What is one major disadvantage of steel compared to concrete in construction?

One significant disadvantage of steel compared to concrete in construction is its higher cost. Steel tends to be more expensive than concrete due to factors such as materials, fabrication, and installation processes. Additionally, fluctuations in the steel market and the costs associated with transporting and handling steel contribute to its overall higher expense in construction projects. While steel offers benefits like strength-to-weight ratio and flexibility, its cost can be a notable downside, especially when budget constraints are a consideration in construction planning.

In the context of the other options, while steel has relatively lower compressive strength compared to concrete, it is actually better at handling tensile loads. Higher thermal conductivity of steel means it transfers heat more efficiently, leading to faster heat transfer in fire situations, which can be a concern for fire resistance. Lastly, the durability of steel can be affected by factors like corrosion, but it is not necessarily less durable overall than concrete, as proper treatments can mitigate adverse conditions.