Innovative Engineering: The Emergence of Steel Frames in the Construction of

New Buildings in Calbayog City

CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

INTRODUCTION

In the process of constructing buildings, the implementation of reinforcement

frames is essential in keeping a strong and sturdy frame in the structure of a building. A

framed structure in any material is one that is made stable by a skeleton that is able to

stand by itself as a rigid structure without depending on floors or walls to resist

deformation (Collins et al., 2021).

According to Krunai Rajput (n.d.) a degree holder in Civil Engineering, concrete

frame is a common form of structure, comprising a network of columns and connecting

beams that form the structural ‘skeleton’ of a building. This grid of beams and columns

is typically constructed on a concrete foundation and is used to support the building’s

floors, roof, walls, cladding and so on. Concrete frame constructions are well-known –if

not the most prevalent, kind of modern building worldwide. As the name implies, this

sort of structure is made out of a concrete frame or skeleton.

In Calbayog City, the common materials of the reinforcement frames used in the

construction of most of the houses and buildings are concrete and steel. Concrete

frame buildings are made with metal forms, which hold the concrete in place while it

dries (Smith, 2017). For the past years, the practice of using a concrete frame in

construction was common because that has been standardized in Calbayog City.
However, steel frames have become more prevalent in today’s time. Steel frame

buildings are metal structures, consisting of horizontal steel beams and vertical

columns, welded together in a rectangular grid to support floors, walls and roofs of

buildings (Baker, 2020). But the main question is: Why were steel frames suddenly

implemented in Calbayog City, despite the fact that concrete frames were the standard

construction practice? How do steel frames differ from concrete frames?

Buildings can be constructed entirely with cement concrete reinforced with some

form of steel, from the foundations to the roof, and it is immediately obvious that there

can be a great saving of time and trouble in the execution of such a building with only

the steel and the concrete to provide, as cement and aggregate can be had anywhere,

and the steel used can be very readily obtained at the shortest notice, saving the time

often wasted in getting suitable girders, bricks, timber, etc. The job of steel in a ferro-

concrete construction is to offer the tensile strength that concrete itself possesses at an

undetermined degree due to the risk of fractures forming. However, despite the fact that

reinforced concrete frames have several advantages, why are steel frames still used? Is

it simply an alternative option, or are steel frames better?

Steel frame construction used to be primarily used for large, simple structures,

such as garages, large agricultural buildings and warehouses – as well as high-rise

buildings. This is how steel frame construction is still understood in popular belief, but it

is now also used for a wide range of other types of development, including offices,

factories, schools, public buildings and some residential dwellings (White, 2017). Steel

frame construction is steadily increasing its market share in the construction and civil
engineering sector. However, is steel framing an effective construction method

compared to the alternatives?

Reducing it to a far lesser scale, the study intends to investigate why steel

frames were abruptly adopted in Calbayog City, despite the fact that concrete frames

have been the most often utilized technique for years. Understanding all of these

distinctions is essential in view of the fact that, when a person who resides in a place

including Calbayog City wants to construct a building or a structure, the finest material

can be utilized.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The theory behind the introduction of steel frames is that they are instruments or

materials that may accomplish significant advances in the process of construction

design and construction. To clarify, steel frames are one of the materials that may aid in

the growth of building industries due to their features that promote strength and

durability. Similarly, another theory that will corroborate the study's theory is concerning

the time duration. Including the ease of access to steel frames, which reduces workload

time because they are simple to construct.

In order to carry out the investigation, the researchers formulated ideas regarding

the study. Calbayog City is one of those emerging cities that is prone to modifying its

methods of operation. New structures are erected as the city grows, but as they get

larger and higher, new construction methods must be invented. Steel frames are a

prime illustration of these innovative approaches. Steel has a high strength-to-weight

ratio since it is tensile, which is one of the reasons why contractors and engineers favor

steel frames. As a result, unlike other construction materials, bigger buildings will be

both sturdy and lightweight. It is also capable of being manufactured and mass-

produced in big quantities. This reduces time and increases overall construction

efficiency; it is also less costly than other building materials. Most significantly, it has a

very long lifespan. It is resistant to external pressures such as earthquakes, cyclones,

and other natural disasters.

The theories presented are all necessary for this research to understand it better

since they are interrelated to one another. Based on this information, the researchers

may conclude that steel has features that are more favorable in terms of durability.

