Steel has modern, clean, and monolithic aesthetic qualities. It also ensures design flexibility and can be easily fabricated in different sizes. Steel has a unique combination of properties that makes it an ideal building material, says, Ar. Mandeep Manchanda, Principal Architect, Dzine Forum
Q. What are the major advantages of using steel vis-à-vis conventional materials?
A. Conventional materials are the traditionally used materials for construction. It is in a particular set of parameters. Steel framing lowers construction costs. Warranty on steel is more effective because it does not shrink, splits and warp. Conventional methods require a great deal of maintenance such as paint, shingles, siding, etc.
Steel construction ultimately cuts the cost in the longer picture. Stiffness, strength in both tension and compression and the ability to bend without cracking or breaking are inherent advantages. Steel buildings are much more resistant to fires, and it blends strongly with concrete. Steel has a unique combination of properties that makes it an ideal building material.
Q. How structural steel can be innovatively used in construction to provide design aesthetics and at the same time offer an economical solution?
A. Steel has modern, clean, and monolithic aesthetic qualities. The use of steel is growing for its attractive appearance, corrosion resistance and widespread design guidance and enhanced product availability. There is also design flexibility in steel. It can be easily fabricated in different sizes.
Q. What is your take on the variety of sections/ grades provided by our steel producers for various demands of creativity?
A. It is very clear that the industry will benefit from the use of steel structures, but we need to have widespread usage. For that, we need to have high-quality products, widely well trained and skilled labours.
Q. What trend are we going to witness in next 5 – 7 years, as far as designing structures with steel is concerned?
A. According to the current scenario, steel construction will grow by 8 – 10 per cent. This will prove to be a game-changer in terms of usage as well as overall improvement in the quality of our buildings. Steel structures provide a cheap, industrial, and quick alternative. The biggest trick is that it can be prefabricated, and chances of flaws are minimal.
Q. What should be the strategy of the industry in promoting structural steel construction in India?
A. Before considering the strategy, we need to overview the earlier building materials, work on the flaws, implement skill development and up-skill the workforce. We need to develop training programs for the labours and make them more skilled. Steel also needs to have collaborated with typical materials that can bring the cost of construction down. If we want the people to switch to steel structures, then foremost we need to bring the overall construction cost down.
Q. Which are the iconic steel specific projects executed by you?
A. One of my projects which I am presenting is a restaurant done in Jamshedpur, “Zing “. It covers an area of around 2500 Sq.ft. It has a lower floor with sitting arrangement and a mezzanine floor also which has a railing made up of metal square bars and TMT bars were also used for the staircase. All mezzanine and furniture structures were MS make.
