Steel as a Driver of Construction Development

Today, the VIII International Conference Steel Construction Development Association (SCDA) has officially opened in Sochi. This key annual event brings together manufacturers of steel structures, design and installation companies, builders, developers, and clients. This year, the conference is being held in a new format, with the business program divided into thematic blocks.

Already, manufacturers of steel products — founders of the SCDA — have spoken, with upcoming presentations from analysts, banking institutions, developers, research institutes, and member companies of the Association. The main topic of the conference is Prospects for the Use of Steel Structures in Modern Conditions: From Standardization Issues to Project Implementation, which includes a number of interesting presentations from market experts.

The conference opening set a high professional standard for the discussions. Leading manufacturers of steel products outlined their priorities aimed at supporting developers and designers in the current economic climate.

Mikhail Sokolov, Severstal:

“The use of steel frames in civil construction is becoming the norm. Even now, its cost is comparable to that of monolithic construction in central regions. In remote areas, savings reach 10%.”

Severstal introduced its system prefab solutions based on steel frames: ready-made structural joints, well-defined technical parameters, and solutions adapted for transportation and assembly at the construction site. The focus is on reducing construction time, transparency of costs, and predictability for developers.

Dmitry Manakov, Severstal Steel Solutions:

“2024 demonstrated that partnership requires not only flexibility but also depth. We reorganized our internal processes, strengthened our teams, and reached a new level of interaction with clients.”

The group's updated structure includes a dedicated block for partner collaboration, the launch of new capacities, the development of the design and engineering center, and a flexible product strategy. The company is betting on engineering that is driven by the real needs of developers.

Stanislav Stukalin, OMK:

“OMK provides the construction industry with innovative products that are already being used in key projects across the country.”

OMK presented its full production chain, from scrap steel to sheets, pipes, and steel structures, highlighting new products for civil construction, including:

- Atmospheric-resistant steels 14HGNDC, with corrosion resistance 8 times higher than standard materials.
- High-strength steels up to S690 to reduce the weight of steel structures.
- New-generation bridge steels that do not require heat treatment.
- Pipes for concrete-filled steel tube supports used in high-rise construction. 

OMK is actively participating in major projects, from airports to sports complexes, and implementing iconic architectural solutions where steel is used not only for cladding but also in load-bearing structures, such as in the "Metallurgy Temple" project in Vyksa.

Artem Nazarov, NLMK:

“The development of steel construction is a new market for steel, and for developers, it is a tool to reduce construction time and costs.”

NLMK is actively entering the civil construction sector with an emphasis on LSTC (light steel thin-walled structures) made from galvanized steel. The high corrosion resistance, ease of assembly, and a 30% reduction in steel consumption make steel a more cost-effective alternative to traditional materials.

Alexander Bibin, EVRAZ:

“A designer should not be left alone. We have created a digital support ecosystem where they can find answers, tools, and assistance — from feasibility studies to BIM components.”

EVRAZ introduced the EVRAZ STEEL ENGINEERING platform — a web resource with calculation tools, technical solutions, consultations, and a knowledge base. With over 30 tools, 260+ articles, and tens of thousands of users, this is a real contribution to improving the project culture in the industry.

Petr Chayrev, EVRAZ Steel Box:

“Prefab solutions based on steel offer precision, speed, and quality — which have now become mandatory standards.”

The company presented technological solutions based on light steel frames and prefab panels for civil and industrial construction. Standardized modules help reduce construction time and minimize risks.

Key takeaway from the block:
Steel is becoming a driver of construction development: increasing speed, reducing costs, enhancing architectural solutions, and unlocking new technological possibilities.