Need steel supplies for a construction job? Structural steel components are crucial for the construction of many modern buildings and critical infrastructures such as roads, dams, and bridges.
The widespread use of steel as a building material can be attributed to the many great benefits it brings to construction projects. Read on to learn about the benefits of building with steel products.
Superior Strength
One of the top advantages of structural steel is its incredible strength. This type of steel provides strength that can't be matched by alternative building materials such as wood, concrete, and brick. In fact, construction materials like concrete rely on rebar for added strength. This shows just how strong steel is.
Structural steel is sturdy enough to be used for construction in areas that are prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes.
Durable and Reliable Performance
Structural steel is unaffected by most elements that shorten the lifespan of structures built with wood, concrete, and brick. Unlike wood, steel doesn't warp or rot and is not targeted by insects. It also doesn't crack or break like concrete or brick.
Corrosion is the only real threat to the durability of steel, but thanks to advances in steel fabrication technologies, there are many reliable corrosion protection systems that can be applied to the surface of bare steel. These surface coatings help ensure the durability of structural steel components.
Long-Term Cost Savings
On the face of it, structural steel seems like one of the most expensive construction materials available on the market today. But when the long-term benefits of building with steel are looked at, it can prove to be one of the most cost-effective choices available.
Compared to common alternatives such as structural wood and concrete, steel structures require less maintenance to remain structurally sound and keep looking good. This reduces their lifecycle costs — the cost of maintaining steel structures throughout their lifespans.
Recycling Potential
Structural steel doesn't lose its economic value over time. The material can be recycled over and over again when it reaches the end of its useful lifespan. This reduces the amount of construction waste that ends up in landfill sites while reducing the need to manufacture new steel using virgin mineral ores.
The recycling of steel has positive implications for the environment because there's less need for disruptive mining operations and energy-intensive metal manufacturing processes. Since it is fully recyclable, steel is regarded as a green building product.
Every construction project that requires the use of structural steel is different. Contact a steel distributor near you to discuss your unique project needs.
Share
