The Benefits of Concrete Framed Buildings

There are many techniques and materials you can use when constructing buildings, whether it’s a new home, a block of flats or a commercial structure, such as a warehouse or factory.

Using a frame – which would commonly be made of steel, timber or concrete – allows for a faster build, lower costs, improved structural strength and greater precision. Frames also allow the creation of large, open-plan spaces without the need for breaking them up with internal columns. 

In this article, the Stewart Brothers Concrete team will be exploring the multiple advantages of concrete framed structures, and how Kent’s leading concrete suppliers can help with your next major construction project.

What is a concrete framed building?

A concrete framed building uses a ‘skeleton’ of connecting columns and beams – which can be cast on or off-site – into and onto which the floors, roof, walls and other elements can be fitted. The beams transmit the weight of the floors to the columns, which are the primary load-bearing element of the whole structure.

The complete building will usually be supported on concrete foundations, while the walls can be constructed from common masonry materials, such as brick or stone.

Now we know what they are, let’s look at some of the benefits of concrete framed buildings.

Strength, robustness and long-term durability

As we’ve discussed on many occasions, concrete always offers superior compressive strength, but doesn’t necessarily have high tensile strength; in other words, it can be susceptible to being stretched or pulled apart. To counter this, the concrete used in concrete framed buildings will be reinforced with steel rebar. 

The result is a building with exceptional structural strength that offers long-lasting reliability without the need for significant maintenance. Explore our previous article to discover more about how long you can expect concrete to last.

Lower upfront costs with better whole-life value

Concrete is already a cost-effective material when compared to many of the alternatives, and putting up a concrete framed building is a relatively quick process, so right from the start, you’re looking at low upfront costs. However, the savings continue to mount over the long term, thanks to concrete’s durability and low-maintenance requirements.

Further savings can be made as a result of the fire-resistant, energy-efficient and acoustic qualities of concrete, eliminating the need for ongoing costs or additional materials to achieve these important features.

Fire resistance and acoustic performance

Concrete is an A1 non-combustible material that can significantly reduce the potential for a fire. It also maintains structural stability in a fire and supports compartmentation by providing a reliable barrier that can prevent a fire from spreading.  

Concrete frame construction also allows you to enjoy enhanced sound insulation, reducing sound energy by as much as 99%, while also reducing impact noise by exceeding minimum Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings without the need for additional treatment.

Faster construction and more predictable programmes

Pre-cast concrete frame buildings can be assembled quickly on site, which helps to cut costs and support tight schedules. However, when being made off-site, the process can be done concurrently with installing the foundations, helping to reduce the duration of the whole project even further.

It also minimises the potential for delays as a result of bad weather, and once in place, there’s no need to wait for the concrete to cure before further construction can take place, as that will already have happened ahead of delivery.

If you’d like to know more about how concrete framed buildings from Stewart Brothers Concrete could make your next construction project more efficient, contact us today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have. Our team operates across Kent and East Sussex from our depots in Ashford, Sittingbourne and Dover.

For more information on The Benefits of Concrete Framed Buildings talk to Stewart Brothers Concrete