Resumen de Composite and Steel Construction compendium - Part 10: Integration of building services and structure

• Modern building services cost up to three times as much as the structural steelwork in a typical commercial building. Steel frame design needs to be considered in the context of the overall building cost, where early design decisions concerning structural layouts have a signifi cant impact on the building services.

  Having ductwork either integrated within the structural depth or simply suspended at a lower level aff ects the choice of member, fi re protection system, cladding and overall building height. Early discussions within the design team integrating overall building planning, structural framing and servicing strategy are essential for achieving an effi cient building design.