If you really want to assess the importance of the steel structures in a construction, it is difficult to summarize the utility and advantage of steel at one go. There is so much to say about the leverages of using steel structure! Using steel has become a common practice mainly because of the manifold benefits and higher stability of steel structures within a reasonable cost.
From skyscrapers and bridges to beautiful contemporary houses, steel is used in almost every type of structure. It has become the leading building material in the construction industry because it provides the leverage of excellent durability and endurance in a structural design solution, depending upon the shape and geometry of the structure.
According to ‘Lorraine Farrelly’ (Author of construction+materiality), before the use of steel in construction building became a common practice, the weight of the building material and the forces of gravity and compression defined the endurance, chance of stability in structure, and its architectural possibilities.
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Advancement in the use of steel in construction industry brought in a new conceptual way of thinking about new but enduring constructional structures. As steel has higher scale of tensile strength, it allows development of new structural systems (such as cantilevers) and offers unwavering support to build far-reaching aesthetic possibilities (such as gravity-defying skyscrapers) for a construction or related project.
Use of steel is steadily increasing all over the world in construction projects and also in civil engineering related fields. Steel framing is an effective construction method as compared to others. In this article we have discussed the pros and cons of the steel structures.
One of the most evident advantages of using a steel structure in construction is the ability of steel to span greater distances with steel ceiling joists. This allows engineers to expand their options, allowing them to create new/large space using steel products that just weren’t available with other materials.
A steel structure is highly recommended for large span and heavy structures which befits all types of Industrial buildings. Lower floor to floor heights can easily be constructed using staggered truss, girder slab, and castellated beam construction. Extremely long open spans are possible using steel that would not be possible to implement in concrete or with wood support.
The most economical and general shape for a prefabricated steel building is a basic rectangle. However, steel is also used to create more complex designs. Steel’s greatest design asset maybe its ability to span long distances without interrupting the related interior columns. That is why aircraft hangars builders use steel framing. A clear span interior space provides more floor-plan flexibility. It also allows greater freedom for later renovations and changes. It is a simple-to-design cantilever made with steel.
Structural steel components are stronger and lighter than the components made of weight-bearing concrete or wood. Weight-bearing steel fabrication is 30%-50% lighter than its wooden equivalent. This makes construction of steel structure stronger and more durable than traditional wooden structure.
Besides offering durability, a steel structure can withstand extreme forces or harsh weather conditions, such as earthquakes, strong winds, hurricanes and heavy snow to a larger extent. They are also rust-proof and, unlike wooden structures, they are not affected by termites, mildew, bugs, mold, and fungal contamination. And also, they are more fire-resistant compared to wooden/RCC structures.
This may be surprising to know that if you weigh 2×4 square feet piece of wood and 2×4 square feet piece of steel, the steel would weigh more due to its density. However, when steel is used in framing, the design of beam will cause it to be lighter than a structurally sound wooden/concrete beam design.
Steel parts in a steel structures are pre-manufactured to a specific design inside the manufacturing plant/fabrication shop and are shipped out in ready-to-be erected condition. Hence it speeds up construction time significantly. So, it is possible to complete large-scale projects in a shorter period than usual.
According to ‘Francis D. K. Ching’ (Author of Building Construction Illustrated), conventional steel structures are constructed out of hot-rolled beams and columns, open-web joists, and metal decking. Since structural steel is difficult to make on site, it is generally cut, shaped, and drilled in a fabrication shop as per the design specifications; this can result in comparatively fast and precise construction.
Due to easy-to-make parts of a steel structure, it is hassle-free to install and assemble them on site, and also there is no need of measuring and cutting of parts on site.
Steel is incredibly versatile as it can be molded into almost any shape, which makes it an attractive option for both residential and commercial buildings. Architects may let their artistic imaginations run wild, while still having the ability to design and construct a building that is both strong and safe.
Similarly, for the adaptability to the versatile design of large, clear span buildings such as airport, terminal buildings, auditorium, halls, agricultural buildings, warehouses, and indoor areas, there are hardly any alternatives to steel structures.
Flexibility is one of the great advantages of steel structure, which means that it can be designed as per the required needs. This helps designing a steel structures in such a way that it can withstand heavy winds or earthquake, especially in case of the bridges or tall towers.
The quality of ductility refers to the feature of steel structures’ stability if exposed to huge force. Steel, in general do not crack like comparatively brittle materials like concrete. This property of steel permits steel buildings to bend out of shape, or deform without collapse if there is any breakage risk, thus giving warning to the inhabitants to vacate beforehand. Breakdown for the steel structures neither happens overnight nor a steel structure rarely can collapse. That is why steel structure buildings are less affected by earthquakes. In brief, a steel structure will give you time to get out of it, in case of the threat of a sudden collapse.
