There are many practical applications for structural steel that serve as the foundation for all kinds of building projects, and there are many benefits to using steel when working on a construction project. Steel, for instance, has a great strength-to-weight ratio, is available in a variety of useful shapes, and its metal components are simple to assemble. Fortunately, it is simple to locate a metal building builder who also works with structural steel buildings in or around your neighborhood. However, there are some drawbacks to steel to take into account. Every steel construction, for instance, runs the risk of developing rust over time. The type of rust on your structure will determine how long it lasts. However, when it comes to steel constructions, the benefits largely exceed the drawbacks.
Steel comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, including joists, studs, columns, and beams. Here are five structural case hardening steel uses for building projects that you may not have considered because, despite steel’s widespread use in construction, many individuals are unaware of where and how frequently steel is used:
1. Bridges
The materials used in bridge building must be able to handle the stress caused by millions of cars crossing some of the most important bridges. Steel has the advantage of being tensile, or having a high strength-to-weight ratio. Large, long-lasting bridges can be constructed by engineers. Great structural engineers are available for self-builders.
The Brooklyn Bridge, the oldest suspension bridge in the United States with steel-wire suspensions, is a tribute to the tensile strength of steel. It has stood for more than 127 years. Therefore, if you’re planning to construct a bridge, using structural steel cables will guarantee that your investment will be highly profitable.
2. Industrial Structures
Because structural steel from a steel stockist is also affordable, industrial structures are another type of construction project that may make better use of steel’s full capabilities. Due to the wide selection of pre-made steel parts and structural frameworks, steel has become quite affordable. These pre-made components can be installed right away and are reasonably simple to assemble and send to a location.
In addition to being one of the strongest building materials on the market, steel is also made with a high strength-to-weight ratio. These three characteristics make steel the perfect building material for industrial structures, which frequently need to be completed quickly and with a solid frame.
3. Tall Structures
Structural steel is required when building for height to withstand the stresses placed on the building over time. Engineers must turn to steel for support since high-rise buildings are a special exception in that they can be 20–30 stories or more.
Due to its strength and flexibility, structural steel is resistant to a variety of natural external stresses, including wind and earthquakes. Therefore, the steel of a massive high-rise building will not crack under the strain of a hurricane or an earthquake. It will instead flex in response to the forces. Because of its elasticity, steel can withstand strong forces, just like the suspension bridges we previously mentioned.
4. Residential Structures
Residential buildings are the final category of construction projects where steel is useful. Light gauge steel is a technique used in residential constructions to assist maximize the strength of a building’s structure. Where wood and other building materials fall short, light gauge steel construction can support structures.
Structural bearing steel is an all-around superior construction material for residential buildings due to its higher plasticity and flexibility. In particular, light gauge steel construction makes a building’s durability considerably more trustworthy than compared to other building materials, especially for buildings located in high-risk zones like near earthquake faults and along the seacoast.