Stålstomme

Stålstomme, or steel frame construction, is a structural system in which loads are carried primarily by a framework of steel columns and beams that form a skeleton for the building. The steel frame supports floors and roofs, while exterior walls often function as non-structural cladding or infill. This system is widely used in commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings, as well as bridges and towers.

Key components include hot-rolled or cold-formed steel sections (such as I- or H-sections, angles, channels, and tubes), along with bolted or welded connections. Floor and roof decks are typically attached to the frame, and lateral stability is provided by bracing systems or by rigid moment-resisting connections. In many buildings, a combination of braced frames and shear walls is used to achieve overall stability.

Advantages of stålstomme include a high strength-to-weight ratio, which enables long spans and open floor plans, fast on-site erection, and high degrees of prefabrication. Steel frames also allow easy integration with mechanical services and can offer good seismic performance when properly designed. The system is highly recyclable and can reduce embodied energy per structural capacity when compared with heavier alternatives.

Disadvantages include sensitivity to fire exposure, requiring fireproofing or protective enclosures, and potential corrosion in aggressive environments without protective coatings. Higher initial material and fabrication costs can be a consideration, and skilled detailing of connections is essential. Design complexity increases for extreme wind or seismic conditions and for ensuring durable connections and fire protection.

Design guidance follows national structural codes and standards, with emphasis on connections, fire protection, durability, and life-cycle considerations.