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Structural steel is very versatile and can be used for different applications. It is one of the preferred options within the manufacturing and construction industry. Structural steel is alloy steel made from a combination of carbon and iron. The carbon content varies according to the purpose and use it is designed for.
The main physical properties of structural steel include machinability, yield strength, tensile strength, flexibility, toughness, and hardness. Even though steel fabricators have the freedom to highlight these properties, it's important to note that they work on the most workable and durable materials.
This is one of the reasons why structural steel can be applied in many ways today. Some of the standard applications include parking spaces, warehouses, bridges, high-rise buildings, agriculture, and more. This article will take you through the different uses of structural steel, so keep reading to learn more.
Uses of Structural Steel
Here are the primary uses of structural steel:
Warehouses
You can find carbon steel in most warehouses, large and small. Even though it can be used in many ways, it is mostly part of the main structuring or mainframe—for example, pipes, reinforced steel bars, I-sections, and steel beams.
When used in warehouses, it serves functional and decorative purposes. The exposed beams are not only visually pleasing to look at, but they are also designed to last longer and be durable barebone structures that are widely applied in warehouses.
The structural design used in warehouses is essential, and the material used is reliable and easy to install. You can also process the structural steel by reinforcing it to improve its corrosion resistance. This process is called galvanisation.
Parking spaces
Parking spaces and most modern car parks these days use different materials for their construction. You'll hardly find any car park without reinforced concrete in its structure.
There are also hybrid parking spaces, some of which have steel reinforcing bars that support the concrete columns in their structure.
In many cases, this is spaced out across the whole facility. Structural steel is an excellent option for this purpose because the material supports the columns and other levels of the parking space.
In other cases, steel is visible throughout the parking space, and this has been a common trend in recent times. Steel car parks are lightweight, unlike concrete. This makes it easier to maximise the space within the parking area.
High rise buildings
The requirements for high-rise buildings are not always the same, but the common thing is that they all require structural support to allow them to withstand natural disasters like earthquakes and storms. Wind load is the metric mostly used as a standard for high-rise buildings.
Wind load measures what the building can withstand before other structural components like ceilings or roofs are affected. This also describes the pressure that the building can take before the main structure starts to show signs of damage and cracks.
Steel is mainly used for this purpose.
These can be beams, steel sections, pipes, reinforced steel bars, and steel plates, all of which are used in offering structure and support to the building design. Basically, they can withstand wind, and different pressure, as long as they are correctly constructed.
Bridges
Another application of structural steel is on bridges. Multiple cars and other vehicles pass through modern bridges every day, and if the bridge isn't strong enough to hold the force it is subjected to, it can be hazardous.
This is a fundamental thing to have in mind. Today, there are many types of steel products, most of which are fabricated steel products and are used for bridge construction. This helps in providing the support to carry different loads with minimal maintenance being carried out.
Subjecting the steel to the process of galvanisation offers protection against certain environmental elements. All bridge structures must maintain stability for a very long time without being prone to corrosion.
Agricultural infrastructure
Another area where structural steel is applied is in the agricultural sector. Agricultural industries have been around for a very long time, and specific techniques like irrigation farming have diversified to accommodate technological advancements, including the use of structural steel.
That being said, the agricultural industry is a sector that has enjoyed the benefits of structural steel, and you can see this in different farm and agricultural buildings like sheds, chicken coops, silos, and barns. All these buildings have many applications of steel in them.
In addition to buildings, it's worth noting that modern steel is also applied in the agricultural sector, particularly in fencing installations for some facilities. Steel fencing is used for different enclosures to secure agricultural equipment and house farm animals. Within the agricultural industry, the steel design needs to be flexible so that it can be expanded continuously with much ease, unlike when using other materials.
Benefits of Using Structural Steel
In addition to knowing the different uses of structural steel, here are some of the benefits of using structural steel:
Strength
Quenched and tempered structural steel has gone through a process in order to make materials like steel and other iron alloys stronger. Steel derives its mechanical properties from different constituents, which include heat treatment, the manufacturing process, and chemical makeup.
Iron is the main element in the structural steel composition, but there may be other elements like niobium and manganese that can add more strength to the steel.
Cost
Another benefit of using structural steel is the overall cost. It is one of the most cost-effective options, and this has been the case for more than 30 years. It takes less time to produce a tonne of steel, making it much cheaper.
In addition, advancements in detailing processes and steel fabrication also make structural steel much cheaper.
Aesthetic appeal
Steel offers a unique level of versatility, which allows designers and architects to explore their creativity without compromising the functional demands of the structure. Today, steel is one of the most aesthetically appealing options for buildings.
Unlike concrete and wood, it's easy to fashion steel, bend it, and shape it in many ways. Steel is also uniquely beautiful, which is why it is mainly exposed in structures it is used on.
Sustainability
Another benefit of using steel is that it is one of the most highly sustainable building materials on the market today. It is easy to recycle steel, with over 90% featuring recycled products.
Steel does not degrade quickly, and recycling only requires a few processes. Another thing to note is that its carbon footprint has significantly reduced over the past few years.
Fire resistance
As a non-combustible material, steel is a great building material with the highest level of fire resistance. However, it's important to note that steel's integrity reduces when subjected to high heat. The critical temperature is used in describing the temperature at which structural steel cannot support load anymore.
Fire tests are also used in calculating the fire resistance potential of steel. This involves regulated processes performed in a certified and controlled furnace.
Susceptibility to elements
Apart from fire, it's important to note that steel also has high resistance to other elements. Steel reduces the risk of mildew or mould that can affect the structural integrity of your building. This infestation can only occur in the presence of moisture and porous materials like wood. You have nothing to fret about if you use steel.
When it comes to corrosion, water can affect steel. However, this can be prevented easily by using protective sprays and paints to treat the steel surface. Different coating materials also provide double protection against fire and corrosion. Steel is also not prone to pest infestation, unlike wood.
Getting Expert Structural Steel Fabrication
Structural steel is a high steel grade that is functional and visually appealing. Its use in the construction industry continues to increase due to its many benefits and use cases. Structural steel might be just what you need to give your building the strength and durability you're looking for. Be sure to consult professional steel fabricators to handle any type of steel project you may have.
