You likely see steel buildings all the time. Whether you’re walking or driving by, you’ll notice they produce an appealing gleam and add a sense of style to any neighborhood. Just how did those handsome structural steel creations come into existence? There’s a fascinating history behind them.

Although the desire to create steel buildings existed for years, the main problem was creating a type of structural steel that could withstand everything from force to weight. In 1855, mass steel production went into effect, and the process helped strengthen applications such as furnaces and railroads.

However, builders still sought a way to create steel buildings that were strong, protective enough for people, and impervious to elements like fire. These early goals led builders to design prefabricated iron structures, which were both easy to assemble and completely fireproof. It was also during this period that metal fabrication processes, and thus the quality of structural steel, improved. It was finally sturdy enough, and professionals could use it to design supportive buildings, particularly for the textile and agricultural industries.

By the late 19^th century, the first steel-framed skyscraper, the Rand McNally Building in Chicago, Illinois, was constructed. These dynamic steel buildings offered numerous benefits. More than just safe, they allowed for the construction of elevators and wiring. They cropped up in large cities all over the United States and even abroad.

In those early days, the walls of the building were supported completely by steel frames. Compare this to modern steel structures, which feature substantive load-bearing walls and other elements, such as concrete and stone, to add more support. Although steel itself is far stronger than it’s ever been, the extra materials add a level of both aesthetic and structural relevance. 

The team at M.C. Steel and Crane Service provides reliable structural steel products for professionals and homeowners alike in Newport, KY. Whether you’re seeking materials you can count on for a minor project or a complex building, they will bring your vision to life. Visit the company’s website, or call (859) 781-8600 to speak with a friendly staff member today.