Steel studs are available in a variety of sizes and can be manufactured as per an order. This means they can be customized to bear specific loads in buildings of all different sizes and types. While, wooden/concrete beams are not readily available in customized specifications.
Steel structures are highly fire resistant as compared to wood, and it reduces the fire accident risk to a building. The spread of fire gets reduced if there is more steel structure in a building. Special flame-retardant coatings are used to increase this property of structural steel.
Steel structures are highly fire-resistant as compared to wooden structure as wood is a combustible material and less fire-resistant as compared to RCC structure.
Structural steel/concrete components are termite proof and these are not the consumables of mammals or bugs. In comparison to wooden structures steel structures need lesser maintenance. Steel structures also do not require any insect resistant treatment.
Steel structures are wonderfully moisture resistant although this privilege may get slightly compromised depending on the carbon content of the steel being used for the structure. Hot zinc coating and extra powder treatments for enhanced rust resistance will make a structural steel component even more resistant to the effects of water – an important consideration for components exposed to the weather fluctuation and abrasive effects of outdoor climate.
Steel products can be changed or adjusted according to the owner’s requirement. For instance, wall made of steel can be altered or repositioned easily in order to widen the space or create a new interior building layout. This ability to adapt to changes permits for easier expansions, at the same time it helps in extending the lifespan of the structure.
Steel is light in weight as compared to timber/concrete, which makes it easier to transport and hence, reduces fuel costs and quicken project schedules. Aside from this, it is also energy efficient and can be recycled, hence, creates minimal raw material wastes. Since the steel parts are manufactured in the plant, there is no waste on location. However, the cost ultimately governs everything.
Concrete is economical where cheap labor is available i.e. in undeveloped countries. Cost of RCC structure is more in developed countries due to expensive labor. Wood is definitely becoming prohibited factor in work due to its high cost. Also, if wood is used in per square feet of construction, you will need more cubic feet of wood or concrete than steel structures of the same area.
However, a steel structure is not that cost-efficient in all conditions. The cost of structure also depends largely on its type and functionality. If you want to construct large span building, it is advisable to use steel. While cost of small structure with steel will be more as compared to wood/concrete.
Steel is one of the most recyclable materials in the world. Using recycled steel saves natural resources and energy to a large extent, which in turn, lowers the cost of producing new steel products. On the contrary, concrete is almost non-recyclable and wood can be partly recycled as compared to steel.
However, a house, built with steel can actually be less energy efficient than a wooden building. Metal transfers cold and hot temperatures 400 times faster than wood. But additional insulation has to be used to stop this ultra-fast transfer of heat, specifically wrapping steel framing with rigid insulation in addition the use of conventional insulation between studs. There are many insulation options that you can consider, so it’s very important to find metal building insulation that suits all your needs.
Steel buildings do not age and may get worsen like wooden/concrete structures over time, so as a homeowner you don’t have to worry about any feeble spots. Steel is dimensionally steady, no anxieties about distorting with climate changes. The service life is good without hefty maintenance cost.
Steel structures can be easily built using various methods such as welding, bolting or riveting and can be also disassembled without hassles. This reduces the time taken to make a temporary structure, and hence professional steel fabricators use steel for temporary structures. This is also favorable when you want a strong structure within a short span of time.
Steel structures are conspicuously more blaze resistant than a wood/RCC construction; steel/concrete is furthermore unaffected by termites, bugs or rodents as well as mold or fungi. A steel/RCC structure does not have to be treated with chemicals as it is a prerequisite for the wood. Lastly, a steel structure is well grounded and less probable to be hit or impaired by lightning.
According to ‘SP 7’ (, National Building Code of India), the risk index for a steel framed building is very low and no protection is required. However, the addition of an air termination and earthing system may improve the degree of protection remarkably at a very small extra cost and may be worthwhile.
When steel structures are exposed to severe or aggressive weather conditions, it may get corroded due to the action of steel with atmospheric oxygen or aggressive environment. For preventing such a problem expensive application of paints is required frequently.
Hence, the maintenance cost of steel may go up, which is a sure concern for a common user. Also, the initial cost of steel structure is higher as compared to concrete/wood structure. More skilled labors are required for making a steel structure as compared to concrete/ wood structure.
Because of high strength/weight ratio, steel products are in general slenderer and consequently more susceptible to buckling than reinforced concrete members. As a result, considerable materials may have to be used just to improve the buckling resistance of slender steel items.
