Previous boom out Industrial Ironworker/millwright apprentice speaking here. I was wondering why, from a historical, economical, and engineering standpoint; steel is not used more in the vastness of our cities, and commercial/industrial buildings? While it seems steel is still largely a staple for buildings in industrial construction, it seems almost non existent at times in city construction today and commercial buildings in general. For example, I’ve lived right outside the downtown Atlanta area for almost ten years now and have always perked up like a dog seeing a squirrel whenever I see cranes in the sky and new buildings put up and only once have I seen structural steel being put up. I’m sure I have missed or not seen some more, but I am very aware of what goes on in the city and know it very well and frequent all areas. Journeymen have often said the quote to me: “it’s a dying trade, it’s a dying art.” Why is building with steel somewhat dying off, and with it the connecting side of ironwork? What is the history and the reasoning?

Not looking to offend anyone or any idea just looking for casual unbiased dialogue on these topics that could exclude the sensitive and toxic culture that often parades the comment sections and forums of the internet.