Furthermore, the researchers believe that the aforementioned ideas account for the

unexpected appearance of steel frames in Calbayog City.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Primary, the input will be the data and information that the researchers want to

collect from the respondent’s perceptions. Particularly, the researchers aim to acquire

information about the sudden employment of steel frames in the construction of

buildings in Calbayog City in terms of: (1) factors that contributed to the sudden

emergence of steel frames in the building industry in Calbayog City; (2) how steel

frames are used in the construction sector; (3) building companies in Calbayog City

which utilize steel frames; (4) benefits and drawbacks of steel frames.
 Thereafter, the researchers should be able to gather these data using a myriad of

methods and procedures. These approaches include: interviews and focus groups;

observations; and forms, and survey questionnaires.

Furthermore, the study's output in which the collected data will be used for the

information and dissemination drive of the study's findings in which it will provide

conclusions and recommendations about the use of steel frames in the construction

industry as well as to describe why people should consider choosing these type of

reinforcement frames.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this study is to determine the reasons for the sudden

emergence of steel frames as reinforcement frames in the construction industry by

building companies within Calbayog City. The specific objectives are the following:

1. Identify which Calbayog City construction companies, utilize steel frames as

reinforcement bars in building structures.

2. Describe how steel reinforcement frames are used in constructing building

projects within Calbayog City.

3. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of steel frames as perceived by contractors

and engineers in the Calbayog City building business.

4. Conduct an information dissemination drive with the use of collected data with

the study’s findings

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

The research will be carried out in Calbayog City, in areas where buildings are

under construction utilizing steel frames as the frame structure. This study includes

investigation of the causes for the emergence of steel frames as reinforcing bars in the

construction industry by Calbayog City building companies, particularly in terms of the

benefits and drawbacks of steel frames as perceived by contractors and engineers

within Calbayog City.

This will be conducted during the second semester of the School Year 2021-

2022.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms were defined according to how they are being used in the study:

Frames

Actual Definition: These are the rigid structure that surrounds or encloses something

such as a door or window.

Operational Definition - the actual framework that a building is made out of as it is put

together and then integrated

Steel Frames

Actual Definition: Metal structures, consisting of horizontal steel beams and vertical

columns.

Operational Definition - These are metal constructions that are utilized as supports

during the construction of buildings.

Concrete Frames

Actual Definition: Common form of structure, comprising a network of columns and

connecting beams that forms the structural 'skeleton' of a building.

Operational Definition – Concrete foundation utilized as supports during the

construction of buildings.

Beams

Actual Definition: A long, sturdy piece of squared timber or metal spanning an

opening or part of a building, usually to support the roof or floor above.

Skeleton

Actual Definition: The supporting framework, basic structure, or essential part of

something.

Operational Definition – The underlying framework of the constructed building

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study to determine the factors and reasons why steel frames have been adapted to

Calbayog City constructions may enable to develop heightened understanding of the

material that may be advantageous to structures in the long run. The study is also

beneficial to the following:

Community - to give insight and knowledge regarding the use of steel frames that is

outside the scope of the community's experience and credentials

Engineers and Architects - They may obtain ideas and encourage the use of steel

frames to improve and increase the strength and durability of the structure, as well as

the time it takes to create a building using steel frames.

Future Researchers - Researchers that want to keep studying steel frames in

Calbayog could utilize the results of this study as a starting point for future studies.
 CHAPTER 2

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research methods used in the study, the data gathering

procedure that was followed, the instrument and the process for analyzing data.

METHODS

This study is a qualitative research due to the fact that the researchers will be

gathering based on non-numerical data about the emergence of steel frames. The

nature of the chosen research topic requires the collection and analysis of non-

numerical data to extend comprehension of the ideas, assessments, and encounters of

explicit members or information sources, to procure and acquire top to bottom data and

understanding into the problem.

Considering the present study or investigation was concerned with the sudden

utilization of steel frames in the construction industry of Calbayog City the descriptive

method of research was the most appropriate method to use utilizing a standardized

interview in a descriptive manner. The qualitative research interview seeks to describe

and the meanings of central themes in the life world of the subjects. The main task in

interviewing is to understand the meaning of what the interviewees say. A qualitative

research interview seeks to cover both a factual and a meaning level, though it is

usually more difficult to interview on a meaning level (Kvale,1996).

