Custom Steel Profiles in Architectural and Structural Design
How profile geometry and manufacturing methods influence performance, constructability, and long-term sustainability
Sponsored by Stainless Structurals America
This course examines the role of custom steel profiles in contemporary architectural and structural design, with a focus on how profile geometry, material selection, and manufacturing methods influence performance, constructability, and long-term sustainability. As design teams increasingly pursue exposed steel, larger spans, and integrated structural systems, standard methods may not always align with project requirements.
Participants will gain an understanding of when and why custom steel profiles are used, how they are produced, and how they differ from conventional steel sections. The course presents real-world applications to illustrate practical considerations related to exposed conditions, corrosion resistance, structural efficiency, and coordination with glazing and façade systems. Emphasis is placed on informed decision-making and early collaboration between architects, engineers, and manufacturers to support design intent while meeting performance, design, and sustainability requirements.
Stainless Structurals produces and distributes stainless steel structural shapes and special custom profiles throughout the world. We produce profiles through a variety of manufacturing technologies, and our range of capabilities allows us to provide creative solutions in custom shapes, sizes, and alloys. Our technology allows us to produce shapes that have previously been impossible to make through traditional methods, which means that we are able to offer architects and designers unrivaled design freedom. Stainless Structurals is your profile solutions company. If you can dream it, chances are we can make it.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Recognize design and structural conditions in which custom steel profiles may be appropriate alternatives to standard steel sections.
- Discuss advantages regarding sustainability, environmental benefits, green initiatives, and HSW benefits.
- Describe how profile geometry and material selection influence structural performance, durability, and visual quality in exposed and integrated steel applications.
- Identify common manufacturing approaches used for custom steel profiles and understand how production constraints affect design and specification decisions.
- Evaluate architectural and structural applications where custom steel profiles support constructability, coordination with adjacent systems, and sustainability.
