Achieving Higher Quality in High-Density Residential: the Strengths of Structural Steel
Prefabrication and Modular Construction
Prefabricated and modular systems using efficient construction techniques have been developed to speed up building construction. Reducing the amount of labor spent on site begins with choosing the right systems during the design phase.
Photo by Kessler Photography
PREFABRICATED LOAD-BEARING WALL PANELS
2040 Market Street in Philadelphia, completed in 2012, utilized modular load-bearing Integrity Wall™ Panels and lightweight Ecospan composite joist floors to convert a vacant office building into apartments over a ground level retail space. The load-bearing wall system combines 4-inch hollow structural steel shapes (HSS) in the form of prefabricated panels that are designed to fit within interior partitions. The lightweight nature of open web steel joists and their cost effectiveness make them a viable solution for projects with a limited construction budget. Floor joists designed for high-density residential construction are typically spaced at a minimum 24 inches on center, supported by beams or bearing walls which transfer loads to columns. A 12-inch joist with a 2.5-inch concrete slab on metal deck can span approximately 30 feet in average conditions. Columns are smaller when supporting lighter weight, allowing for greater usable floor space. Reduced loads on the building foundation translate to greater cost savings. The lightness of the structural system for 2040 Market Street allowed eight additional floors to be built on top of the existing building. The floor plate was also expanded to maximize the usability of the site area.
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