In the international construction industry, designing buildings that require "wide clear spans" without obstructing columns, while simultaneously controlling budget and time, has always been a challenging task for engineers. This article will introduce you to Cellular Beams, an intelligent steel structure that is becoming the new standard for wide-span and high-rise buildings in Thailand.
What is Cellular Beam?
Cellular beams, also known as perforated steel beams, are made by cutting and welding hot-rolled steel sections, such as wide flanges, together. The sections are cut horizontally in a zigzag or curved pattern and then repositioned eccentrically to be welded together. This results in a beam with greater depth but reduced weight, and features circular holes (cells) along the entire length of the beam.
5 Advantages that make Cellular Beams superior to conventional steel beams.
1. It can withstand higher forces while using less material.
Based on engineering principles, increasing the section modulus of a beam allows it to significantly increase its bending moment without needing to increase the amount of steel reinforcement. This results in a stronger structure while saving 20-30% on material costs.
2. Meets the requirements for long span (extra wide range) design.
Cellular beams are the star of designs requiring large spacing between columns, such as car showrooms, stadiums, warehouses, or large conference rooms. They can achieve spans of 20-40 meters without deflection and eliminate the need for unsightly central columns.
3. Excellent MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Electrical Engineering) system management.
The circular openings (cells) along the beam are not just for aesthetic purposes, but also serve as channels for routing electrical, plumbing, and air conditioning pipes (ducting) without having to route them around the beam, resulting in...
- Increase the net height (Clear Height): The building looks more spacious and airy.
- Reduce the overall height of the building: In high-rise buildings, reducing the thickness of the ceiling on each floor may allow for the addition of more floors while maintaining the same building height.
4. Architectural Beauty (Aesthetic Appeal)
Many architects prefer using cellular beams in loft or industrial designs that aim to showcase the structural steel. The rhythmic arrangement of circular holes gives the building a modern and unique look.
5. Quick and environmentally friendly installation.
Because they are pre-fabricated, they offer high precision, reduce on-site scrap, and have significantly shorter installation times than reinforced concrete systems.
Applications of Cellular Beams in Various Project Types
Based on our experience in Smart Buildings, we have found that cellular beams can add value to a variety of projects, including the following
- Warehouses and industrial plants: Requiring maximum storage space and no central column to obstruct forklift operation.
- Parking garage: Reduce the height between floors, saving on overall construction costs.
- Office buildings and showrooms: Create a modern image and maximize usable space to give a premium feel.
- Additions to an existing building: Due to its lightweight nature, it helps reduce the load on the original foundation.
Standards and safety: Things project owners must consider.
The use of cellular beams requires calculations by specialized structural engineers because strength checks are necessary at critical points, such as
- Vierendeel Bending: Bending forces acting around the opening.
- Web Buckling: Bending of the steel lumbar plate.
- Welding standards: Must comply with AWS standards or a reputable Iron and Steel Institute.
Summary: More than just the price of steel.
Choosing cellular beams may initially seem more complex than using conventional steel sections, but considering the "total cost of ownership" including material savings, reduced on-site labor time, and increased usable space. Cellular beams represent one of the highest-return investments in steel structural engineering.
Start designing your success with us.
If you have a project requiring a large span area, or want to replace your existing structure with a Cellular Beam system for cost-effectiveness and speed, consult Smart Building today.