Steel structures are quite susceptible to fatigue. Large variations in tensile strength expose steel elements to excessive tension, which decreases its overall strength. Steel is also responsive to brittle fracture when it loses its ductility. These two adversities increase its chances of buckling, which is typically counterbalanced by adding expensive steel columns that can successfully stiffen the primary structure.
Although steel elements are incombustible up to a temperature, the strength of steel gets highly compromised at the exposure against higher temperatures due to fire or when other materials within a building burn, making them susceptible to buckling.
Moreover, steel is a good conductor of heat, ignites materials in contact and often causes fires, which rapidly spread to other sections of a building. Hence, steel structures may require additional fireproofing treatment.
Steel structures are also provided with fireproof coatings i.e. expanded mineral coatings. Sometimes, steel structures are enclosed in masonry block, gypsum block, gypsum board and clay tiles enclosures that protect them from heat. However, building these enclosures are much expensive and they require additional maintenance continuously.
Steel is, indeed, less flammable than other construction materials i.e. wood etc., and more flammable than concrete if exposed to fire for long. But its strength and endurance can be reduced if exposed against by high temperatures.
In high temperatures, plastic deformation under load occurs, creating large deflections in steel members. Any stresses on main steel member transfer loads to other members, potentially results in collapse.
Though steel is a versatile material, it is not easy to make field corrections if one or more components do not fit properly. Most of the metal building manufacturers perform adhere to strict quality assurance processes to ensure all parts of a building fit correctly. But in actual it is not possible. One cannot mold it or cut it in desired shape on site once it is fabricated.
According to ‘J. K. McKay‘ (Author of Building Construction), the difference in cost, performance and maintenance between steel and reinforced concrete framed (multi-storey) structure is negligible, and none of these options has any marked advantage over the other. Each building needs separate consideration. Individual analysis will determine the ultimate decision and guidance on the choice of the material.
Scope and utility of using steel products is vast. Steel structure, has many advantages over wooden/RCC structure. From its durability and strength to its environmental benefits, steel structures consistently prove to be a superior choice over the other construction materials.
Over all steel is a versatile building material, which has led to its involvement in nearly every stage of the construction process from framing, floor joists, to arrange or to create roofing materials, etc. Though steel is not recommended for using in the small houses, it is perhaps the only cost-effective solution for large and heavy structures. The utility of steel structure in the construction industry is therefore seamless. Hopefully it will expand more in future.
Structural steel is a very common construction material used in many everyday applications, particularly in infrastructure and building. With a wide variety of shapes and material compositions, structural steel caters to countless use scenarios.
Structural steel is primarily used in the construction industry, where it is used for beams and frames for bridges or large structures such as buildings. Structural steel is cost-effective and recyclable, allowing for production at scale and long-term sustainable construction.
If you are venturing into the steel industry or are looking for a structural steel fabrication company, you’ll find everything you need to know about structural steel in this article.
You’ll learn the common types of structural steel, their applications, pros and cons of stainless steel, common grades and compositions of steel used for structural applications.
Let’s get started!
Structural steel refers to steel products that are used primarily in the construction industry. Structural steel is fabricated in many different shapes, including beams, plates and channels. Steel of various compositions is used in fabricating structural steel.
Structural steel is arguably one of the most important construction materials due to its strength, versatility, sustainability, availability, and relatively low cost. The ductility of structural steel allows for the creation of various predetermined and customised shapes to satisfy particular construction requirements. That’s why structural steel is one of the key applications of steel fabrication.
Structural steel conforms to specific standards set forth and regulated by varying entities and government agencies across different countries. In Australia, the steel industry conforms to these through the Australian Standards and Codes of Practice. Among these standards for steel are AS (for structural steel design) and AS/NZS (for the design of cold-formed steel structures), among others.
These standards are fine-tuned to ensure mechanical properties, chemical compositions, methods of manufacture, quality control provisions, and tolerances of structural steel. In summary, Australia’s steel and steelwork frameworks require conformity to design, material, and execution standards to ensure the safety and reliability of construction projects built with structural steel.
The many advantages of structural steel, such as its high strength and low cost, are why it’s so commonly used in the construction industry. While there are some drawbacks, such as its susceptibility to corrosion, the many advantages often outweigh those few drawbacks.
Below are the main benefits and drawbacks of structural steel.
The benefits of structural steel include:
The downsides of structural steel include:
The most common types of structural steel are beams, tee sections, flanges, plates and channels, among others. Learn more about these components below.
Universal beams, also known as I-Beams, H-Beams, or Rolled Steel Joist (RSI), are generally used to serve as building blocks within steel frameworks, ensuring the structural integrity of the project due to their ability to support heavy loads.
