In most structures, the construction is a combination of these elements. Steel Construction Steel is a wonderful invention. It is very strong for its weight, and relatively inexpensive and available for its strength. Many Structural Engineers dedicate their careers to the design of steel structures. A large steel structure, with beams and trusses and girders of awesome proportions, is truly an inspiring site.
Steel is also the material of choice for commercial or industrial truss construction.
A truss is simply a combination of bars linked together to form a series of small triangles. Because of this geometry, trusses can provide very high stability over long distances with relatively little weight. Steel joint construction, whether within a truss or not, utilizes the properties of compression and tension to support a structure. Steel is one of the strongest materials available when in tension. This state of 'equilibrium' is what Structural Engineers design for within a structure - to make each and every joint balance to zero.