![]() ![]() Where the initial budget estimates of steel frame costs are not realistic, the wrong frame solution can be selected at a higher cost of not only the frame but potentially also the related building elements. Therefore, although the period of time to identify and select the best value frame is not a long one, it should not be rushed.īy its very nature therefore, the decision is commonly based on outline design proposals, with a limited amount of information available to the cost consultant. Where there is a programme to be maintained, this is almost impossible to achieve. To do so would involve going back over design stages already completed and will involve most of the design disciplines. ![]() The importance of realistic steel pricingĪs the selection of frame material is a key design decision and impacts on so many related building elements – foundations, finishes, wall to floor ratio and cladding to name but a few – once the decision has been made and design has progressed, it is disruptive and generally abortive to make fundamental changes to the frame type or form. Through a consideration of a number of key factors and consultation with the market and supply chain, budget structural steel estimating can be quickly and successfully tailored to specific projects. Steel’s high market share for multi-storey buildings of around 65% and a review of recent industry trends highlights the importance of maintaining current, market tested cost advice for structural steelwork. Anecdotal stories point to design decisions being made on the basis of non or poorly adjusted historic steel rates, suggesting that the complexities of the industry and the significance of key cost drivers are not necessarily widely understood. Steel frame costs are also heavily affected by project specific key cost drivers, such as programme, access, spans and building form, making accurate adjustment of recently tendered rates or cost models difficult.įor those with limited previous experience of steel framed construction, the unique characteristics of the sector may not be immediately apparent. ![]() This is a challenging task as the cost of structural steel may fluctuate through the economic cycle, and reconciling material price information with returned tender prices is not always straightforward. ![]() While the decision on frame type for most developments will not be based on cost alone, it is nevertheless a key consideration in the decision making process and it is vital to support informed decision making with realistic cost information at this early stage, before refining during the detailed design stages. Once selected, the frame material is unlikely to change, as to do so can have significant programme implications from the consequential impact on the design of other major elements, such as cladding, service installations etc. This has been developed further with information from a series of articles written by AECOM, also published in Building Magazine, from 2017 onwards.Ĭomplex service routing through and between steel beamsįor most projects, the decision on the frame material choice and form happens early in the design process, often on the basis of early design principles, limited information and budget costings. The information presented here is based on a series of articles written by Gardiner & Theobald LLP, and published in Building Magazine from October 2011 to October 2016. Through the identification of the key factors relevant to each project and the adjustment of typical rates accordingly, the accuracy of budget structural steel estimating can be significantly improved. This article outlines a number of key cost drivers that must be considered in order to make steel frame rates project specific, and provides guidance on current cost ranges for different building types and locations. This selection should be based on project specific costings, and the challenge to the cost consultant is to recognise and reconcile fluctuations in material prices in relation to returned tender price data all in the context of limited available design information during early estimates. Cost is a fundamental consideration in the selection of structural frame material and form, which is a key early decision in the design process. ![]()
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