Different Steel Used in Construction
Construction is an important requirement for any human settlement. Hence, all the different sorts of buildings are constructed. This requires a vast range of construction materials. These include varying materials some of them are known for their beauty while some of them are for their strength.
Their characteristics are then transferred into the building constructed as a result of the construction process. Steel is used due to its tensile strength. This strength constitutes the building and makes it last for years to come. Its requirements and installment are easily handled with steel shop drawings.
Steel as a Construction Material
Metals and nonmetals exist naturally. Metals have a tendency to make alloys. Two or more metals are melted and mixed together. This mix dries as an alloy. It holds characters the same as metals but in a better form. In this way, steel is made by combining iron and carbon. This alloy is better in form straight and comes with anticorrosive properties.
Steel is then used with different forms of steel as per the construction requirements. The prominent ones are:
Steel Rebar
The reinforced steel bar is short as rebar. These bars are used for masonry structures, precast concrete, and reinforced concrete. Adding this steel makes the structures more durable and resistant to force around. The overall tensile strength increases and the thermal expansion improves.
Alloy Steel
In this type of steel the alloy includes other metals such as nickel, titanium, chromium, manganese, etc., These metals are added in various proportions and combinations to get the desired results. Through this, various characteristics are achieved. These can be hardness, overall strength, weldability, ductility, and corrosion resistance. Their usage varies to the composition of the alloy.
Carbon Steel
This one has more concentration of carbon than any other steel. This results in more strength than any other type of steel. Also, it is more weather-resistant, durable, and economical than other steels.
Stainless Steel
As the name says this one is more corrosion-resistant than others. Commonly nickel, molybdenum, or chromium is used. Particularly chromium is used as it makes chromium oxide to enhance resistance. This makes it last to corrosion and heat. Further, this comes with a good exterior and is highly ductile.
Structural Steel
The building includes structural components. These concern some highly tensile materials. Hence, structural steel is utilized. This steel is made into beams and columns. Further, beams are formulated into shapes I. T, and Z.
Tool Steel
Tools are needed for various reasons. These tools need to be substantially stiffer and stronger than the material handled. Steel makes an excellent candidate for that. That is why tool steel is used to make all the different tools. This way, they can survive longer and help with many sorts of projects.
Weathering Steel
Weather can be harmful for many reasons and many undesired results. For that, for every purpose, weathering steel is crafted. This alloy includes phosphorus, copper, nickel, chromium, and silicon. All these combine to make a protective layer to counter weather completely through a rusk layer.
Light Gauge Steel
This is lightweight material for constructing roofs, walls, and other architectural components. Despite its weight, the steel can sustain damage to the building. Light gauge steel is cost-effective and easy to handle & store.
Conclusion
Steel is a vital construction material. It is used for all too many reasons such as strength, appearance, anti-corrosion properties, and others. But the material itself is an alloy and is prepared in variations. These differ in their composition and constituents. Their properties depend on the constituents and their composition. Eight of the highly used steel variations are discussed in the article along with their characteristics. Their usage can be facilitated with their shop drawings, such as millwork shop drawings.
