Potential Uses of Steel Structures
Steel structures are exceptionally versatile and suitable for a wide variety of uses. In this article, we’ll highlight the sectors in which they excel. Additionally, we’ll advise you on choosing the most suitable type of structure from our range—whether insulated steel buildings or fabric structures—to best meet your specific needs.
At Schwarzmann, we’ve been developing and constructing steel structures for various industries for many years. Our expertise ranges from simple storage buildings to complex, individually designed multipurpose facilities. Continue reading to discover the potential uses of steel structures across different industry sectors.
What are Steel Structures?
Steel structures are buildings constructed with steel frames, offering numerous engineering and construction advantages:
- Rapid Construction – significantly faster assembly compared to traditional construction methods.
- Large Spans – enabling wide clear-span interiors without internal support columns, thus maximizing usable space.
- Adaptability – simple expansion and modifications to accommodate changing requirements.
- Durability and Longevity – steel provides structural robustness and excellent resistance to weather conditions.
- Cost Efficiency – due to rapid construction times and minimal maintenance costs.
Key considerations when choosing steel structures
When selecting steel structures, it’s essential to consider the following points:
- Structure size and expandability – How much space do you currently require, and do you anticipate future expansions or modifications?
- Insulation and ventilation – Particularly critical when dealing with sensitive materials in manufacturing or storage environments.
- Building permits and location – Always verify local building regulations and site suitability.
- Intended purpose and application – Clearly define the primary usage of your structure to ensure optimal construction and functionality.
- Durability and resistance – Ensure the chosen structure offers robust durability and excellent resistance to environmental factors, providing a long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements.
Our team of experts at Schwarzmann can advise you on selecting the most suitable structure based on your specific requirements and intended use.
Applications of Steel Structures
Steel structures offer exceptional versatility across numerous sectors. Below, we outline specific industries where these structures—such as fabric structures, insulated steel structure buildings, or Schwarzmann X®—are particularly suitable. This will help you quickly identify how broadly applicable these solutions can be.
Industry and Manufacturing
In industrial and manufacturing environments, high ceilings are often essential to accommodate large machinery and equipment. Steel structures are ideal for this purpose due to their adaptability and large clear-span capacities.
- Suitable structure types: Insulated steel structure buildings, Schwarzmann X®, fabric structures
- Key equipment considerations: Foundation load-bearing capacity for heavy machinery, capability for crane installation, adequate insulation
This clearly illustrates the exceptional versatility and adaptability of steel structures: a production facility can easily be repurposed for storage or logistics, providing an ideal solution for businesses looking to grow and expand.
Industrial building equipped with an overhead crane, machinery, and storage area
Warehousing
When designing buildings for storage and warehousing, it’s crucial to optimize the available space effectively, ensuring shelves or open storage areas are well-organized. Modular construction enables easy expansion should your storage requirements increase.
Suitable structure types: Fabric structures, Schwarzmann X®, insulated steel structure buildings
Key equipment considerations:
- Wind and snow load resistance – Structures engineered to withstand high wind pressures and substantial snow loads.
- Fire protection measures – Compliance with current fire safety regulations, including the use of fire-resistant materials and strategically planned evacuation routes.
- Adequate floor load-bearing capacity for forklifts and heavy-duty storage racks – Flooring designed to withstand high loads, enabling safe forklift operation and supporting heavy rack storage systems.
Fabric structure warehouse with integrated shelving systems
Logistics
Logistics buildings must ensure efficient movement of goods and smooth cargo handling. Flexibility in design is crucial to accommodate various transport methods and storage configurations. High clearance heights, adequately dimensioned access doors, and strategically planned loading docks and access routes optimize logistics processes.
Suitable structure types: Fabric structures, Schwarzmann X®, insulated steel structure buildings
Key equipment considerations:
- Spacious loading areas – Large loading and unloading zones enable smooth cargo handling, efficient logistics flow, and easy access for trucks and other transport vehicles.
- Automated storage and distribution systems – Capability to integrate modern warehousing solutions, such as automated racking systems, conveyor belts, or robotic systems for efficient goods handling.
- Effective thermal insulation for temperature-sensitive goods – Thermal insulation is provided by sandwich panels with appropriate insulation thickness, protecting goods from temperature fluctuations and ensuring stable storage conditions for sensitive products such as food, pharmaceuticals, or chemicals.
- Wide clear spans without intermediate columns – Maximizes space utilization, allows flexible equipment layout, and ensures unobstructed movement of vehicles or machinery within the facility—especially crucial for warehouses, production halls, and logistics centers.
Logistics building with loading docks
Multipurpose Commercial Buildings
Steel structures are ideal for commercial offices, retail centers, workshops, or combined multipurpose buildings.
- Recommended structure types: insulated steel structure buildings
- Key considerations: Energy efficiency, flexible interior layout.
Multipurpose commercial building covering all spatial requirements of the company
Buildings for Waste Management
Waste materials require specialized storage and processing conditions.
- Recommended structure types: Fabric structures, Schwarzmann X®
- Key considerations: Moisture resistance, reinforced flooring suitable for machinery, large covered areas for waste handling.
Composting facility in the form of a fabric structure
Covered Parking Facilities
Steel-framed fabric structures are an excellent solution for covered parking areas for passenger vehicles, trucks, and specialized vehicles such as buses or heavy machinery.
- Recommended structure types: Fabric structures, Schwarzmann X®
- Key considerations: Weather resistance, adjustable height, open sidewalls, insulated roof to prevent condensation.
Covered Parking – Schwarzmann X® Structure
Aircraft Hangars
Aviation facilities must provide secure storage and maintenance for aircraft, requiring large clear spans and stable structures.
- Recommended structure types: Insulated steel structure building, fabric structure
- Key considerations: Clear-span spaces without obstructing columns (up to 80 m), aviation industry safety standards, height adaptability for larger aircraft, specialized hangar doors for aircraft entry.
Aircraft Hangar for Business Jet Storage
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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In which industries are insulated steel structure buildings most commonly used?
Today, steel buildings can be found in almost every industry. They are most frequently used in industrial and manufacturing sectors, warehousing and logistics, waste management facilities, covered parking areas, and even aircraft hangars. Thanks to their adaptability, the range of applications for steel buildings continues to expand each year.
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Why are steel buildings so versatile?
The key lies in the high adaptability of steel as a material, offering excellent load-bearing capacity with relatively low weight. Additionally, the design and manufacturing of steel structures follow standardized processes, resulting in buildings with diverse applications. Their layout and equipment can be easily adjusted to new requirements.
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What are the main advantages of insulated steel structure buildings?
- Fast construction and shorter supply chains
- Cost efficiency due to modular construction and low maintenance costs
- Flexibility in size, shape, and equipment
- Long lifespan and durability in demanding conditions
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How to approach a “building selection” project, and how does Schwarzmann assist clients in this process?
The first step is conducting a needs analysis: What will the building be used for, and what specific requirements (e.g., insulation, climate conditions, load-bearing capacity) does this entail? Leveraging expert knowledge is crucial. At Schwarzmann, we provide comprehensive consultation and develop custom solutions tailored to your industry and intended use. Fill out our inquiry form or email us at [email protected], and we will assist you in selecting the right solution.