Comparative Study of Reinforced Concrete and Steel Frame Structural Systems for Commercial Warehouse Construction in Ogun State

The selection of an appropriate structural system for commercial warehouse construction involves trade-offs between initial cost, construction speed, durability, and maintenance requirements. This study compares reinforced concrete frame and structural steel frame systems for warehouse applications in Ogun State, situated within the South West geopolitical zone and one of Nigeria's most industrially active states. Three recently completed warehouses of comparable floor area and loading specification were selected, one employing a reinforced concrete frame system and two employing pre-engineered steel portal frame systems. Structural performance parameters evaluated include deflection under dead and imposed loads, construction time, material usage efficiency, and maintenance cost over a five-year period as reported by facility managers. Cost-benefit analysis was performed using current material prices from Ogun State Ministry of Works schedule of rates. Results indicate that steel portal frame warehouses were completed approximately thirty-five percent faster than the equivalent reinforced concrete frame and carried a fifteen percent lower structural cost at the time of construction, though maintenance costs over five years were eleven percent higher due to repainting cycles necessitated by corrosion in the humid coastal environment. Reinforced concrete frames demonstrated superior long-term durability in this climatic context. The study concludes that the optimal structural system depends on the client's priority matrix and recommends a structured decision-support tool for warehouse clients in similar climatic zones. Keywords: reinforced concrete, steel frame, warehouse construction, structural comparison, Ogun State.