New Study Confirms Cost Advantage of Reinforced Concrete

Overview

• Date: Wednesday, September 8, 2021
• Conducting Institution: University of Greenwich
• Presentation Venue: UK Rebar Industry Seminar on September 30
• Key Finding: Reinforced concrete could be up to 30% cheaper than steel or wood when additional finishes for operational performance are considered.

Focus of the Study

• Elements Compared:
  • Reinforced Concrete
  • Steel
  • Wood
• Additional Performance Costs Considered:
  • Acoustic insulation
  • Fire protection
  • Insulation
  • Insurance
  • Vibration performance
  • Energy efficiency
  • Maintenance
  • Sturdiness

Key Insights

• Acoustic and Insulation:
  • Concrete provides excellent levels without additional costs.
• Fire Protection:
  • Concrete is naturally fire-resistant, offering up to 4 hours of free protection.
  • Steel loses structural strength at high temperatures.
  • Wood requires significant additional fire protection.
• Sturdiness and Maintenance:
  • Concrete is sturdier compared to wood and steel.
  • Wood incurs high ongoing maintenance costs.
• Insurance Cost Advantage:
  • Insurance for commercial properties could be 40% cheaper.
  • Builders' risk insurance could be 47% cheaper for concrete buildings.

Research Methodology

1. Systematic Review:
   • Critical review and cost analysis of structural types.
   • Comparison tables for various materials.
2. Document Analysis:
   • Estimated construction costs per square meter for each material.
3. Systematic Cost Analysis:
   • Utilized RICS Building Cost Information Service (BCIS).
   • Analyzed average cost per square meter for five building categories.
   • Adjusted for regional factors and tender price indices.
4. Final Integration:
   • Concrete frame construction, considering additional performance costs, is 31% cheaper than steel frame.

Conclusion

• This study is the first detailed analysis of the cost comparison of reinforced concrete, steel, and wood regarding performance benefits.
• It highlights the importance of considering additional performance costs when determining the overall true cost of construction.

Further Information

• Download Link: Visit www.uk-bar.org/publications to download the full report.