RESEARCH DESIGN

This study will be using Grounded Theory and Phenomenological research

designs for main reasons. The main goal for Grounded Theory is to supplement an

explanation of a phenomena by identifying essential parts of that phenomenon and

classifying their links to the setting and procedure of the experiment. The theory is

premised on factual evidence, implying that the research and development of ideas take

place after the data has been collected. Moreover, the bounded unit for this study is to

determine the underlying cause of the emergence of steel frames on the construction

industry of Calbayog City, and this will be supported with factual evidence with the help

of the respondents.

In qualitative research design, one of the most widely utilized approaches is

phenomenological, which focuses on the study of an individual's life and perception of

the world. It tries to explore human everyday experiences and analyzes conscious

experience as viewed from a subjective or first-person perspective. Furthermore,

phenomenological research design will be used since the researchers will monitor and

assess the rapid appearance of steel frames and how it benefits or hinders building

constructions.
PARTICIPANTS OF THE STUDY

The selection of participants as qualifiers for the position of interviewee in this

study differs according to their profession and involvement in the city's construction

sector. Construction workers, architects, contractors, and engineers of Calbayog City

will be among these professionals.

Moreover, the selected professionals are aware of the modifications and

improvements that have occurred in the manner of constructing a structure given they

work in the construction sector. Using a semi-structured interview and questionnaire

strategy, the researchers will conduct interviews with at least 30 people who they

anticipate will give them with the necessary data for this study.

SAMPLING METHOD

Since the participants or respondents were chosen as qualifiers for the role of

interviewee in this study based on their profession and engagement in the city's

construction sector. Calbayog City construction workers, architects, contractors, and

engineers will be among these experts. Thus, the researchers will utilize purposive

sampling to attain their goals.

Purposive sampling, also known as judgmental, selective, or subjective sampling,

is a form of non-probability sampling in which researchers rely on their own judgment

when choosing members of the population to participate in their surveys (Alchemer,

2021). The researcher will select their respondents from Calbayog City, notably local

Engineers and Architects, as well as construction personnel.

 Thereby, the researchers perceive that the purposive sampling approach will

assist them in selecting the appropriate participant and collecting the necessary data for

their study.

DATA GATHERING PROCEDURE

Initially, the conduct of the study will be in areas where new buildings are being

constructed utilizing steel reinforcement frames as the framework. The researchers will

seek approval from the school principal, Dr. Calick D. Arrieta, to conduct the study

outside of school premises and to interview the selected respondents, who are

construction industry professionals. In order to interview these selected respondents,

the researchers must first obtain permission from these individuals, through the process

of writing a communication letter to them.

Following approval, the researchers will focus on how steel frames effect current

building as they grow more prominent in today's times. They created semi-structured

questions that they may employ to achieve the study objectives. Following data

collection, the researchers will conduct observations, interviews, and questionnaires to

collect data that will allow the researchers to examine and assess the many evidences

or information that will be needed for the study's results.

Furthermore, the information gathered during the collection phase will be

collected by the researchers in order to have reliable and relevant data for the study. Till

then, the researchers will seek professional advice on the data information pertaining to
the unexpected appearance of steel frames. The information gathered will be studied

and evaluated, beginning with the particular questions and ending with the responses

provided by the study's participants.

INSTRUMENTS, PROCEDURE, AND DATA ANALYSIS

The researchers employed an in-depth interview as an instrument, which

included an interview guide and well-prepared questions. They specifically asked

respondents about their attitudes regarding the use of steel frames in the construction of

new structures in Calbayog City. In addition, they will perform an interview with an

audio-recording device to collect information and preserve the respondents' responses

to the questions.

The main questions that will be asked are the following:

1. What are the benefits and drawbacks of steel frames in building in terms of cost,

durability, and sustainability?

2. Considering your experience and perspective over the last several years, how

favorable is the usage of steel frames in various construction?

3. How are steel reinforcement/structural frames utilized in the construction of

buildings and what makes it different with other construction frames?

Following that, the researchers will extensively analyze the data provided by the

respondents, drawing conclusions from various assumptions and hypotheses developed

before to the data gathering part of the research. This stage is critical for distinguishing

between the positives and drawbacks and for providing recommendations for the future.

https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/the-advantages-disadvantages-of-steel-frame-

construction
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