Universal beams come in different sizes and may be cut for specific construction requirements. Although they are often confused with universal columns, they have distinct differences and uses. Columns have almost equal width and depth, while beams have much more depth than width.
In turn, the dimensions of universal beams make them efficient at carrying shear and bending loads in the plane of the web due to the beams’ flanges, which resist parallel loads much more reliably than other structural alternatives.
Tee sections, also called ‘T-sections,’ are load-bearing structural steel components. In some industries, they are also called ‘T-beams’ or ‘T-bars.’ They are made through specific manufacturing processes: hot rolling, hot extrusion, and plate welding.
This type of steel section offers much more resistance than a flat steel bar if it is at least 4 metres long. Using tee sections also reduces the need for rebars and saves as much as 9% to 20% of required reinforcement compared to flat steel bars.
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They are also used aesthetically in modern architecture with many applications, such as bumper bars, edge protection, or even wooden furniture, as a visual accent.
These are similar in shape to universal beams, with the primary difference being the tapered flanges. The beam’s vertical section is referred to as a ‘web’, and the outer horizontal portions are ‘flanges’.
Tapered flange beams are manufactured in a variety of sizes. They are used in a range of commercial and residential constructions, engineering, civil and bridge constructions, mining infrastructure, and rail car & machine building.
Parallel Flange Channels are also referred to as PFC or C-sections (due to their shape). They are suitable for many structural applications and engineering and boast many properties, such as increased strength and durability.
They are generally used as support for floor joists since they are suitable for load-bearing applications.
Angled beams are steel beams shaped as an ‘L’ and come in several measurements. For this type of structural steel section, two steel legs are joined at a 90-degree angle. The legs can either be equal or unequal in length.
Because of their reduced structural depth, these angled beams are often used for floor systems due to their enhanced strength-to-weight ratio. They are often used for residential structures, transportation applications, and infrastructure.
Plates are considered by many to be one of the most versatile structural steels. These can be cut and processed into a number of shapes and sizes based on the specific application.
This further processing is a requirement since plates cannot stand independently and are usually attached to another section of structural steel. They are also sometimes attached to other steel parts to serve as reinforcing components.
The most common type of steel plates are referred to as base plates and are used in circumstances where the foundation is uneven, shallow, and difficult to work with. Base plates are usually applied to columns to allow for a better load distribution towards the soil beneath.
Doing so ensures that the underlying foundation’s bearing capacity is not surpassed. Base plates are also classified into different types, the two most common ones being slab bases and gusseted bases.
These are visually similar to steel beams due to the presence of webs flanked with flanges. However, the key difference is that the webs are oriented onto the side. In contrast, the flanges are oriented perpendicular to the web.
This kind of design allows them to be well-suited for bridges, similar structures, and some marine applications.
Channels come in different lengths and may be manufactured up to 60 feet in length. However, the standard sizing falls between 20 to 40 feet. These structural steel sections cannot be used in the same way as beams since they do not have a flat side all around; their only flat surface is used to have them bolted onto other flat surfaces.
Bearing piles are utilised when construction workers or engineers cannot find or create a solid foundation at the work site. These structural steel sections create deeper foundation systems that are much more stable and structurally sound.
These H-shaped steel components are designed to ensure an effective transfer of load through the pile to its tip. Known to be durable and efficient, they are able to bear more than 1,000 tonnes of weight and work best in densely packed soil (since this type of soil offers more resistance to the tip).
The most common types of bearing piles are H-Piles, Pipe-Piles, Disc Piles, and Screw Piles.
For some, steel angles are the bread and butter of steel fabrication as they are the most basic type of roll-formed steel. They are designed using a flat steel section and bending it (usually at a 90-degree angle), with both legs resulting in the same size.
These are often found in framing, brackets, or reinforcements across different industries. They may be cut to size, which gives them enormous versatility.
Steel-angled sections come in two primary types – Equal Angle and Unequal Angle. The former has two axes which measure up to the same lengths. The latter is also right-angled but contains different-sized axes. You will usually see angled sections in residential structures, mining, infrastructure, and transport/logistics construction.
Hollow Structural Sections (HSS) are steel profiles/ sections with a hollow portion that can be fabricated into several shapes – square, rectangular, elliptical, and circular. The profiles of these steel components are a little rounded, and their radiuses are almost twice the value of their thickness.
They are commonly used with welded steel frames for constructing structures that carry loads in different directions.
Different forms of HSS offer distinct advantages and intended applications. But they are generally best for multi-axis load-bearing applications, and the creation of columns and posts, among others.
