Learn about what steel structure standards are?
What is a steel structure?
A steel structure, also known as a steel frame structure, is a type of metal structure with high load-bearing capacity, used in construction projects made of steel, typically large-scale projects.
In the construction industry, steel structures are used for most types of building structures, including: heavy industrial factories, restaurants, convention centers, infrastructure, airports, etc.
Steel structure standards are manufactured from chemical compositions in various forms to suit the technical requirements of each project. Depending on the specific details and techniques applied to each project or construction, different shapes and sizes will appear. However, in practice, common forms include: I-beams, C-channels, plate steel, angle steel, etc.

Classification of steel structures
Steel frame structures are classified as follows:
- Frame structure: Beams and columns
- Grid structure: structure in the form of a grid or dome
- Prestressed structure
- Beam bridge
- Cable-stayed bridge
- Truss structure: bars or trusses
- Arch bridge
- Arch architecture
- Suspension bridge
- Truss bridge: truss components
Summary of the latest steel structure standards 2022
Currently, the latest steel structure standard 2022 is the NATIONAL STANDARD TCVN 5575 : 2012, which originates from the Russian SNIP II-23-81.
In addition, there are several necessary reference documents to be applied in this 5575:2012 standard, including:
TCVN 197:2002, Metals. Tensile testing method.
TCVN 198:2008, Metals. Bending testing method.
TCVN 312:2007, Metals. Charpy impact test method at room temperature.
TCVN 313:1985, Metals. Torsion testing method.
TCVN 1691:1975, Manual arc welding. Types and basic dimensions.
TCVN 1765:1975, Ordinary carbon structural steel. Steel grades and technical requirements.
TCVN 1766:1975, High-quality carbon structural steel. Steel grades and technical requirements.
TCVN 1916:1995: Bolts, screws, studs, and nuts. Technical requirements.
TCVN 2737:1995, Loads and actions. Design standard.
TCVN 3104:1979, Low-alloy structural steel. Grades and technical requirements.
TCVN 3223:2000, Covered electrodes for low carbon and low alloy steel. Symbols, dimensions, and general technical requirements.
TCVN 3909:2000, Covered electrodes for low carbon and low alloy steel. Testing methods.
TCVN 5400:1991, Welded joints. General requirements for sampling for mechanical testing.
TCVN 5401:1991, Welded joints. Bending testing method.
TCVN 5402:2010, Welded joints. Impact bending testing method.
TCVN 5709:2009, Hot-rolled carbon steel for structural use in construction. Technical requirements.
TCVN 6522:2008, Hot-rolled structural steel plates.
Applying the entire method in the form of limit states, the method applied for safety factors such as: load safety factor, working condition safety, and material safety.
TCVN 5575:2012 focuses heavily on stiffness, not accepting excessive deformation of the structure.
Example: The horizontal displacement of frame columns must absolutely not exceed 1/300 for 1-story buildings and 1/500 for multi-story buildings. Furthermore, the vertical displacement of main beams is L/400.
– Design strength: Standard strength or also known as material safety factor (material safety factor = 1.05 – 1.15 depending on the type of steel).
– Design load = standard load * load reliability factor (overload factor). However, in many cases where there are many acting loads, there is also a load reduction factor due to the effects of other related loads.
– Use additional TCVN 2737:1995 to determine design loads for steel structures. For wind loads, the wind speed measurement method corresponds to 3 seconds, with a return period of 3 years. The wind coefficient in our country is calculated based on wind pressure, not wind speed.
– The aerodynamic coefficient is determined by the results of model pressure in a wind tunnel, thus applicable to solid objects.
Why should you use steel structures?
Steel structure standards are truly important; here are some reasons why investors or contractors are compelled to use them:
Cost savings
The overall structure of steel is the most cost-effective in terms of materials, design, construction, and maintenance compared to other traditional methods.
High aesthetics
Steel is a material that most architects prefer. Steel structures create extremely large span frame systems, allowing for plenty of natural light, thus providing unique aesthetics in architectural design.
Safety and convenience
Steel is fabricated right at the factory and erected quickly at the construction site. This helps the construction process take place with absolute safety.
In fact, many researchers in the construction field have pointed out that steel structure standards are the most optimal method for construction management.
Flexibility
It is easier and more flexible to modify in the future to suit completely new applications. Under load conditions, expanding or changing according to the investor's requirements is something other frame systems struggle to achieve.
Sustainability
It can easily withstand strong impacts as well as extremely harsh weather conditions such as strong winds, storms, etc. Standardized steel structures are never corroded, rusted, or damaged by termites and mold.
Steel structure standards are always a trend not only in our country but also worldwide. These standards, based on research and the application of Vietnamese standards, will provide users with safety in terms of sturdiness, durability, and flexibility.












