In designing steel structures, you have two primary options for supporting the building's span (width): using columns or opting for a clear span design.

1. Column-Supported Steel Structures:

Description: These structures utilize intermediate columns within the interior space to help support the roof and other loads.

Pros:
Economical for wider buildings: For structures exceeding a certain width (often around 30m), using columns becomes more cost-effective as it reduces the need for proportionally heavier framing and materials.
Enhanced Stability for Very Wide Structures: For multi-span structures wider than typical clear span limits, columns provide necessary support and stability.
Cons:
Obstructions: Interior columns restrict the open floor space, potentially limiting layout options and maneuverability.
Less Flexible for Interior Reconfiguration: Relocating or removing load-bearing walls supported by columns is more complex and can impact structural integrity compared to clear span designs.

2. Clear Span Steel Structures:

Description: These structures are designed to be self-supporting, eliminating the need for interior columns to hold up the roof.
Pros:
Unobstructed Interior Space: Provides a completely open and usable area for maximum flexibility and maneuverability.
Increased Flexibility in Design and Layout: The absence of load-bearing interior walls allows for easier floor plan modifications and adaptability for various purposes.
Ideal for Specific Applications: Well-suited for spaces requiring large, open areas such as aircraft hangars, warehouses, sports arenas, and churches.

Cons:
Potential for higher cost in very wide buildings: As clear spans get wider, the structural framing (like beams and columns) needs to be larger and heavier to carry the load, potentially increasing costs for buildings significantly exceeding standard clear span widths.
Requires careful engineering for stability: The design needs to be carefully engineered to ensure structural stability without interior support columns.