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Has Any Steel Building Collapsed From Fire?

Has Any Steel Building Collapsed From Fire

There have been mixed opinions about steel buildings collapsing from fire and the potential for a disaster in the U.S. 

If you have been wondering if such an event has happened in the past and if so what the results were, then this blog is for you.

Are steel frames safer?

Steel buildings are sturdy, reliable, and almost always the most cost-effective structure for a building. Not only are they affordable, but they are also long-lasting and can withstand a high amount of weathering.

A steel building is not only less expensive to erect than a traditional building, but it is also more affordable to maintain. The metal construction resists corrosion and rust, which can cause costly damage over time to buildings made with other materials. And, since steel buildings are not as affected by extreme weather conditions, they can often withstand powerful storms and high winds that would cause traditional structures to suffer serious damage.

Another big benefit of steel buildings is that they can be put up relatively quickly. In some cases, the building can be constructed in as little as a week. This speedy erection time means that businesses can get up and running in a shorter amount of time, saving them money in the long run.

Due to the many advantages that steel buildings offer, they have become an increasingly popular choice for businesses of all sizes. From small shops and restaurants to large corporations and industrial plants, steel buildings are a sensible option for any business.

Steel frames and fires

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there have been fires in steel-framed buildings that have resulted in the complete collapse of the structure. However, the number of fires in these types of buildings is relatively small when compared to the number of fires that have occurred in buildings with other types of framing. 

The NFPA also reports that when a steel-framed building does collapse from a fire, the collapse is usually due to the fire spreading to the non-fire-resistant materials that are used in the construction of the building, such as the roofing, wall coverings, and insulation.

While steel buildings are not immune to fires, they are much more likely to withstand heat and flames than other types of structures. With the proper fire protection in place, a steel building is likely to remain standing even in the event of a major fire.