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Structural steel continues to gain parking market share

Structural steel framing use on parking garage projects continued its rise in 2006, according to industry research. The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) reported a 3 percent increase in market share by square footage for structural steel framed parking structures throughout the U.S. in 2006 based on research performed by The Parking Market Research Company of McLean, Virginia.

Total market share by square footage for structural steel framed parking projects now stands at 11 percent nationwide, up from 8 percent one year ago. Structural steel's share of the parking structure market has increased significantly over the past seven years, rising from 3 percent of the market in 2000 to 11 percent today.

"Architects, engineers, developers, and general contractors are making increased use of structural steel on parking garage projects for a variety of design, performance and economic reasons," explained John Cross, vice president of marketing at AISC. "Steel framing typically allows for faster construction speed and lower total structure costs. Structural steel also provides greater design flexibility, allowing for aesthetic freedom, as well as a more efficient use of space, which enables many garages to incorporate a larger number of parking spaces than comparable concrete structures."