This document provides an introduction to steel structures. It defines what a structure is as a combination of connected members that sustain and transfer applied loads safely to the ground. Structural engineering deals with analyzing and designing structures to resist loads. Steel structures are assembled from rolled steel elements connected by rivets, bolts or welds. Compared to concrete, steel structures have a smaller weight to strength ratio, faster construction, easier transportation and alteration, larger scrap value, and ultimate recycling ability.

1. Sanjivani Rural Education Society’s
Sanjivani College of Engineering, Kopargaon-423 603
( An Autonomous Institute Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune)
NAAC ‘A’ Grade, NBA Accredited, ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Unit I : Introduction to Steel Structures
By
Prof V M Mahajan (Asst. Professor)
Department of Civil Engineering
Email Id: mahajanvalmik@sanjivani.org.in

2. Introduction to steel structures:
2
What is structure?
It is a fundamental, tangible
or intangible concept referring
to recognition, observation, nature
and relationship of entities.
Civil engineering structures?
A combination of members/elements
connected together to sustain applied load and
transfer it safely to the ground.
Structural engineering?
Structural engineering is a field of engineering deals with the analysis
and design of structures that resist loads.

3. Introduction to steel structures:
3
 Structural design is classified is two categories as functional aspect
and strength aspect.

4. Types of structures:
4
a) Based on use of material:
i. Concrete structures
ii. Steel structures
iii. Composite structures
b) Based on analysis of structure:
i. Determinate structures
ii. Indeterminate structures
c) Based on load action of transfer:
i. Load bearing structures
ii. Framed structures

5. Steel structures:
5
 It is an assemblage of group of members or elements
expected to sustain loads and it’s transfer.
 Member are rolled to a basic c/s & worked to the desired
size and form in a fabricated shop or on a site.
 These elements are connected by using rivets, bolts and
welds to form a structures.

6. Comparison between steel & concrete structure:
6
Steel Concrete
1. Fabricated at shop/site and erected at
site.
Normally cast in situ
2. Standard rolled sections are available Control over shape of reinforced section
3. Smaller weight /strength ratio Higher ratio
4. Faster rate of construction Speed of construction & completion is less
5. Easy in transportation Difficult
6. Alteration can be done easily Less chances of addition and alterations
7. Larger scrap value Zero
8. Ultimate recycling can be done No recycling
9. Does not fail suddenly and will show
large deflections
Can fail suddenly & shows cracks and less
deformation are seen