Of all the materials used for load-bearing structure of buildings (concrete, iron, wood, masonry, etc.), iron offers the greater durability with smaller sections.

Its production, as an industrial material, is relatively recent and started in the late 19th century at the countries of Central Europe and England.

Technological developments in the fields of construction and engineering led to the development of higher quality, faster, and cost-effective structures, that are able to meet all the safety, functionality and durability requirements. The manufacturing speed and quality are achieved, primarily, through the use of standardized products and the transfer of the main part of the construction work from the building site to the construction factory, where quality is better controlled and the weather conditions do not affect the progress of work. Also, in order to address the transportation problems, the lighter possible prefabricated materials, that easily can be assembled on the building site, are used. These reasons formed the basis for expanding the use of steel and composite structures, beyond the traditional fields. Indeed, except the traditional applications in industrial facilities, industrial buildings, housing large sites, towers, masts, etc., the metal construction has entered, dynamically, in the construction of buildings, capturing a large share of the market.

At the single-storey industrial buildings, that require large frame openings without intermediate pillars, which block the production process, using metal components is a must. In recent years, the use of composite sections is also being developed for use in high-rise buildings. In the construction of houses, also, are spread rapidly integrated building solutions, often in the form of standarized units, including the supporting structure and the body, ie the overlap panels.