Análisis comparativo del sistema Steel Framing y el hormigón armado como alternativas para la construcción de viviendas unifamiliares

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the Steel Framing construction system and reinforced concrete as alternatives for constructing single-family housing in Ecuador, within a context marked by a housing deficit and the need to optimize costs, timelines, and resources. The research is justified by the limited dissemination and application of industrialized construction systems, despite their technical, economic, and environmental potential. The main objective is to evaluate the feasibility of Steel Framing compared to reinforced concrete, considering its advantages and limitations. The study is a descriptive-comparative approach with a mixed methodology, based on documentary review, regulatory analysis, case studies, and comparison of costs, construction times, technical requirements, environmental impact, and flexibility. The research focuses on single-family housing, using secondary data and case studies. The results show that Steel Framing offers significant advantages in terms of cost and time reduction, lower environmental impact, and greater flexibility, establishing itself as a viable and efficient alternative, especially for public interest housing projects.