Posted on 15 Apr 2024
Steel has its origins dating back 4,000 years, to the Iron Age. Steel has become an integral part of our lives. It is visible in construction, viz skyscrapers, stadiums, railways, roads, kitchen appliances, computers and so on.
Types of Steel
Steel is an alloy comprising iron and carbon (2%), manganese (1%), traces of oxygen, sulphur, phosphorus, and silicone. Due to its combination of strength, durability, and adaptability, it has emerged as the main element used in construction and building projects.1
Steel is grouped into various types such as carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel and tool steel. There are two grading systems for steel viz:-
i. ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)
ii. SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) 2
Durability
Steel is highly durable as it does not decay as compared to other materials. It can withstand intense temperatures and resistant to moulds and termites. Steel can withstand earthquake activity because of its strength. 3
Safety
Steel buildings are well-grounded and conductible and are less likely to be struck by lightning or sustain damage. Lightning current can flow through steel and into the ground in buildings with steel frames. When it is struck by lightning, materials that are more electrically resistant are more likely to absorb structural damage. 4
Labour Cost
Steel has advantages in the utilization of labour. Labour costs can lower by 50% when utilizing steel solutions. A project’s risk to life decreases with the number of workers it employs. Additionally, risks and hazards related to heavy traffic and congestion at work sites are eliminated.5
Recycling
Steel is the most recycled material in the world. Steel recycling has this advantage as it require less energy, finance, time, and consumption compared to mining for other minerals. It can be recycled many times over without losing its strength.6
Versatile
Steel is very versatile. It can be shaped and fitted into variety of designs, providing architects great flexibility to realize their vision. It can be molded, shaped, cut, bent, welded, and assembled in several ways.7
Aesthetic Appearance
Steel provides a modern and attractive look. It contains various qualities such as brushed, polished, satin to achieve perfect looks. It will enhance any home, transforming it into an amazing and modern abode. 8
Temperature Resistance
Steel is a vital component of the oil and gas sector. It is used in almost all types of business from building to transportation and construction. It is resistant to high temperatures as well as abrupt and regular temperature changes.
Steel has come a long way. It will remain as the main sought after material in the world. It has unique advantages compared to other materials as it is quick to construct, high recycle content, minimum environment impact, high strength to weight ratio and it is sustainable. It will continue to remain as the preferred material for the construction sector and other industries that utilize steel.
Source:- 1 economictimes.indiatimes.com, 2019
2 bigrentz.com
3 yenaengineering.nl, 2023
4 5 escglobalgroup.com, 2018
6 glescrap.com, 2023
7 centralsteelservice.com, 2022
8 marlinwire.com, 2023
Source:SEAISI
