Gul Rahman Abdulrahimzai, Alaa Salah Mosa Abushreitah, and Ahmad Sayeed Dildar

Volume 5 Issue 1 | Dec 2023

DOI: 10.31841/KJET.2023.34

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Abstract

The building industry experienced a major shift in the 19th century, which was referred to as “The Age of Steel” due to various reasons. To begin with, technological advancements such as the Bessemer process and open-hearth technique reduced the cost and increased accessibility of steel for use in buildings. Moreover, the development of railroads facilitated efficient transportation of steel, hence its wide application in construction projects. This change also had a significant influence on engineering and architectural design since steel’s exceptional strength-to-weight ratio allowed for taller structures with more open spaces, leading to the creation of towering skyscrapers that became symbols of modernity and progress. Additionally, the use of steel in construction had major economic implications by boosting economic growth through job creation in the expanding construction sector and accelerating urbanization. Thus, technological advancements, transformative impact on design and economic benefits were responsible for the rise of steel as a building material, making it a cornerstone of modern construction practices. To sum up, "The Age of Steel" was a turning point in the development of the building sector in the nineteenth century. Steel's extensive use transformed engineering and architectural design while promoting economic growth due to its greater affordability and efficiency. Our current built environment clearly demonstrates its legacy as we continue to use this amazing material to build buildings that define the skylines of our cities.
Keywords: Steel,19th century, Skyscrapers, Economic growth, Industrial Revolution