With the global construction industry moving toward efficiency and sustainability, steel structure buildings have become a major trend thanks to their high strength, fast installation, and recyclability.
Among various steel systems, Heavy Steel Buildings and Light Steel Buildings are two primary types, widely used in industrial, commercial, and residential construction.
Hangzhou FAMOUS Steel Engineering Co., Ltd. (FAMOUS) specializes in the design and manufacturing of both systems, providing high-quality integrated steel structure solutions for global clients.
I. Heavy Steel Buildings
Definition and Features
Heavy steel structures use hot-rolled or welded steel sections as their main load-bearing components. They are known for their high load capacity, long spans, and strong stability, making them ideal for large-scale or high-rise buildings.
Common Steel Components
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H-beams / I-beams: Core components used for beams and columns in heavy steel buildings.
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Box columns and steel tube columns: Used in high-rise and industrial structures, providing excellent stiffness and bending resistance.
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Trusses and space frames: Commonly applied in bridges, large-span roofs, and stadiums.
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Rigid joints and bracing systems: Enhance overall stability and ensure structural safety.
Advantages and Applications
Heavy steel structures provide superior strength, long service life, and precision fabrication, allowing for large column-free spaces and excellent durability.
They are widely applied in industrial workshops, warehouses, bridges, power plants, mining support structures, high-rise office buildings, and sports arenas.
FAMOUS’s Technical Advantages
FAMOUS is equipped with advanced systems for welding, coating, corrosion protection, and fireproofing, and strictly complies with international standards such as ISO, EN1090, and AWS.
According to client drawings and project requirements, FAMOUS offers complete design and fabrication services to ensure the safety and reliability of every project.
II. Light Steel Buildings
Definition and Features
Light steel structures use cold-formed thin-walled steel sections as the main structural members. They are lightweight, easy to install, and environmentally friendly — ideal for prefabricated and modular buildings.
Common Steel Components
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C-shaped and Z-shaped steel: Used for wall studs, purlins, and floor beams.
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U-shaped tracks and light steel columns: Serve as framing components for walls and partitions.
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Roof trusses, connectors, and node plates: Designed for quick assembly and modular installation.
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Wall and roof systems: Such as SIP structural insulated panels, ICF insulated wall systems, and metal sandwich panels, providing excellent thermal performance.
Advantages and Applications
Light steel buildings are lightweight, energy-efficient, and earthquake-resistant, with short installation periods and controllable costs.
They are commonly used for light steel villas, office modules, school dormitories, warehouses, vacation houses, and temporary facilities.
FAMOUS’s Light Steel Solutions
FAMOUS offers fully customizable light steel housing systems that can be integrated with SIP wall panels, ICF bracing systems, roofing, and door & window assemblies, achieving both energy efficiency and structural stability.
III. Combined Application of Heavy and Light Steel
In modern construction, more projects are adopting hybrid systems that combine heavy and light steel.
For example, the main frame uses heavy steel to ensure strength and stability, while the walls and roof adopt light steel to reduce overall weight and cost.
This hybrid approach not only optimizes structural performance but also shortens construction time and improves energy efficiency.
FAMOUS has extensive experience in designing such integrated structures for industrial complexes, logistics centers, modular dormitories, and airport auxiliary buildings.
IV. FAMOUS’s Global Expertise and Brand Philosophy
With years of international engineering experience, FAMOUS has successfully delivered steel structure projects to the United States, Australia, Canada, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
The company provides a full range of integrated services, including architectural design, steel detailing, fabrication, anti-corrosion treatment, packaging, and transportation.
FAMOUS upholds the principle:
“American-European standard engineering and quality control build our brand reliability! One trial order brings long-term cooperation!”
Whether it’s a heavy steel building known for its strength and rigidity, or a light steel structure valued for its efficiency and sustainability, FAMOUS is committed to delivering high-quality steel structure solutions that meet international standards.
We continue to promote innovation in the steel construction industry, striving toward greater efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.
Clients are welcome to contact us for design support and detailed quotations for their upcoming projects.