In today’s industrial construction sector, the challenge of reducing costs without compromising quality remains a top priority for investors. Particularly with steel structures—which often account for a large proportion of total investment—optimizing materials right from the design stage can save hundreds of millions, even billions of VND for large-scale projects.
But how can we “cut costs” while staying “safe”? The answer lies in smart design thinking. Below are five highly effective design tips applied by top structural engineers to optimize steel structure materials while maintaining strict technical standards.
1. Utilize BIM models to accurately control quantities
Instead of manual calculations or relying on 2D drawings, applying BIM (Building Information Modeling) allows for detailed simulation of every steel bar, plate, and bolt—preventing both material overdesign and shortages. Additionally, BIM supports multi-disciplinary coordination, minimizing clashes and waste during construction.
🎯 Tip: Use 5D BIM to simultaneously manage progress, cost, and materials within a single integrated system.
2. Design composite members instead of single components
Instead of using a single large steel plate, you can combine multiple thinner plates welded together to form members with equivalent strength but reduced weight—providing flexibility in both construction and transportation. This technique is common in factories requiring large spans.
🎯 Tip: Consider using welded beams instead of hot-rolled I-sections when possible.
3. Optimize span and structural rhythm
Shortening beam spans, dividing modules, or arranging columns logically helps reduce bending moments, thereby lowering the required steel section size. This is a key factor in cost-effective factory, warehouse, and industrial building design.
🎯 Suggestion: Coordinate with architects early to align the column grid with structural solutions.
4. Standardize details – avoid special orders
One of the main reasons for increased steel structure costs is the use of non-standard sizes, which require custom orders. Standardizing sections, bolts, and plates according to common market sizes helps reduce fabrication costs and production time.
🎯 Tip: Regularly update steel price lists from suppliers to adjust your design in time.
5. Choose suitable alternative materials
For components that bear less load, you can use galvanized steel sheets, lightweight steel, or cold-rolled steel instead of traditional hot-rolled types. These alternatives can significantly reduce costs when applied appropriately.
🎯 Note: Always verify technical standards—especially for components related to structural safety.
Conclusion: Smart design means optimizing, not compromising on safety
Optimizing steel structure materials is not about careless cost-cutting, but about strategic design thinking—leveraging technology and data to develop the most efficient solutions. When done correctly, you can reduce investment costs while achieving a structure that is safe, durable, and reliable.
🔍 Have you ever optimized steel structures in your own way?
Share your experience in the comments below! Or if you’re looking for a smart steel structure design partner—don’t hesitate to contact CMC Architects for detailed consultation from our experienced engineering team.
📍 Address: 79A Xuan La, Tay Ho, Hanoi
📞 Hotline: 0936361299
📧 Email: cmc.vn1013@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://cmcarchitects.com
