In previous articles, we have learned “What is steel structure?” and the types of steel used in construction. However, for practical application, individual steel components need to be linked together to form a complete load-bearing system. The way these components are organized and linked together creates types of steel structures different, each type has its own working principle, advantages and scope of application.
Understanding these structural systems is extremely important, helping architects and investors choose solutions that not only meet technical requirements but also optimize aesthetics and costs for the project.
Why is it necessary to classify steel structures?
The classification of steel structures based on diagrams and load-bearing principles helps us answer the core question: “Given the requirements of span, load and architectural shape of the building, which structural system is the most effective?”. Each structural system is a different answer to the load-bearing problem, and the right choice will determine the success of the entire project.
1. Frame Structures
Structure & Working Principle
This is the most common type of steel structure, made up of columns (vertical) and beams (horizontal) rigidly connected at joints. This structural system carries loads mainly through bending, shear and compression of the beam and column members.
Advantages and applications
- Advantage: Creates flexible, unobstructed usable space; easy to construct and manufacture; suitable for conventional rectangular shaped structures.
- Application: Extremely popular in construction steel structure factory, warehouses, office buildings, high-rise apartments, shopping centers. Most of the industrial and civil works that we see every day use this structural system.
2. Truss Structures
Structure & Working Principle
Truss structures consist of straight steel bars connected together at nodes (joints) to form stable triangles. Under the effect of loads, the truss bars mainly bear only axial tensile or compressive forces, helping to maximize the working capacity of steel materials.
Advantages and applications
- Advantage: Extremely material efficient, lightweight yet capable of large spans; high stiffness.
- Application: It is an ideal solution for projects requiring large spans such as gymnasium roofs, stadiums, exhibition centers, airport terminals, and railway and road bridges.
3. Arch Structures
Structure & Working Principle
An arch structure is a structural system with a curved shape, which bears its load mainly through compression along the curve of the arch. The entire load is transferred to the foundation at both ends of the arch.
Advantages and applications
- Advantage: The ability to span very large spans, creating interior spaces completely free of columns; bringing unique aesthetic and architectural value.
- Application: Often used in iconic structures such as steel arch bridges, aircraft hangars, exhibition buildings or specially designed sports halls.
4. Suspension & Cable-Stayed Structures
Structure & Working Principle
This is a structural system using high strength tensile cables as the main load-bearing member.
- Cable-Stayed Structure: Cables are tensioned from one or more towers to support bridge girders or roofs.
- Suspension structure: Using two parallel main cables, sagging between two large towers, to suspend vertical cables that support the entire structure below.
Advantages and applications
- Advantage: The most efficient structural system to span extremely large spans (thousands of meters); creating light, graceful and iconic structures.
- Application: Mainly used for famous large sea and river bridges in the world. Also applied for roofs of giant stadiums.
Quick comparison table of steel structure types
| Type of Structure | Main bearing principle | Ability to overshoot | Typical applications |
| Frames | Bending, Compression | Medium to Large | Factory, High-rise building, Office |
| scaffolding | Pull, Compress | Large to Very Large | Stadium Roofs, Bridges, Stations |
| Roof | Compression | Large to Very Large | Arch Bridge, Aircraft Hangar |
| Treo | Scissors | Very big | Cable-stayed bridge, Suspension bridge |
WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE HAI LONG CONSTRUCTION AS A STEEL STRUCTURE PRODUCTION AND INSTALLATION UNIT?
With more than 25 years of experience in the field of manufacturing & erecting steel structures, Hai Long Construction is proud to be Leading reputable unit, providing customers with complete construction solutions, meeting all needs and requirements.
- Team experienced engineers, architects and experts, knowledgeable about the design and construction of warehouse factories according to international standards.
- Diverse construction capacity, meeting all project sizes and requirements, from simple to complex factories.
- Possessing a system of modern machinery and equipment, ensuring fast, accurate and safe construction.
- Professional construction process, is strictly managed.
You are looking for one Prestigious and professional steel structure manufacturing and erection unit? Please contact Hai Long Construction for free consultation and quote:
- HAI LONG CONSTRUCTION JOINT STOCK COMPANY – MEMBER OF TAIYO GROUP
- Address: Taiyo Building, 97 Bach Dang, Ha Ly Ward, Hong Bang District, Hai Phong City, Vietnam.
- Hotline: 084 6625 888
- Email: info@hailongjsc.vn
