Abstract
Structural steel quality is widely recognized as a factor in building longevity and safety, yet the relationship between specific rolled steel characteristics and measurable structural performance outcomes over multi-decade service periods has not been systematized into a practical assessment tool. This article develops a Multi-Factor Durability-Safety Assessment Framework that connects five rolled steel quality factors (grade compliance, dimensional tolerance, protective coating integrity, weldability, documentary traceability) to three structural performance domains (load-bearing reliability, corrosion resistance, safety margin preservation over time). The framework is grounded in field observations of over 40 steel structures across warehouse, industrial, and commercial applications, assessed during periodic site visits over 3 to 10 years of service in various environmental exposure conditions. Observed data indicate that structures fabricated from fully certified and appropriately protected rolled steel exhibit 40–60% lower visual deterioration scores at the five-year mark, maintain design safety margins within acceptable bounds through the observation period, and require 30–50% fewer maintenance interventions compared to structures built with unverified or inadequately protected material. Lifecycle cost projections incorporating initial material investment and estimated maintenance expenditure suggest that premium-quality rolled steel reduces aggregate 25-year ownership costs by approximately 20–35% despite higher purchase price. The framework provides procurement and design professionals with a structured method for evaluating how material quality decisions at the specification stage affect structural outcomes across the full-service life.
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