Structural Steel

About Structural Steel

Steel is one of the most used construction materials worldwide. Its unique properties make it highly applicable in different areas of structural and framing operations.

Durable, stable, resistant to corrosion (when adequately coated), with an excellent strength to weight ratio, structural steel is the metal of choice of many engineers, architects, and designers. Being also affordable and cost-effective in the long run adds to its range of advantages as a structural component in high-rise structures, bridges, and similar, substantial investments. 

Steel comes in different grades and shapes. Its most basic form is an alloy composed of iron and a minuscule amount of carbon, while other elements can be added to improve specific properties. Several production methods apply microstructure change and necessary heat treatments to solidsolid-state-state make it more tensile resistant and corrosion-free. 

Structural Steel Applications

Construction

About a quarter of the entire structural steel production ends up in construction. The broad field of applications include skyscrapers, hangars, bridges, and various industrial places.

• Steel frames
• Beams and columns
• Bars
• Girders
• Plates

Mining

Mining is another industry with substantial application of structural steel, particularly for reinforcing the shafts. Besides strength and durability, the key advantage of structural steel here is the smooth surface, easy to clean and maintain.

• Offices
• Mining screens
• Fluidised bed boilers
• Various buildings 

Transportation

Structural steel is used to produce both vehicles and their pathways. 

• Trucks
• Trains
• Ships
• Submarines
• Rails
• Transmissions
• Anchor chains
• Aircraft undercarriages
• Jet engine components

Energy

Steel is used in industrial buildings in renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

Transmission towers

• Pipelines
• Wind turbines
• Electromagnets
• Transformer cores
• Oil and gas wells

Advantages of Structural Steel

• High strength to weight ratio: In this category, structural steel is far superior to its conventional counterparts, such as timber or cement. High strength to weight ratio means that the structure made of steel will hold better against substandard foundations.  
• Safety: Steel is non-combustible, resistant to mould or mildew, and doesn't splinter or shatter during extreme movement.
• Affordability: Lower projects costs, reduced construction timeline and labour.
• Adaptability: Steel frames and structures are highly adaptable and expanded easily.
• Ductility: Due to its elastic nature, steel can withstand substantial loads without collapsing. It typically returns to its natural shape after twisting or flexing.
• Toughness: Superior toughness values make it very suitable for all applications requiring pliable yet robust material able to carry higher loads.
• Architectural variety: Due to its properties, steel allows for the creation of unique designs.
• Space-savvy: Steel can perform with equal efficiency while taking half or less of available space compared to reinforced concrete and other more massive materials. 
• Sustainability: Some alloys contain over 90 per cent recycled material. Structural steel is 100 per cent recyclable without losing its properties. 

Types of Structural Steel

Different shapes and grades directly affect the alloy's performance. For that reason, standard steel types are determined by their most common applications.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel alloy contains copper in no more than 0.4%, with no other alloying element added to the formula. Carbon content further determines the categories as low-carbon (less than 0.3%), medium-carbon, high carbon, and ultrahigh carbon (up to 2%). It's best suited for applications such as piping and tubing. 

High Strength Low Alloy 

This type has advanced mechanical properties, such as high resistance to atmospheric corrosion, making them more suited for use in structural shapes and plates than carbon steels. The manganese content typically doesn't exceed 2.0%, while other elements such as nickel, chromium, or titanium can be added to amplify some properties.

Forged Steel

Shaping the metal in its solid state produces a uniform grain structure, eliminating issues such as removing voids or gas bubbles that may occur as side-effects of other methods. Forging increases the overall strength of the alloy. 

Quenched and Tempered Alloys

This type is commonly found in building constructions. As the name indicates, such steel has been subjected to treatments that enhance its corrosion resistance and its general behaviour.  

Things to Consider Before Buying Structural Steel

The application determines what alloy is best to use - even similar buildings of different sizes may require different types of steel.

It's also important to check local regulations regarding the use of structural steel. 

The quality of the alloy is one of the crucial factors to consider before purchasing. Regardless of the application, a poorly-made material will lead to unwanted issues sooner or later. It's best to choose a reputable supplier and ensure that the composition is suited to the purpose. 

The same applies to durability - a good alloy will not require frequent repairs or replacements. In addition, if anti-corrosive properties are important, it's strongly recommended to opt for galvanised steel with a protective zinc coating.

If you need assistance to find the right structural steel for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.