Steel is one of the most important materials with universal application in construction, agricultural and industrial sectors, etc.
It could be well-referred to as “the backbone of manufacturing.” That’s because steel can help make a wide variety of products, from homes and industrial buildings to extensive infrastructure like railways.
In addition, steel made from excess impurities like carbon, calcium, silicon, and zinc makes them extremely strong and able to withstand high-stress environments.
However, engineers and scientists have also been developing newer types of steel to better suit the needs of specific industries and industrial positions.
Read further to learn about the top benefits of structural steel and its application.
Overview of Structural Steel
Structural steel is part of steel used for designing various construction materials per industry standards, which differ from country to country, like I-beam, Z-shape, bar, or rod.
Usually, steel is an alloy of iron and a meager amount of carbon with low increments of other metals. The end product comes in various grades and shapes. Also, its high tensile strength and low price make it popular in infrastructure, tools, ships, and other appliances.
In addition, they are made and used in various ways that provide microstructure change by performing the necessary heat treatments based on the desired characteristic. Therefore, one can add alloy elements to steel to give it different qualities.
The Era of Steel
Firstly, the history of structural steel is as old as man himself, but the techniques and methods were unknown.
Secondly, the bloomery process was the first widely accepted method of making steel, which involved heating pig iron to a high temperature in a furnace. It was followed by pouring the pig iron into a mold lined with clay, and as it cooled, it would harden into bars. These bars could then be rolled and forged into different shapes.
However, structural steel did not become a prominent component in building construction until the industrial revolution.
Application of Steel
Below is the list of significant applications of structural steel:
- Construction
- Transport development
- Energy infrastructure
- Bridges
- Large buildings
Benefits of Structural Steel
Structural steel is an essential part of every building. With a proper selection, you can create a structure that will stand the test of time. These benefits include:
1. Durability
A structure ranging from buildings and homes to public components must be durable to show that creation will provide long-term service and protect against environmental factors or natural disasters. Also, durability saves maintenance and replacement costs.
2. Project Cost Effective
Choosing steel for your project can significantly decrease costs and use of fewer materials while improving work quality, sustainable benefits, and output.
3. Reliability
It is highly dependable because of property consistency and uniformity, improved quality control, and high elasticity and rigidity.
4. High Tensile Strength and Lightweight Nature
The steel structure is inherently lighter than a similar concrete structure. The lightweight implies less load on foundations, which means a smaller and more robust base. Hence, extending the shelf-life of bridges and tall infrastructures.
5. Sustainability
Structural steel is the most environmentally friendly building material. Its high recycling content and rate outperform any other building material. Also, regardless of how often it goes for recycling, steel retains its physical and chemical qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, structural steel is an important material that offers many benefits. It is solid and durable, making it ideal for construction projects like industrial buildings. It is also flexible to work with, which makes it a popular choice among builders and engineers. In addition, steel is recyclable, so it’s a sustainable material and cost-effective that one can use repeatedly. Consider employing prefabricated industrial steel in your next construction project to reap these benefits.
