In steel structure projects, many factors affect the total cost — and one of the most critical is the span width of the project.
At Hasanoglu, we believe that smart design begins with a clear understanding of the technical and economic implications of every design decision — especially when it comes to span.
What Do We Mean by Span Width?
The “span” refers to the horizontal distance between the main supports or columns of a steel structure.
Clients often request wide, open spaces without interior columns. While this increases functionality, it also brings significant engineering and cost implications — which we explain below.
How Does Project Width Affect Cost?
- The wider the span, the greater the loads on structural elements
A wide span requires larger and stronger beams and columns to carry the load.
This often means using heavier steel sections or specialized systems like trusses — which increases costs. - Fewer internal columns mean higher costs
Many clients prefer open spaces, but the longer the span without intermediate supports, the more complex and material-intensive the design becomes. - Cost does not increase linearly
The difference in cost between 20m and 30m might be small.
But going from 30m to 50m or 60m creates a sharp rise in cost due to increased engineering complexity. - Foundation requirements increase
Wide-span structures transfer heavier loads to the foundation, requiring larger or deeper footings — adding to construction cost. - Building height may increase with width
To maintain structural balance in large spans, height sometimes needs to be increased, which adds more materials and cost.
An Engineering Tip from Hasanoglu:
Before deciding on the span of your structure, consult with an experienced structural engineer. At Hasanoglu, we evaluate each project carefully and offer smart, cost-efficient design solutions tailored to your needs.
Span width is a major cost driver in steel structure design. Every additional meter should be evaluated from both an engineering and budget perspective.
With Hasanoglu’s experience and expertise, you can be confident your steel structure will be safe, efficient, and economically optimized for your project goals.