Cold shaping steel applications are found since 1850, both in the United States and in Britain. However, the North American law applicable to the LSF only began to take the first steps in the decade of 40 in the twentieth century. Another great impulse was given in the 80’s when the timber industry we’re forbidden to cut trees in older forests. This led to the decline of wood quality employed in construction and large fluctuations in the price of this raw material. In 1991, the timber used in the construction rose significantly in a few months which led many builders to move on to use steel immediately.
After this explosive but poorly structured start, associations of technicians and builders were created and the LSF became professionally regarded. Today is incomparably easier to work light steel than just fifteen years ago. The system is in development and is largely employed in building buildings in the most developed countries, such as the USA, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Northern Europe, and South Africa. Many countries have begun to use the metal structures even those with little tradition in this area. One of them was Brazil, and nowadays there are already several constructions scattered throughout Europe that have adopted this system. We really believe that this type of construction will be the future in terms of construction.
The inclusion of Light, or slight or light, indicates that the steel elements are of low weight
The word Steel indicates the raw material used in the structure, the steel.
The word also refers to the processes used to interconnect the aforementioned structural elements, structure
The fact that the structure in LSF has less weight than conventional structures allows the construction to be substantially faster; Gaining in construction time, also gains in the cost level; Finally, because the structure is lighter reduces the loads on the foundations, decreasing the possibilities of occurrence of settlements, which avoids future problems such as cracks and others. Also one of the advantages in relation to the weight is in the rehabilitation of buildings or even the increase of 1 or 2 floors, since the load exerted on the existing structure will be substantially smaller.
If in one hand it is true that the workforce in this type of work is more specialized and consequently more expensive, the fact is that it is commonly stated that in reality, the cost is going to be less expensive because of the fewer workers that will be contract.. The speed of construction, already mentioned in the previous point also throws the favour of price competitiveness; Using the LSF, it avoids the use of formwork which by norm also weighs significantly in the construction of traditional dwellings.
Also mentioned in the first point the lightness of the material as cause for the speed of construction; The non-execution of concrete structure, it is not necessary to wait for the time of drying, and avoiding the work of formwork and decoding, allows not to consume time in these activities that are not necessary with the LSF system; and estimated that these times are reduced by more than 50% compared to conventional construction.
Combining the previous points, it is easily perceived that less manpower will be needed and that the necessary, will be much less time in work than if it were a traditional construction; The money that is saved in labor can be partially invested in the materials of the finishes, thus allowing to increase the quality of the housing, and investing in better thermal and acoustic insulations, thus achieving lifelong go saving some Money.
It is in this aspect that one of the main advantages of the LSF system resides. Imagine living in a perfectly air-conditioned environment but without having to spend a fortune in heating or cooling, not to mention the health that provides residents of a house in LSF. This is the comfort of a housing with steel structure.
In a conventional work how much water is lost during construction? How much wood does it waste in the formwork process? How many means of transport, and consequent fuel consumption, are necessary for transporting so many heavy materials? How much noise is provoked at the scene, spreading through the neighborhood? How much weight is thrown over the soils, especially in the case of slopes or unstable terrain? How long does the workplace work in the working phase before its completion? How much of the materials employed, including Sands, are actually coming from companies that are certified and concerned with sustainability? And we’re still only referring to the period of the work.
Now think of an LSF construction. The weight of a wall in LSF can be less than 10% of the weight of a wall with double-walled masonry cloth on both sides. Imagine the energy savings achieved only in the transportation and lifting of materials. The waste of on-site materials is minimized, drastically reducing the amount of debris to be removed at the end of the construction process.
In addition, the use of mechanical clamping systems, the application of quick-drying mortars for external plasters, the facilitated placement of piping and electrical conductors due to not being necessary the opening of swivels and still many other techniques Easy and fast use in LSF buildings, considerably reduce labor and, consequently, the time required to complete the work, decreasing noise, constant movement of vehicles and other impacts in the vicinity. In all the work, water is practically unnecessary. All materials used in the structure and thermal insulation come from certified companies, world giants who care about the environment and dedicate much of their research to sustainable development. And after you are ready, how much energy will you spare for owning a properly insulated house? Since the plaster regulates the internal humidity, what impact will it have on your furniture, electrical equipment and, above all, on the health of your family? If you have to make changes, how much of the material to be removed can be reused? Did you know that the totality of the materials used in the structure and thermal insulation of an LSF building can be recycled or reutilized in full? Think about it: both steel and concrete or brick have a lot of energy incorporated, that is, energy used in the manufacture of the material, however, the steel has its use justified by the possibility of recycling. The OSB plates are produced exclusively with trees planted for this purpose using only young and small diameter specimens, which allows the frequent replacement of the forest. And these are just a few examples.
Once ready, how much energy will you save by having a properly insulated house? Since plaster regulates indoor humidity, what impact will this have on your furniture, electrical equipment and, above all, on your family’s health? If you have to make changes, how much of the material to be removed can be reused? Did you know that all materials used in the structure and thermal insulation of an LSF building can be fully recycled or reused? Think about it: Both steel, concrete or brick, have a lot of energy incorporated, that is, energy used in the manufacture of the material, however, steel has its use justified by the possibility of recycling. OSB boards are produced exclusively with trees planted for the purpose using only young and small diameter specimens, which allows for frequent replacement of the forest. And these are just a few examples.
The low weight of steel and other materials used in the LSF, make this constructive method ideal for rehabilitating or remodeling old buildings. Especially in certain urban areas, some of them difficult to reach as in the historical center of certain cities, the use of lighter materials reduces the difficulties of transport and elevation. Also, the low weight of the materials employed, often eliminates the need to reinforce the structure of the building. In some cases, this advantage makes the LSF the only possible alternative to dividing spaces or adding a new floor. The LSF shows to be especially advantageous in replacing wood floors or already degraded roofs.
The LSF structure is extremely resistant and superior to any other constructive method, having a lifetime of several hundred years. Soon the maintenance in this type of buildings is much smaller, and whenever it is necessary to make some intervention the cost is reduced due to its simplicity.
Contrary to what some think, in the vast majority of times the structure of an LSF building is not prefabricated. The entire process has studies by engineers and architects as a masonry construction. A building or a bridge may have concrete or iron structure, but the approval or financing processes are the same. The same happens in a dwelling. That is why there is no standard that prevents financing by the banking entities.
Yes, any project can adopt the construction system in LSF. A building with structure in LSF does not have to be designed specifically with this constructive system in mind. Still, there may be advantages if the architect has any knowledge of the potentialities of the metal structures.
Usually, it is in the finishing and equipment levels that make the difference in values. Typically, a housing with steel structure is marketed sensibly at the same price as a common house. The advantage of the LSF system does not reside in the price but rather on what the client obtains for the same value. That is, instead of paying so much manpower for the construction of your house pays more in raw material thus achieving the best thermal values of the market. Once a ready-to-go house will be able to do a lifelong saving.
Excess water vapor from the occupant’s breath and the use of hot water causes moisture in the walls and glass as a result of condensation. Since cement and brick are good thermal conductors and absorb moisture easily, the environment is required to be constantly heated to avoid these condensation, which not only blackens the walls due to the proliferation of fungus, as shown to be extremely harmful to health. In a house in LSF, insulating materials are used that, by themselves, maintain the environment at a temperature that avoids such problems. Additionally, all interior walls are lined with plasterboard which, being porous, can absorb excess moisture in the air returning it to the environment when it is drier. The relative humidity of the air is thus maintained at its correct level by protecting the walls, furniture, appliances and other finer objects. And most importantly, protecting yourself and your family.
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