Structural steel is used to make construction materials in several different shapes. While steel frames were the most common variant of steel used in buildings, more advanced steel alloys, such as carbon steel, high strength low alloy steel, forged steel have entered the market. These frames provide more flexibility, toughness and are overall easier to work with; thus, they are more time-saving. For cost-effective and high-quality structural steel, check out ArchiPro!
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.
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.
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.
Steel is used in industrial buildings in renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To enhance your house framing and structure, you can add other structural elements like:
Several additional elements can enhance a house: roof frames and trusses which offer structural support for spacious interiors and protect against environmental stresses, structural flooring which ensures even weight distribution and provides a stable foundation for interior finishes, structural wall panelling which enhances support, insulation, and aesthetic appeal, boosting energy efficiency and appearance, wall framing which maintains wall integrity and streamlines the installation of internal systems and finishes and masonry blocks which provide durability, and temperature regulation, resulting in a stable and efficient home.