Research shows that steel has won a significant spot in many industries, mainly the construction sector. Durability is not the only reason for these impressive statistics, as steel is versatile, reliable, and has incredible scrap value. You can tap into steel’s benefits in many ways.
These are some of the popular applications of steel in building structures. The benefits of this versatile metal are evident, and you can be assured of them more, even beyond the construction sector. If you have a project coming up, contact a reputable steel supplier to fulfill your dreams.
Different types of steel are used to make various buildings based on terrain, climate, budget, and client needs. Below are ideas of how steel is used in construction today.
Steel Rebar
Steel rebar is reinforced metal. It has ridges on the sides, which hold firmly to other agents, often concrete. This is one of the strongest, and it’s no wonder it’s used in construction foundations as it supports concrete. Other application areas include concrete bridge decks, wall panels, and columns.
Alloy Steel
Alloy steel combines several metals, such as silicon, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, or manganese. These metals are combined because they are not effective alone and thus unsafe for construction. The blend, however, improves their resilience, strength, and lifespan as well. Alloy steel can be used in many building constructions, including houses and bridges.
Stainless Steel
Nearly everyone has heard of stainless steel before. As the name suggests, it is a non-oxidative or corrosive metal. It also houses various metals like chromium in different percentages. This type is recommended for construction in highly humid areas and extreme winters.
Tool Steel
Tool steel helps shape alloys and other minerals thanks to its excellent strength compared to other types. Therefore, you will often find it machining, bending, fabricating, or cutting other metals at construction sites. Experts also add other ‘inferior’ metals to tool steel to make it more powerful and long-lasting.
Mild Steel
Mild steel is the weakest. Its nature exposes it to oxidation and corrosion sooner, reducing its efficiency in highly humid regions. Simultaneously, the metal lacks adequate minerals for alloying. These characteristics make mild steel suitable for reinforcement rather than primary building construction.
Residential Structures
Steel has been used in residential structures for many years. Its applications include buildings from apartments to regular houses and skyscrapers. The most common are steel iron sheets installed as roofing on houses.
Metal can be used to make frames that reinforce roofs, floors, and walls. Other types of homes made from steel are prefab metal buildings. They offer high quality and stability, ensuring safety and durability.
Garages and Parking
Steel garages have been in the field for some years now and do not appear to be leaving any sooner. This metal can be used in garage construction. By wholly, it means the entire structure consists of steel except for the flooring. Partial steel garages can incorporate concrete, wood, and other materials besides metal.
Steel Bridges
Another application of steel construction is bridges. Regardless of size and type, bridges always need steel reinforcement. The proportion of steel to other materials should equal the level of traffic, surface area, climate, and other factors. Strong metals like stainless steel are the best bridges used by heavy trucks.
Agricultural Structures and Supplies
There are plenty of agricultural structures and supplies made of steel. For example, when constructing farm buildings like sheds, barns, or silos, you cannot resist the need to support the wooden areas with this metal for further stability.
Agriculture uses steel to secure farms and structures. You can customize steel used in agriculture as much as you want.
Warehouses
Storage facilities use reliable materials such as steel that meet safety requirements. Besides being installed as walls, this metal is also found in frames. One advantage of this mineral is its resistance to fire compared to other materials in case of explosions and related accidents. It’s also easy to install and maintain, making it cheaper.
Stadiums
Another way to enjoy the benefits of steel in construction is by building stadiums. This metal is reinforced in several stages among the many materials used.
You can use it to make cantilevered or retractable roofs alongside several prefabricated components. Elements such as ramps, staircases, handrails, and benches can also be built with steel.