Green Construction Materials

 -- Green Building Materials --

I received an interesting article (which you can read below) that speaks about the benefits of using stainless steel in construction... and this intrigued me enough to do a quick Internet search on the topic. According to The Stainless Steel Information Center ( www.ssina.com ) this material is one of the most environmentally friendly materials - is corrosion resistant and durable,  has high-recycled content and recapture rates, while providing long service life and reduce resource use. The site goes on to state: "Stainless steel is 100% recyclable into the same product with no reduction in quality. The metal’s high scrap value and recyclability ensures that it is diverted from landfills and recaptured for use in new stainless steel. A recent international study by the ISSF determined that about 92% of the stainless steel used in architecture, building and construction applications is recaptured and recycled at the end of service." It is considered as an LEED product with no adverse effects on the environment or the people in it, including those with chemical sensitivities.

I hope you enjoy the article below - submitted by Sachin:

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With changing trends, architects, developers and quantity surveyors are looking for balustrades and handrails that are the best quality as well as have attractive designs. There are numerous options available for constructing balustrades a great option is stainless steel. It is widely used in building different architectural designs because of its strength, appearance and high corrosion resistance. Stainless steel balustrades and handrails are widely used in the architecture for both the interiors as well as exteriors.

Stainless steel is considered as an important element in the alternative energy evolution and sustainable design. This so because the most environment friendly materials are those materials that are durable, corrosion resistant, have high recycled content, provides long service life and reduce resource use. It is very essential to select the correct grade of stainless steel for constructing the handrails, steel balustrades or staircases that will ensure cost effective solution. With all these features of stainless steel, it has become the first choice of the architects for constructing the balustrades and handrails for the commercial as well as residential buildings.

There are some steps that an architect follows, before installing balustrades and  handrails:

●      The initial consultation

●      Survey (if neccessary)

●      Concept / draft plans

●      Masterplan

●      Technical design

●      Manufacture

●      Installation

Earlier stainless steel was made available to the contractors, architectures and designers in the mid 1920's. With the help of stainless steel, architects were able to create numerous and attractive designs that made an impact on the commercial as well as residential buildings. Stainless steel has been used in the construction of balustrades and handrails for more than 80 years. It has been widely used for construction because it can offer years of service without metal replacement or appearance deterioration. In order to maintain the life of the structure, stainless steel balustrades should be properly fabricated, selected and maintained.

Developers, architects and quality conveyors are selecting stainless steel for constructing the balustrades and the handrails because they are ensured that by using stainless steel, they will experience long term cost benefit and long life cycle offers numerous benefits of using any other material on their project. Stainless steel is also considered as one of the most environmentally friendly metals that are commonly used in the construction.

Handrails and balustrades are installed in balconies, stairs and many other places, to provide a firm support and ensure safety of the human life. So, it becomes essential to select the suitable construction material for balustrades and handrails. 

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