-engineered steel buildings have come a long way over the past four decades. Improvements in design and function, stronger calculations for wind load, a better selection of styles and amenities have brought steel structures to the forefront of the building industry. Gone are the links to the past where steel structures were just ugly sheds dotting the landscape. Steel is being employed for 21st Century agricultural applications, clothing stores, aviation schools and many other functions.
The introduction of the employment of all-steel buildings began in the early 1900’s. One of the first applications was that of a car enclosure. The building was so successful that soon its range grew. Known as both durable and thrifty, steel began to be used for small businesses and storage structures.
Farmers and ranchers in the 1920’s found it beneficial to use steel over wood. Wood attracts pests, and farmers had enough pests to worry about. Steel structures being impervious to pest habitation began popping up as barns and grain sheds. Steel remains popular for agricultural uses today.
The initial type of pre-fabricated buildings applying a rigid framework assembly came about in the 1940’s. As the key ingredient for the steel structure’s frame system, rigid frameworks were established to be a durable and strong construction style. This steel system is still in use today, being a popular style of building for many projects.
Larger and more diversified steel structure systems at lower cost were practical for businesses. An advantage of a quick construction period also added to the allure. Steel hangars rapidly started to dislodge formerly constructed airplane hangars of traditional methods after the 1940’s. By the end of the 1940’s, increased size and design versatility developed in steel structures.
During the mid 1950’s, a group known as the Metal Building Manufacturers Association was started. For steel buildings, this organization normalized the industry. Beginning a push towards modernization and attracting a broader customer base. The pre-engineered steel building industry has grown markedly with one million dollars in new projects concluding in the 1950’s. By the end of the twentieth century, that market had grown to higher than two-point-five billion dollars!
Commercial-grade steel will continue to grow. The ushering in of the 21st Century has shown an increase in steel prices on the market. Not withstanding these cost escalations, a good number of individuals, businesses and industries, as well as organizations are still designating high-grade steel as their building material of choice because it’s economically-sound compared to conventional building materials.
| 
