Beyond the Joist: Brandon Bell Takes Next Level Steel Innovation to the NASCC Stage in Atlanta
The commercial construction industry is evolving rapidly, and if the packed house in Atlanta last week was any indication, the traditional steel joist is officially on notice.
Next Level Steel CEO, Brandon Bell, recently took the stage at NASCC: The Steel Conference in Atlanta to present on one of the most disruptive structural solutions hitting the market today: Castellated Beams.
During a highly attended session titled 'Castellated Beams: The New Joist?', Brandon and co-presenter Jack Koehler of PK Associates broke down exactly why expanded web beam technology is changing the game for general contractors, architects, and developers alike. While previous discussions on our blog have highlighted how these beams future-proof buildings for green technology, Brandon’s NASCC presentation focused heavily on the immediate, tangible advantages driving this massive industry shift today.
Here is a recap of why the industry is paying attention to the castellated revolution:
Shattering Lead Times & Accelerating Builds
One of the biggest pain points in modern steel construction is the agonizing wait for traditional joists. Brandon highlighted that castellated steel beams offer a quicker turnaround, as they are delivered with less lead time and are faster to erect on the job site. This allows projects to stay on schedule and dry-in faster.
Spanning Further for Less
Why use more steel when you can use smarter steel? Castellated beams feature a unique design that allows for a larger span using less material compared to traditional beams. This translates to significant cost savings in both materials and construction, making it an incredibly smart structural and economic choice.
The Ultimate Tenant Improvement (TI) Hack
A major highlight of the presentation was the direct impact on Tenant Improvement (TI) build-outs. The signature hexagonal holes in castellated beams provide unmatched aesthetic and practical flexibility. Instead of dropping ceilings or working around bulky structures, contractors can run wiring and water pipes directly through the holes in the structural beams. Furthermore, these beams are renowned for their robustness and ability to support heavier loads, increasing the roof's overall load-bearing capacity. Because no added supports are needed to hang conveyors or AC units from the bottom of the beams, it dramatically reduces the overall TI cost of a building.
What’s Next?
The energy at NASCC Atlanta made one thing perfectly clear: the industry is hungry for faster, stronger, and more efficient building methods. At Next Level Steel, we are proud to be leading that charge.
Learn More: Ready to see how you can span further, faster, and for less? Dive into the specs on our Castellated Beams page.
Catch Brandon Live: Want to hear Brandon speak at his next industry event? Keep an eye on our Speaking Engagements schedule to see where the Next Level Steel team is heading next!
