Rising Steel Prices Make DSI Spaceframes' Steel Space Frame Structures an Attractive Building System for Today

ADDISON, Ill., Oct. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 31, 2018, President Trump signed a new presidential proclamation adjusting steel duties initiated under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. This ended temporary exemptions of duties for imports of steel products from the European Union (EU), Canada and Mexico. As a result, a 25 percent duty on steel products is now being collected on imports from these countries.

These recent tariffs placed on steel imports have driven the price of steel up—not just internationally but also domestically. According to the Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI), Chinese steel prices increased in August and September, and have been on an uptrend after a slight downtrend earlier in the year. Despite a slight dip in August, domestic steel prices have hovered at seven-year highs throughout 2018 and have remained in a sharp uptrend since January.

"Those looking to start a new building project may want to consider using a steel space frame structural system as one way to reduce costs," said Tom Chambers, owner of DSI Spaceframes, Inc. in Addison, Illinois.

As the nation's leading source for space frames, DSI Spaceframes provides complete design and fabrication services—consultation, engineering, manufacturing, and installation—for complex and ornamental architectural applications.

"Space frames are lightweight, durable and quick to install--all factors that contribute to cost savings," Chambers explained.

Space Frames Are Lighter

According to Chambers, a space frame structure is up to 30 percent lighter than a similar structure supported by a traditional steel truss system because it uses significantly less material—up to 60 percent less. This can provide substantial savings on materials.

Conserving Resources Helps Conserve Dollars

Additionally, steel space frame structures can be made from recycled material and are themselves, fully recyclable. Sourcing material that is abundant and locally available eliminates the need for scarce, high-cost materials.

DSI Spaceframes is the only fully American owned and operated space frame manufacturer to produce components from locally sourced steel. The company makes all its products in the USA to conform to "Buy America" requirements.

Space Frames Are Durable

In addition to using materials more efficiently, steel space frames are more durable over the long run and therefore provide cost savings for years to come, said Chambers. At DSI Spaceframes, for example, all components are manufactured at its Illinois facility, then galvanized and finished with a powder coat. The hot-dipped galvanization process provides a protective coating over the steel to prevent rust and resist corrosion. As a result, the completed space frame structure does not need to be repainted and requires significantly less maintenance over the years, lowering long-term cost of ownership.

Space Frames Are Faster To Install

After being manufactured, steel space frame components are delivered to a job site ready to be installed. Trained technicians assemble the system on-site, and no field cutting or welding is required. Then the space frame structure is erected into place and tacked down.

"This entire process takes a fraction of the time of a traditional framing process," Chambers explained. "Since fewer man-hours are needed, installation costs are lower—resulting in additional savings."

Examples of space frame structures include the awning on the new Transbay Transit Center, a visionary project reshaping the landscape of downtown San Francisco; the contemporary facade of the renovated Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum near Long Island, New York; and the transparent roof structure of the Los Angeles Rams' stadium, still under construction in Inglewood, California.

All three projects use steel space frame structures manufactured by DSI Spaceframes. The company is committed to advancing the use of space frames by providing architects, engineers, contractors, developers, property owners, and even artists with the highest quality products and customer service in the industry.

"With higher than ever steel prices, today is the opportune time to consider steel space frame designs as an affordable alternative to other forms of steel frame construction," said Chambers.

To learn more about steel space frames and how they can help lower the cost of building projects, visit www.DSIspaceframes.com. Or call (630) 607-0045.

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DSI Spaceframes provides complete design and fabrication services—consultation, engineering, manufacturing, and installation—for complex and ornamental architectural applications

SOURCE DSI Spaceframes

Related Links

http://www.dsispaceframes.com