Gap Analysis for the Potential Use of Lightweight Steel Construction in Cyprus

Abstract

In North Cyprus while reinforced concrete structures are used ubiquitously, steel structures are used very rarely. However, steel construction has some advantages over concrete construction. In order to investigate the actual rate of usage of steel construction in N. Cyprus and the reason for using or not using it, a questionnaire was prepared. It was concluded from the questionnaire results that, the main reason for not using steel construction is lack of knowhow of relevant people (engineering/architects). The building regulation in N. Cyprus dictates constructing the buildings up to four or five storeys. Therefore, it is expected that, lightweight steel structures will be used more in future. A decision support system was developed by using Microsoft Visual C# which included almost all of the lightweight steel construction details required for Mediterranean climate conditions. It was aimed that; such a system will produce expert recommendations in the domain of lightweight steel construction and will contribute to the training of the novice engineers/architects in lightweight steel construction.