Steel vs Concrete: Iran's Construction Industry at a Crossroads Amid Water Crisis and Migration

TEHRAN, Iran - July 30, 2025 - PRLog -- In a recent press conference held in Tehran, Ahmad Karami Rad, board member of the Iranian Association of Steel Structures Producers and Exporters, provided a technical analysis of the differences between steel and concrete structures, stressing the need for adaptive construction strategies in light of Iran's ongoing water crisis and increased Afghan migration.

"Steel structures offer higher resistance and better flexibility," he said, "making them ideal for high-rise and development-focused projects. Their smaller structural elements reduce foundation costs and speed up execution. However, they require higher initial investment but compensate with precision and time efficiency."

On the other hand, concrete structures, according to Karami Rad, are less expensive and can be executed in phases, allowing developers more flexibility with their capital. Yet in terms of earthquake resistance and lateral loads, steel's lighter weight and ductility give it the edge.

Karami Rad emphasized that water consumption in concrete production is nearly three times higher than that of steel, a significant issue considering the national water crisis. He also raised concerns over the social and economic impact of increased Afghan migration, which has placed additional strain on water resources and the labor market.

He advocated for the use of recyclable steel structures and modern construction technologies as solutions to current challenges and called for more legal and financial support for steel producers. "Focusing on exports and skilled workforce development is key to achieving sustainable growth in Iran's steel industry," he concluded.

The session, attended by leading journalists from the construction and industry sectors, served as a platform for outlining the Association's upcoming strategies to enhance Iran's steel construction capabilities.

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