TRENDS AND CHALLENGES IN THE USE OF SUSTAINABLE METAL STRUCTURES IN URBAN PROJECTS

Abstract

This article analyzed the trends and challenges in the use of sustainable steel structures in Brazilian urban projects, highlighting technical advances and environmental benefits achieved by integrating steel into different types of constructions. The qualitative literature review brought together academic research, case studies and technical reports, showing that steel has high potential for reuse and recycling, supporting the circular economy concept and significantly reducing waste generation on site. The results demonstrated that the use of steel structures promotes faster execution, lower water consumption and greater predictability of costs and schedules, decisive attributes for meeting the demands of projects in densely populated areas. It was also verified that the adoption of prefabricated solutions and surface protection technologies ensures structural performance and durability even in aggressive urban environments, enabling more resilient buildings with lower maintenance costs. The existing challenges, such as the lack of specialized labor and the need to broaden technical knowledge about metallic systems, can be overcome with investments in training and regulatory updates. It is concluded that steel represents a strategic alternative for cities seeking constructive efficiency and environmental responsibility, consolidating itself as an essential element in contemporary construction.