Steel frame technology for residential buildings: A comparative thesis-antithesis study versus reinforced concrete

Abstract
The selection of the right structural system for residential buildings is an essential engineering decision, especially in seismic regions where structural safety, construction efficiency, sustainability, and user perception are the main challenges. In many European countries, including Albania, reinforced concrete has been the main used system for residential construction due to its familiarity, availability of materials, and established design practice. However, steel frame technology has increasingly been proposed as a viable alternative, particularly for projects that require faster construction and reduced structural weight in recent years.
This paper explores whether steel frame systems can really reach a level of applicability comparable to reinforced concrete in residential buildings. The study adopts a comparative thesis-antithesis methodology, where the main advantages of steel structures are examined together with their disadvantages, such as excessive vibrations, higher initial costs, fire protection requirements, and design complexity.
To support the study, a three-storey residential building constructed in 2025 in Durrës, Albania, using a heavy steel frame system with composite steel-concrete slabs, is presented as a case study. The comparative analysis focuses on key performance indicators, such as structural self- weight, seismic response behaviour, construction duration, serviceability performance, recyclability potential, and economic considerations.
Rather than advocating a single solution, the paper aims to demonstrate that steel frame technology can represent a competitive alternative for residential buildings whenit is well designed. The final judgment remains intentionally open, encouraging readers to form conclusions based on project-specific priorities, constraints, and long-term performance expectations.

Keywords: Steel frame construction, reinforced concrete structures, structural comparison, material sustainability, residential buildings