Benefits Of Structural Steel In Construction
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Strength
The ability to mould and bend steel into different shaped sections means that steel is one of most structurally sound materially used in construction. The mechanical properties of steel are derived from an array of constituents, including its chemical makeup and its manufacturing process and heat treatment. A major element in the composition of steel is iron, however, the strength of steel can be markedly increased by the addition of various alloys, such as maganense and niobium. While these elements may ultimately strengthen steel, they can also have negative effects on other properties like ductility and weldability. Mechanical working of steel also plays a part in its overall strength — generally, the more steel is ‘rolled’ the stronger it becomes. Steel also has an extremely high strength to weight ratio, meaning that structurally it is lighter — this has massive impact on overall building costs.
Cost
In most instances, structural steel is the most-cost effective option in construction. In the past 30 years, advancements in steel production processes have seen productivity rates increase exponentially. The time that it takes to produce a single tonne of steel is significantly lower, meaning that as a base material it is much cheaper. Advancements in steel fabrication and detailing processes have also meant that structural steel is ultimately becoming much cheaper.
Aesthetic Versatility
The versatility of structural steel allows for a greater degree of expression and creativity for architects and designers without forsaking functional demands. Modern applications of steel have seen it take a more prominent place in the aesthetic makeup of a building, not just the structural. Unlike wood and concrete, steel can be easily fashioned, bent and shaped in any number of ways. Non-linear designs will benefit greatly from the use of structural steel.
Steel is also quite beautiful, and many architects have taken to exposing steel more and more, favouring it for its modern look, its aesthetic compatibility with concrete and glass, and its overall transparency.
Sustainability
Although it may not seem it, structural steel is one of the most sustainable materials used in building and construction. Steel is a widely recycled material, with around 90% of structural steel being made up of recycled product.
Steel is 100% recyclable, with minimal degradation affecting its viability for re-use, and can be done so with very minimal processing. The carbon footprint of steel has also been reduced massively in the past decade or so — by almost 50%. Energy consumption in steel production has also been reduced significantly in the past 30 years and is continually decreasing. Water is also used minimally in the production of steel.
Fire Resistance
Overall, steel is an inherently non-combustible material. However steel, of course, loses integrity when heated sufficiently. The temperature at which a structural steel section can longer support its load is commonly known as ‘critical temperature’. Steel’s resistance to fire is generally calculated by its ability to endure a ‘fire test’ — a highly regulated process that takes places in a certified furnace and is closely evaluated in accordance with specific standards that differ from country to country.
Susceptibility to the Elements
Aside from fire, structural steel is highly resistant to the elements. Using steel minimises the risk of mould or mildew affecting the integrity of a building. These infestations thrives in moist, porous materials such as wood. Steel is completely unaffected by these problems.
In terms of corrosion, there is a chance that water may affect the integrity of a steel structure. However, there are preventative measures that can be taken to deter the degradation of steel from corrosion, including special protective paints and sprays — this is often referred to as surface treatment. Steel is commonly coated with fire-resistant materials that double as protection against corrosion. Steel is also unaffected by pests such as termites, and other issues like wood rot.