When it comes to construction raw materials, steel is the top choice for the structural framework of buildings. Steel is durable and flexible at the same time, making it easy to work with to provide a strong foundation for structures. Construction steel is available in different types and qualities and it is important to make an informed decision regarding which one suits your needs the best to avoid compromising on safety. To get you started on this, here are some important information you should know about using steel for construction. Read on to find out.
How is steel manufactured?
Manufacturing steel is an industrial process. The raw materials required for this include iron ore, coke and limestone, which are fed to a blast furnace. While iron ore is the major raw material, coke is used to reduce the iron oxide residue produced in the furnace, limestone helps in removing the impurities.
Next, the molten iron is added to a basic oxygen furnace or an electric arc furnace, where other metals are added to obtain an alloy of the desired chemical composition. After this, the steel is cast into various shapes such as slabs and blooms, to be further forged and cast into other materials such as sheets and bars used in construction.
See also: Steel fabrication process in construction
Types of steel used in construction
Steel in construction is used for different purposes. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to your needs in this case. It is important to know the options available to you before making a call. Here is a list of the types of steels used in construction and the purpose of their usage:
Carbon steel
Carbon steel refers to the alloy of carbon and iron. It is easily available and affordable, making it a viable option for making beams, angles, channels and plates without compromising on strength and durability.
Alloy steel
Apart from the carbon, steel is also available in alloys of manganese, nickel, chromium etc. Each of them offer different properties depending on those of the alloy metal. These steels are known for their excellent durability, hardness and resilience to corrosion, making them the perfect choice for heavy construction equipment and structures.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is largely made by combining iron with chromium, nickel and other minor elements. This type of steel is known for its excellent corrosion-resistance properties. Therefore, it is widely used in industrial applications and in areas with harsh exterior conditions.
Weathering steel
This type of steel has the quality to develop a protective layer when exposed to harsh environmental conditions to prevent corrosion, thereby reducing the need for regular maintenance. Also known as corten steel, this is commonly used in structures like bridges and sculptures.
High-strength low-alloy steel
Commonly known by its abbreviation HSLA, this type of steel is mostly composed of iron with low quantities of alloy metals. Therefore, this provides a lightweight alternative to other types of steel while maintaining strength and durability, making it perfect for structural components of a building.
Galvanised steel
Galvanised steel is made by coating regular steel with a layer of zinc. This resists corrosion and reduces the longevity of the material. Galvanised steel is mostly used for purposes of fencing and roofing.
Rebar steel
Rebar steel is used in construction in the form of rolled and flattened steel bars. They are mainly used in the form of meshes to provide support and durability to concrete structures. From bridges to skyscrapers, rebar steel is an essential component in most structures.
TMT steel
TMT steel derives its name from its process of manufacturing, namely thermal mechanical treatment. This type of steel offers high resistance against corrosion and is mainly used for its quality to withstand natural calamities such as earthquakes and floods, thereby providing better protection to the building.
See also: Different types of shear walls used in construction
Price range of construction steels
Following is the price range for different types of steels used in construction:
| Type of steel | Starting price per kg |
| Carbon steel | Rs 20 |
| Alloy steel | Rs 160 |
| Stainless steel | Rs 150 |
| Weathering steel | Rs 80 |
| HSLA steel | Rs 55 |
| Galvanised steel | Rs 50 |
| Rebar steel | Rs 45 |
| TMT steel | Rs 50 |
FAQs
What is the use of steel in construction?
Steel is used in construction for its ability to provide a strong structural base for buildings.
Which steel is most commonly used in building construction?
TMT steel bars are most commonly used to create the structural framework of buildings due to its ability to withstand natural calamities.
Which type of steel provides high resistance to corrosion?
Stainless steel, corten steel and galvanised steel are known for their ability to resist corrosion.
What is HSLA steel?
HSLA stands for high-strength low-alloy. This type of steel has low content of the alloy metal, making it lighter than other types of steel without compromising on strength.
What is corten steel?
Corten steel or weathering steel has the ability to form a protective layer when exposed to harsh conditions and is used in bridges and sculptures?
What is rebar?
Rebar refers to the bars used for reinforcement in construction. They form the basic structural framework of the building.
How is stainless steel different from regular steel?
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron combined with chromium, nickel and other elements and is known for higher corrosion resistance than other types of steel.
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