For thousands of years, man has created architecture and created buildings and urban monuments that are considered among the wonders of the world. He also excelled in design and decoration to produce creative paintings that are studied to this day. Keeping pace with development and technology, engineers have invented a new method of construction that has many advantages, including Light Gauge Steel construction, which has spread strongly throughout the world and has surpassed concrete construction in some Arab countries. Therefore, the focus here will be on several points related to Light Gauge Steel due to its distinction as the latest construction technology that is currently being used and is expected to spread strongly in several countries that are interested in keeping pace with development and concerned with the technical and economic aspects of modern construction.
the definition :
Light Gauge Steel or Cold-formed Steel is considered one of the latest modern construction techniques. It is an iron structure made of mild steel that is treated by cold and is assembled in laboratories and then transported to the target site to create a modern-style building. It was given this name because it is not exposed to heat in ovens or welding. The shape of the structure consists of columns and bridges that are covered with cladding materials that help with sound and thermal insulation. It is the latest type of light steel iron.
Advantages of building with Light Gauge Steel :
Due to the presence of many challenges and obstacles in building according to the old system, and in application of the common saying, necessity is the mother of invention, Engineers invented construction with Light Gauge Steel because it has many features that suit people’s social lives and are compatible with climate conditions and changes. The most important of these features are:
- Light and easy to transport and install.
- Anti-rust, which increases its lifespan to more than 150 years.
- High efficiency of thermal and sound insulation.
- An excellent environmental friend as it is resistant to earthquakes due to its light weight.
- It is fire resistant and easy to recycle.
- Saves time, It saves about 70% of time compared to building with the old system, and it also saves time in extensions and finishing later.
- economical provider, It saves more than 20% of construction costs and is easily configured into any geometric shape.
- The error rate is much less than the error rate in concrete construction, as it is strong, does not break, and is not affected by shocks.
- The possibility of building additional floors, especially in old houses, due to the light weight of Light Gauge Steel compared to concrete steel
- It helps in completing the construction of chalets, farm houses, and workers’ housing due to the low cost, speed of construction, durability, and civilization.
- Solving the housing problem, which is considered the biggest obstacle for low-income young people about to get married, by obtaining housing units in record time and at a low cost that suits their difficult economic situation in light of the many economic crises spreading around the world.
- Highly resistant to germs and bacteria.
- It is characterized by high quality and solidity, especially in building walls and structures.
It is worth noting that this technology began to spread strongly in European and Asian countries and recently in the Arab Gulf countries due to the speed of its completion in projects and its ability to adapt to various types of soil that differ from one environment to another.
Defects :
Despite all the advantages mentioned above, it is worth noting some disadvantages in building with Light Gauge Steel , the most important of which are:
- Some companies exploit the novelty of this technology by imposing exaggerated costs on customers.
- Difficulty in modification after completion of construction, Flexibility lies during the design, as companies care about the customers’ desire to provide them with appropriate privileges during the design, but after the completion of construction, the doors and windows cannot be demolished or expanded.
- The idea of building with Light Gauge Steel is considered a very modern technology and is not widely spread in many countries, which creates fear of trying it and many consider it a risk that they prefer to avoid.
- There are few companies working with this modern technology, especially in developing countries.
- The level of the building in which LGS technology is used is lower than other buildings.
Recommendations:
It is clear that the advantages of building with Light Gauge Steel overwhelm construction with concrete systems, so it is better to spread it to reach the largest possible area in all countries. It is also recommended to qualify the workforce to increase production and develop expertise and skills to advance this modern technology to the best stages. It is worth noting that attention was paid to the target group by providing basic information and explaining the information in a simplified manner to encourage them to keep pace with developments and be reassured about their lives and their money. The role of the state in quality control and engineering offices in imposing appropriate costs for all parties cannot be ignored.
