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Steel is primarily an alloy obtained from a combination of carbon and iron, coupled with small amounts of other elements like phosphorus, manganese, silicon, and sulphur. Structural steel is a type of steel manufactured in a particular form for construction purposes.
Like regular steel, it comprises the same chemical constituent and almost exact strength. Structural steel is a versatile building material that can be made in any shape and form. In these modern times, steel is a predominant architectural feature due to its various benefits.
It is widely known for its appealing aesthetic and adaptability and can also be regarded as one of the most renewable components of the construction market. Steel is generally cost-effective and light and can easily be modified depending on the user's wants. The popularity of steel in the construction industries cannot be overemphasised.
Even though it has so many benefits, there are certain drawbacks that one must consider before deciding on its usage. These advantages and disadvantages will be briefly discussed in this article.
Types of Structural Steel
Steels utilised in construction are of different types. The various types of steel used in construction are listed below.
Angled sections
This type of steel is right-angled and can be termed L-shape; it comes in unequal and sometimes equal lengths. It is often used in transportation and industrial construction.
Flat sections
As the name implies, they are mostly flat and are added to other sections to increase their strength.
Parallel flange channels
They resemble right angles but have the U shape; they exist in diverse forms and sizes.
Rectangular hollow sections
This kind of section is rectangular and generally used in construction.
Square hollow sections
Their uses are limited since they cannot be fused into others. Hence, they are used only in columns of structures.
Universal beams
They can take any shape (I and H) depending on how they are placed and have wide applications in construction.
Universal columns
Universal columns take the shape of universal beams but are majorly used in manufacturing columns.
Advantages of Structural Steel
There are numerous advantages of structural steel, some of which are highlighted below.
Safety
Structural steel enhances the safety of construction. It is generally safe. So, the end product of whatever is crafted using steel has a certain safety guarantee. Steel is pretreated or galvanised to help increase its resistance to water and fire.
Steel also withstands the effects of earthquakes and storms. Furthermore, structural steel helps to keep a site of work safe because its components can be assembled in different settings.
Lightness
It is a light material and even lighter when compared to bricks and wood. Steel has intense strength and hence can bear the burden of heavy loads depending on its weight. This particular feature is why steel is such a portable construction feature and can thus be carried around easily.
In aeronautics, a significant component of the construction is steel, and it is because of its lightness, as being light is essential for the performance of the finished product.
Durability
The longevity of steel is another advantage of steel and why it is being sought after. It can last many years, provided it is appropriately maintained and quality standards are followed. With regards to strength, its tensile strength is so high that it can withstand several amounts of impact without being compromised.
It is in high demand even in residential construction. This is because it can resist the effects of termites and moulds, and because of galvanisation, it also resists corrosion.
Cost-effectiveness
Economically, steel is the best choice you can make. It is relatively less costly than many other construction materials like metals. The prices have also shown a certain level of considerable consistency over time and do not necessarily fluctuate like other materials.
It has light components that are easy to move around and install easily. A short amount of time is required for it to be mounted, resulting in reduced labour and less time to complete the project.
Flexibility
Steel is a highly malleable material. Due to its pliable nature, it can be shaped into different forms and sizes, depending on what you want to use it for. This flexible ability is why changes can be made easily on short notice during construction.
Environmental sustainability
Steel is widely known as one of the most recyclable materials in the world, so environmental pollution issues are not a problem. Wastage is not even a factor to consider when talking about steel because it is a very versatile, reusable material. This also serves as a reason why it is highly recommendable.
Aesthetics
Steel is appealing to the eyes. Its malleability allows it to be transformed into diverse shapes leading to stunning effects.
Versatility
Different steel products are used in various construction areas thanks to their versatile nature. Structural steel can be applied in roofing, HVAC systems, and building foundations.
In different building projects, structural steel is used. They can be used as sheet plates, pipes, reinforcing bars, studs, and tubes.
Temporary construction
Steel is often considered when builders are trying to construct temporary houses. An example of this is army constructions in times of war; they are usually temporary and made of steel. It is easy to detach by removing a few nuts and bolts and also easy to reassemble in a new place.
Disadvantages of Structural Steel
There are also downsides to structural steel construction; some of the disadvantages of structural steel include the following:
High maintenance costs
When steel experiences a little scratch, it becomes vulnerable to corrosion and therefore has to be repainted, leading to additional expenses. The upkeep should be done appropriately; if not, the steel begins to lose thickness. This kind of construction will ultimately lose a high amount of weight and can eventually fail.
Costs of fireproofing
Steel is generally known to be incombustible. However, at high temperatures, the strength of steel gets reduced significantly. This could lead to the appearance of creeps. Creeps can be defined as deformation arising from exposure to heavy loads after a long period. It can eventually force the building to collapse.
Since steel is a good conductor of heat, it can transmit enough heat. So, fireproofing the structural steel may be required, leading to extra costs.
Less Availability Leading to High Cost
There are few countries where steel is less available. In these geographical areas, steel prices tend to be initially high compared to other construction materials. These kinds of countries often experience steel structure declination.
Sectors That Benefit From Steel
Automotive
Vehicle manufacturing is a field that uses steel as an essential construction material.
Aeronautics
There would be no aircraft without structural steel. Structural steel makes up a significant component of aircraft.
Energy
The energy industry has been benefiting from structural steel for a long time now. Drill pipes, turbines, casing, drilling rigs, and transmission towers all have steel components.
Mining
Extraction of ores is carried out with different steel products, ranging from rods to beams, grinding balls, and rails. So, the mining industry benefits a whole lot from structural steel.
Construction
This field is responsible for the highest demand for steel as they are used widely in this sector.
Shipping
One will need structural steel to obtain high-quality yachts, ships, and boats.
Manufacturing
The use of structural steel in this sector is indispensable as most of their tools are made from structural steel. Additionally, most products manufactured are made with steel, e.g., industrial stairs.
Working with Structural Steel Experts
Structural steel is a prevalent construction material with many applications in various innovative sectors worldwide. Suppose you have doubts about whether or not you want to go for the structural steel building option for any of your construction even after reading this article. In that case, you should consult a professional steel fabricator.
