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Steel Designers' Manual - 6th Edition (2003)
Chapter 2
Multi-storey buildings
by ALAN HART and PHILIP PEACOCK
2.1 Introduction
The term multi-storey building encompasses a wide range of building forms. This
chapter reviews some of the factors that should be considered when designing
the type of multi-storey buildings commonly found in Europe, namely those less
than 15 storeys in height. Advice on designing taller buildings may be found in the
references to this chapter. 1–5
2.1.1 The advantages of steel
In recent years the development of steel-framed buildings with composite metal
deck floors has transformed the construction of multi-storey buildings in the UK.
During this time, with the growth of increasingly sophisticated requirements for
building services, the very efficiency of the design has led to the steady decline
of the cost of the structure as a proportion of the overall cost of the building, yet
the choice of the structural system remains a key factor in the design of successful
buildings.
The principal reasons for the appeal of steel for multi-storey buildings are noted
below.
• Steel frames are fast to erect.
• The construction is lightweight, particularly in comparison with traditional
concrete construction.
• The elements of the framework are prefabricated and manufactured under
controlled, factory conditions to established quality procedures.
• The accuracy implicit in the manufacturing process by which the elements are
produced enables the designer to take a confident view of the geometric properties
of the erected framework.
• The dryness of the form of construction results in less on-site activities, plant,
materials and labour.
• The framework is not susceptible to drying-out movement or delays due to slow
strength gain.
• Steel frames have potential for adaptability inherent in their construction. Later
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