In the world of metal construction, one of the most important – and often undervalued – decisions is how structural elements are joined together. For decades, welding has been the traditional method. However, the evolution of industrialized construction systems has brought an increasingly popular alternative to the table: bolted steel structures.
As we summarized in Starmodul:
🎙️ “A welded structure relies heavily on on-site labor. In contrast, Starmodul bolted structures are precisely fabricated and assembled as a system. The result is higher quality, fewer errors and much more controlled times.”
In this article we explain the real differences between welding and bolting, when each system is suitable and why more and more technicians, architects and self-developers are opting for bolted structures without welding.
The problem: dependence on on-site welding
For years, welding has been the standard for metal structures. However, in daily practice it presents a series of important limitations that directly affect the final result of the work.
Main disadvantages of welded structures
- 🔥 High dependence on labor
The quality of the joint depends directly on the welder: his experience, precision and working conditions. - ⏱️ Variable execution times
On-site welding is slow and difficult to plan, especially in adverse weather conditions. - ⚠️ Increased risk of errors and rework
A defective weld can compromise the structure and force costly corrections. - 🚧 Difficult to disassemble or modify
Once welded, the structure is virtually final. - 📏 Reduced dimensional accuracy
“In-situ” adjustments that generate accumulated tolerances and deviations.
This scenario clashes with the current needs of the construction industry: cost control, defined deadlines and consistent quality.
The solution: bolted steel structures as a construction system
Bolted steel structures are not simply “non-welded structures”. They are a complete construction system, designed to be manufactured with industrial precision and assembled quickly and safely on site.
What changes when we screw?
- 🏭 Shop fabrication with total control
Parts machined, drilled and checked before arriving on site. - 🧩 Kit-type assembly
Each element fits exactly where it belongs, without improvisation. - 🔩 Certified bolted joints
Precise structural calculations and predictable mechanical behavior. - 🛠️ No need for specialized welders
Assembly can be performed by standard technical personnel.
In the case of Starmodul, this approach is supported by a patented patented system of bolted connectionsdesigned to facilitate assembly and guarantee structural strength.
