CEBU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

CE497-AP4 1ST SEMESTER S.Y 2023-2024

STEEL AND TIMBER DESIGN

ACTIVITY NUMBER: _5_

ACTIVITY TITLE: Comparative Analysis of Steel and Timber Structures

SUBMITTED BY: ORSOLINO, ALEXAM T.

SECTION: R4

DATE SUBMITTED: 12/11/23

REMARKS: ___________

SUBMITTED TO:

ENGR. KENNETH JOHN B. CASALTA

COURSE INSTRUCTOR
 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF STEEL AND TIMBER STRUCTURES

I. INTRODUCTION
In construction industry there are different structures built from different materials. Some of these
structures are the steel and timber structures. Steel structures are a category of construction materials
that come in a variety of shapes. Many of these shapes take the form of an elongated beam with a specific
cross-section. Timber structures are buildings or structures that use wood as the main material for
construction. It is a popular choice in construction due to their sustainability and versatility. The objective
of this research is to be able to compare and contrast steel and timber as a construction material.

II. MATERIAL RESEARCH

Steel is a widely used construction material due to its strength, durability, and versatility. It can be
used to create various structures, such as skyscrapers, bridges, and industrial buildings. However, steel
also has some drawbacks, such as high cost, corrosion susceptibility, and environmental impact. Here
are some key points about steel as a construction material:
Physical Properties:
• Strength: Steel is renowned for its exceptional strength, making it an ideal choice
for structures that require high load-bearing capacity.
• Ductility: It exhibits excellent ductility, allowing for the creation of complex shapes
and designs without compromising structural integrity.
• Durability: Steel is resistant to corrosion, which enhances its longevity and makes
it suitable for a wide range of environments.
Common Architectural Applications:
• Skyscrapers and High-Rise Buildings: The high strength-to-weight ratio of steel
makes it indispensable for tall structures.
• Bridges: Steel's durability and load-bearing capacity make it a preferred material
for bridge construction.
• Industrial Buildings: Steel is commonly used in the construction of warehouses,
factories, and other industrial facilities due to its robustness.
Advantages:
• High Strength: Steel structures can withstand heavy loads and adverse
environmental conditions.
• Speed of Construction: Steel construction often allows for faster assembly and
completion of projects.
• Adaptability: Steel can be easily modified or expanded, providing flexibility in
design changes.
 Disadvantages:
• Corrosion Susceptibility: While steel is corrosion-resistant, it may still corrode in
certain conditions, necessitating protective measures.
• Cost: Initial costs for steel structures can be higher than other materials.
• Environmental Impact: The production of steel involves significant energy
consumption and carbon emissions.

Timber is a natural building material that comes from trees. It has many advantages and
disadvantages as a construction material, depending on the type, source, and treatment of the wood.
Here are some key points about timber as a construction material:
Physical Properties:
• Natural Insulation: Timber possesses inherent thermal insulation properties,
contributing to energy efficiency in buildings.
• Lightweight: Timber is lighter than steel, facilitating easier transportation and
handling during construction.
• Renewability: Timber is a renewable resource, and sustainably managed forests
ensure a continuous supply.
Common Architectural Applications:
• Residential Construction: Timber is commonly used for building houses and
residential structures.
• Wooden Bridges: Timber is employed in the construction of bridges, especially in
pedestrian and rural settings.
• Interior Finishes: Timber is widely used for interior elements like flooring, paneling,
and furniture.
Advantages:
• Sustainability: Timber is a renewable resource, and responsible forestry practices
ensure environmental sustainability.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The natural warmth and beauty of wood contribute to a unique
aesthetic in architectural designs.
• Low Embodied Energy: Timber generally requires less energy for production
compared to steel or concrete.
Disadvantages:
• Fire Susceptibility: Timber is flammable, requiring fire-retardant treatments in
certain applications.
• Durability: Without proper treatment, timber is susceptible to decay, pests, and
weathering.
 • Limited Span: In large-span structures, timber may require additional support
compared to steel.

III. SUSTAINABLE ASPECTS

Steel sustainability is a topic that explores the environmental, social, and economic aspects of
steel production and use.
Environmental Impact:
• Resource Intensity: The production of steel involves mining iron ore and requires
significant energy inputs, contributing to environmental degradation.
• Carbon Emissions: The steel manufacturing process emits substantial carbon
dioxide, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Waste Generation: Steel production generates by-products, such as slag and
emissions, which can impact local ecosystems.
Renewable Characteristics:
• Non-renewable Resource: Steel is derived from iron ore, a finite resource, making
it a non-renewable material.
• Recyclability: One sustainable aspect of steel is its high recyclability. Scrap steel
can be reused, reducing the need for virgin materials and minimizing
environmental impact.
Life Cycle Assessment:
• Extraction and Production: Studies reveal that the extraction and production
phases of steel have a substantial environmental footprint.
• Recycling: The recycling of steel significantly reduces its environmental impact, as
recycled steel requires less energy and produces fewer emissions compared to
virgin steel.

Timber is considered to be a sustainable material when sourced from certified forests that are
managed responsibly. Timber has a low embodied energy, a high aesthetic appeal, and a natural
insulation property.
Environmental Impact:
• Resource Intensity: Timber is derived from forests, and unsustainable logging
practices can lead to deforestation, habitat loss, and soil erosion.
• Carbon Sequestration: Trees absorb carbon dioxide during growth, making timber
a carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative material.
• Chemical Treatments: Some timber requires chemical treatments for durability,
and the environmental impact of these treatments must be considered.
 Renewable Characteristics:
• Renewable Resource: Timber comes from trees, a renewable resource when
harvested sustainably. Responsible forestry practices, such as replanting, ensure
the long-term availability of timber.
• Biodegradability: At the end of its life cycle, timber is biodegradable, reducing its
impact on landfills.
Life Cycle Assessment:
• Forest Management: Sustainable forest management is crucial for minimizing the
environmental impact of timber. Certified forestry practices ensure responsible
harvesting and biodiversity conservation.
• Transportation and Processing: Studies consider the energy and emissions
associated with transportation and processing. Local sourcing and efficient
processing methods can mitigate these impacts.
• End-of-Life: Timber's biodegradability and potential for recycling contribute to a
favorable Life Cycle Assessment, especially when compared to non-renewable
materials.

VI. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

The production of steel involves resource-intensive processes, such as mining and high energy
consumption. The steel manufacturing process is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions. Steel
is denser than timber, contributing to heavier structures. Initial costs for steel structures can be higher
compared to timber in some cases. Steel may require coatings to prevent corrosion, affecting its
appearance. On the other hand, timber has unsustainable logging practices can lead to deforestation,
habitat loss, and ecosystem disruption. Some timber may require chemical treatments for durability,
raising environmental concerns. Timber may have limitations in span compared to steel, requiring
additional support in large structures. Timber's flammability may require additional fire safety measures.
Timber can change color and texture over time due to weathering.

V. CONCLUSION AND REFLECTION

The comparison of steel and timber highlights the dynamic nature of architectural decision-making, where
sustainability, structural considerations, construction efficiency, and aesthetic preferences are carefully balanced.
The understanding of the environmental impact, renewable characteristics, life cycle assessments, and structural
performances of steel and timber provides a foundation for architects and builders to make informed and
conscientious choices.