COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF COSTS AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY BETWEEN CONVENTIONAL SYSTEMS AND STEEL FRAMING IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION: A CASE STUDY AT ISTM, ANGOLA

The search for more efficient construction systems that enhance productivity and deliver benefits to the construction sector has driven the adoption of new technologies. In this context, steel has gained prominence in the construction industry, fostering a transition from traditional heavy and slow construction methods to more agile and effective systems. Light Steel Framing, which employs cold-formed steel profiles, has proven to be an effective solution for the construction of low-, medium-, and high-rise buildings, offering advantages such as design flexibility, large spans, low self-weight, and rapid construction. This study presents a comparative analysis between conventional construction systems and Steel Framing, focusing on their feasibility for the construction of a building intended for the Faculty of Nursing at the Instituto Superior Técnico Militar (ISTM) of Angola. The technical advantages and disadvantages of each system are examined, considering criteria such as structural strength, cost, weight per unit area, and construction time. The results indicate that the Steel Framing system is a viable alternative for the construction of the nursing faculty at ISTM, demonstrating economic and safety advantages, particularly with regard to seismic performance. This research provides valuable information for construction professionals when selecting the most appropriate system for their projects.