There are several differences between composite construction and conventional construction. In fact, many potential clients come to us with numerous questions about these two building methods. So, we have prepared for you an article with all the necessary details and information on the advantages and disadvantages of each construction method.
Why choose composite construction over conventional construction
There are many reasons to choose composite construction over conventional construction, the former being clearly superior. Composite constructions can have unrivaled architectural designs, mainly because they offer unlimited options for openings. More specifically, with composite construction, we have the possibility to create buildings with large openings without intermediate supports. This is usually not possible in a reinforced concrete structure.
Another important reason to choose composite building construction is its extra anti-seismic properties. In fact, the structural elements of metal constructions are produced in specialized factories that have all the appropriate certifications. For all other construction materials (concrete, stone, wood), durability is checked on the construction site or technician’s workshop. Therefore only structural steel exhibits a specified, uniform and stable durability. In short, it is a more reliable building material.
There are even more anti-seismic properties of composite structures. Most importantly, metal building structures are lighter than conventional ones. This adds up to a major advantage: the effects of an earthquake on a building depend on a seismic coefficient and on the mass of the building, consequently on its weight. Therefore, the lighter a structure, the less it is stressed during an earthquake and the less permanent deformations it receives.
Finally, even in the case of damage caused by an earthquake, the replacement of the elements of a composite structure, i.e. the metal columns, beams, etc. is a process that can be completed in just a few days. This comes in contrast to concrete structures where potential damage to a column cannot be repaired individually.
Of course, there are many more reasons to choose composite construction, which are evident by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each construction method.
Advantages of composite building construction
Here are some details on the advantages of composite building construction:
- Columns and beams made of high-quality steel, shield the house against earthquakes.
- Easy and quick damage repair.
- Freedom in architectural design, with the ability for large single spaces without pillars and columns.
- Ideal for the construction of multi-storey buildings without the use of oversized metal elements.
- Lower weight superstructure favors vertical extension.
- Composite construction houses are completed in half the time than conventional ones.
- Reduced social security levy in Greece (50% less than in conventional projects).
- Lower foundation costs due to the smaller loads that are imposed on it.
- No transportation costs since the metal frame is manufactured on-site and also erected on-site within a few hours.
- Prolonged construction lifespan.
It is worth mentioning that at Smart Building, after years of experience and research in the field of construction and in collaboration with the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), we have established external thermal insulation incorporated into composite constructions.
Thanks to external thermal insulation, we achieve low energy consumption levels that follow the relevant restrictions recently set by the Greek building code (KENAK) for the issuance of a building permit.
A thermal facade embraces the exteriors of the building. In this way, the changes in the external temperature are obstructed from going through the building materials that do not have any thermal insulating properties by themselves (in prefabricated houses the insulation is enclosed in the middle of the masonry).
Disadvantages of composite construction
Naturally, every construction method has advantages and disadvantages. In the case of composite buildings, one of the significant disadvantages to consider is that their construction requires specialized knowledge and excellent technical training.
For example, the construction of the load-bearing body requires welding which can only be done properly by certified professionals, who are quite hard to find in our country. However, at Smart Building we have all the necessary experience and expertise along with certified professionals who are able to ensure excellent results.
A second disadvantage of composite constructions compared to conventional building, is reduced fire safety. Metal buildings do meet all fire safety standards, but conventional construction exhibits greater resistance in the event of a fire. In addition, damage depends on the extent of the fire, which, in a metal structure, can distort the basic frame, which requires significant restoration work,
Advantages of conventional home construction
Conventional construction is the most familiar way of building compared to more modern options, such as composite constructions, pure metal buildings, and prefabricated double-wall buildings. It’s mainly so popular because it’s considered the most tested and well-known construction method in Greece.
As mentioned above, a key advantage of conventional construction houses is that they offer high levels of fire safety. Even if exposed to a large fire for a long time, the building can be repaired without significant damage to its basic structure, which is not always the case in modern construction methods.
In addition, conventional construction offers greater ease regarding the placement of heavy objects on the walls, while composite buildings need to have included such details in the initial architectural study. In simpler words, because the walls in a conventional structure are more robust, one can place heavy objects with less care. When it comes to the masonry of composite construction, it’s advisable to have included corresponding support in the frame.
Finally, depending on the building and its needs, conventional construction can offer greater levels of sound insulation. This of course depends on several factors. However, as a general rule of thumb, conventional houses offer better sound insulation.
Disadvantages of conventional construction
Two of the main disadvantages of conventional construction are the time and the cost of implementing the necessary works. In particular, the fact that the load of a conventional construction is greater, it’s more expensive to build the foundation as well as the overall construction. In addition, the social security levy is higher than in composite construction.
Regarding completion time, a general estimate is that for a house of around 100m², a period of 240-260 days is required, compared to the 90-150 days that the corresponding metal building construction would require. The overall construction time can be especially important when it comes to commercial spaces since every day is interpreted as lost revenue for the business.
Additional disadvantages of conventional construction are:
- Lower earthquake protection and resistance.
- Shorter lifespan.
- Limited architectural design due to smaller openings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the advantages offered by composite over conventional construction are quite significant. This is the reason why more and more people prefer the first option. However, as we always emphasize, every building is different.
In order to decide which construction method is suitable for each project, we have to analyze a number of factors, including the type of building, area, soil conditions, etc.
The best way to choose the most advantageous and efficient home-building solution is to contact us. We will examine all the factors and details, and recommend the method that will offer you the maximum benefits.