1. Overview

Steel-framed school is appropriate for computerized education format and diverse education types.  Instead of conventional materials of concrete, brick and lumber, the schools built with new engineering method have the H-shaped steels for key framework and the C-type studs for the walls finished with plaster boards.  Steel-framed school is truly a school of the future that meets the needs of the ever-changing educational environment in the 21st century.

2. Background for Adopting Steel-Framed School Facilities

Changing educational format

Teacher-oriented lecture type education is changed to student-centered open education with emphasis on discussion, observation, experiments, etc.

Changing uses for school facilities

Schools now need to accommodate underground parking lots, cultural centers, swimming pools and other facilities for local residents. 

Changing concept of classroom 

There is a call for flexibility of space where a classroom can serve multiple functions.

3. Characteristics of Steel-Framed Schools

Appropriate for versatile floor plans and spacious interior arrangement

Classroom interior can be freely changed, thanks to long span, non-bearing wall structure.

More environment-friendly than reinforced concrete and superior durability and earthquake resistance

Materials can be recycled 100% after demolition and construction quality is consistent.

Minimal disruption to learning due to shortened construction period

Dry construction method allows wintertime construction and reduces disruption to students. 

More competitive than reinforced concrete

Lower construction cost as compared to the R.C.-type schools. 
Construction cost of R.C.-type school per pyung: 2.39 million won 
Construction cost of steel-framed school per pyung : 2.1 ~ 2.4 million won

4. Comparison of Steel-Framed Type With Reinforced Concrete Type

Classification Steel-Framed Reinforced Concrete Architectural Plan  A variety of floor plans is possible to suit many uses and changes in educational environment. Beautiful exterior Difficult to change interior layout Inappropriate for diverse classroom settings Monotonous and uniform exterior Environmental Plan Outstanding insulation Recycling of materials and environmental friendliness Inferior insulation Material recycling impossible Structure Safety ensured even in structures with long spans and many openings  Efficient structural plan Able to better withstand the forces of earthquakes Spatial loss and inferior structural safety Large member section size  Construction Consistent quality obtained from using factory-manufactured materials Minimized classroom disruptions from shortened construction period Possible quality deterioration from frequent on-site work Wintertime construction not possible with wet engineering method  Profitability Excellent profitability from using domestically produced materials and shortening the construction period Higher construction cost of existing engineering methods