The most common applications of structural steel are in the construction industry, but it also plays a role in transport.
Let’s explore the applications of structural steel in more detail:
Generally, structural steel is a carbon steel, meaning its chemical composition contains iron and carbon. Structural steel is any steel with a carbon content that reaches up to 2.1% of its weight. The carbon content of steel is directly proportional to its yield strength.
However there are different types of steel that can be used for structural steel fabrication.
All structural steels are considered carbon steel if no other alloying elements are present, the copper content of the steel does not exceed 0.4% to 0.6%, its manganese content is equal to or under 1.6%, and its silicone content does not exceed 0.6%.
This type of steel is meant to optimise its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. These kinds of steel have manganese content which reaches up to 2%. Depending on the intended application, this type of steel may have trace amounts of other elements such as chromium, molybdenum, nickel, nitrogen, niobium, vanadium, and titanium to alter its properties.
Forging refers to the process of shaping metal (in this case, steel) while it is in a solid state. The process produces a uniform grain structure to the steel, consequently improving its integrity due to removing voids and gas bubbles. Forged steel is any steel that undergoes this process.
Quenching and tempering are processes which improve structural steel through the use of heat while also simultaneously cooling it in water, forced air, nitrogen, or oil. The result is a stronger, higher-strength structural steel that is much less brittle.
Structural steel grades are used to indicate the characteristics of the steel and distinguish it from others based on its properties. There are currently thousands of steel grades, each with specific chemical, physical, and environmental properties.
Structural steels that are widely used are categorised into steel grades by different national and international standards organisations. The standards serve as a foundation from which engineers can use as a guide when using structural steel.
An example of steel grade would be Grade 250, which refers to a medium-strength structural steel plate usually meant for high-rise structures, bridges, and general fabrication. Although properties are standardised, Grade 250 structural steel can come in a range of thicknesses, from 3mm to 300mm.
Some more examples would be Grade 350, which is generally stronger, Grade , which is designed with the intent of being used for high heat applications with a lot of moving parts (e.g., gears), and Grade 500, which is typically used in mining equipment for its toughness and lead bearing.
Fabricating structural steel involves several processes to form a steel section, starting at the ideation and planning phase and quickly moving onto fabrication, which involves cutting and shaping the steel. From there, the steel is engraved, finished and coated as necessary, and is ready to be delivered.
The structural steel fabrication process undergoes five stages, namely (1) ideation, blueprint and shop drawings, (2) cutting, bending, and drilling, (3) engraving and assembly (including steel welding), (4) shipping preparation and component finishing, and (5) site delivery and erection. The actual fabrication does not begin until the second stage, where a majority of the physical processes are involved.
Due to structural steel’s properties, it is easy to fabricate into many sizes and shapes. Its cost-effective nature compared to other metals, such as copper, makes it the preferred metal for fabrication. Structural steel remains one of the most suitable materials for fabrication with an equally reliable ROI.
Carbon steel is the most commonly used structural steel in the market today, largely due to its many beneficial properties, such as its affordability and strength. Carbon steel is more common than high strength low alloy steel, which is also frequently used due to its versatility.
Rebar (or reinforcing bar), also referred to as reinforcing steel, differs from structural steel. Rebar is used to reinforce or support concrete and masonry, while structural steel serves as the frame of a structure, for example.
Structural steel is considered to be similar in strength to reinforced concrete. Its tensile strength sits in the range of 400 to 500 MegaPascals (MPa). This value determines how much pressure it takes before structural steel reaches a point of material failure.
Reinforcement steel, or rebar, is used with concrete and masonry solely for support. Alternatively, structural steel is used by itself and serves as the frame of structures. Unlike reinforcement steel, structural steel must conform to higher standards and regulations, and comes in more sizes.
The I-beam is considered the strongest beam shape for structural steel. These are intended to resist bending and are capable of bearing heavy loads. Vertical strips of metal across the flanges place the greatest depth of material on the plane of stress, preventing twisting.
Carbon content is directly proportional to the strength of steel. The more carbon is added, the stronger the steel is. But this also makes the steel more brittle, which reduces its weldability. The right mixture of steel and carbon is much better than just increasing carbon content to harden the steel.
Yes, generally speaking, steel is much stronger than concrete. Although reinforced concrete (with rebar/reinforcement steel) is on par with structural steel, concrete alone is not. Concrete has a tensile strength of just 70MPa, while structural steel sits at 400 to 500MPa.
Disclaimer:
This article is published in good faith and for general informational purposes only. Kanyana Engineering does not make any warranties about the ongoing completeness and reliability of this information. Always seek specific advice on your metal fabrication project to ensure all variables are considered.
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