What Is Structural Steel? Guide to Different Steel Grades

10 Jun.,2024

 

What Is Structural Steel? Guide to Different Steel Grades

  • Construction Materials
  • Materials

What Is Structural Steel?

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Steel is everywhere in construction, to the beams holding roofs up to the sceletons of entire buildings, down to the very tools you use. Steel isn&#;t just one thing though&#;there are many different kinds of steel and different steel shapes, each with its own purpose and use. Learn more about the different kinds of structural steel how it&#;s used in construction.

What is structural steel?

Structural steel is metal used in construction materials. Fundamentally, it is defined as steel optimized for use in building construction&#;differentiated from a steel grade one might use to engineer tools, or stainless steel popularly used in kitchen surfaces and appliances.

Structural steel is generally a carbon steel, meaning it has a chemical composition containing both iron and carbon. Structural steel is any category of steel with a carbon content of up to 2.1% of its total weight. The higher the carbon content, the higher a piece of steel&#;s yield strength&#;meaning it is less ductile, or less likely to bend or warp when pressure is applied.

How does carbon content affect steel?

One might think steel used in construction should have a relatively high carbon content because it is less likely to bend under pressure. However, low-carbon steel, also known as &#;mild steel,&#; is actually the most commonly used type of steel in building materials. It typically contains anywhere from 0.04% to 0.3% carbon content, rendering it strong yet ductile. Steel buildings, especially tall steel buildings, must be strong, but also somewhat flexible. Overly rigid buildings cannot accommodate natural shiftings in the earth, which can be caused by neighboring construction or even earthquakes, nor can they bend with high winds. For this reason, mid- to high-carbon steels, with carbon content ranging from 0.31 to 1.5%, while technically considered structural steel, are generally reserved for mechanical engineering and toolmaking purposes.

Other grades of structural steel might contain other alloying elements, such as tungsten, zirconium, cobalt, or nickel.

What are the different steel grades?

Below are grades of steel commonly used in the construction industry:

  • Carbon steels. Structural steel is designated carbon steel when no other alloying element is added, copper content does not exceed 0.4 to 0.6%, manganese does not exceed 1.6%, and silicone does not exceed 0.6%. It is commonly used in structural pipe and tubing.
  • High-strength, low-alloy steels. This steel grade is designed to optimize mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. They contain manganese levels up to 2%. Trace amounts of chromium, nickel, molybdenum, nitrogen, vanadium, niobium, and titanium may be used to alter the properties. These are mainly used in structural shapes and steel plates.
  • Forged steels. Forging is the process of shaping metal while still in a solid state. This is done by applying force or heat to steel ingots or billets. The process produces a uniform grain structure to the steel, which upgrades integrity by removing voids and gas bubbles, and increases overall strength.
  • Quenched and tempered alloy steels. Quenching and tempering are processes that strengthen structural steel by heating it while simultaneously cooling in water, oil, forced air, or nitrogen. It creates a tougher, less brittle, higher-strength structural steel.

What are the different shapes of structural steel?

Below are types of structural steel sections commonly used in the construction industry:

Steel is everywhere in construction, to the beams holding roofs up to the sceletons of entire buildings, down to the very tools you use. Steel isn&#;t just one thing though&#;there are many different kinds of steel and different steel shapes, each with its own purpose and use. Learn more about the different kinds of structural steel how it&#;s used in construction.

What is structural steel?

Structural steel is metal used in construction materials. Fundamentally, it is defined as steel optimized for use in building construction&#;differentiated from a steel grade one might use to engineer tools, or stainless steel popularly used in kitchen surfaces and appliances.

Structural steel is generally a carbon steel, meaning it has a chemical composition containing both iron and carbon. Structural steel is any category of steel with a carbon content of up to 2.1% of its total weight. The higher the carbon content, the higher a piece of steel&#;s yield strength&#;meaning it is less ductile, or less likely to bend or warp when pressure is applied.

How does carbon content affect steel?

One might think steel used in construction should have a relatively high carbon content because it is less likely to bend under pressure. However, low-carbon steel, also known as &#;mild steel,&#; is actually the most commonly used type of steel in building materials. It typically contains anywhere from 0.04% to 0.3% carbon content, rendering it strong yet ductile. Steel buildings, especially tall steel buildings, must be strong, but also somewhat flexible. Overly rigid buildings cannot accommodate natural shiftings in the earth, which can be caused by neighboring construction or even earthquakes, nor can they bend with high winds. For this reason, mid- to high-carbon steels, with carbon content ranging from 0.31 to 1.5%, while technically considered structural steel, are generally reserved for mechanical engineering and toolmaking purposes.

Other grades of structural steel might contain other alloying elements, such as tungsten, zirconium, cobalt, or nickel.

What are the different steel grades?

Below are grades of steel commonly used in the construction industry:

  • Carbon steels. Structural steel is designated carbon steel when no other alloying element is added, copper content does not exceed 0.4 to 0.6%, manganese does not exceed 1.6%, and silicone does not exceed 0.6%. It is commonly used in structural pipe and tubing.
  • High-strength, low-alloy steels. This steel grade is designed to optimize mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. They contain manganese levels up to 2%. Trace amounts of chromium, nickel, molybdenum, nitrogen, vanadium, niobium, and titanium may be used to alter the properties. These are mainly used in structural shapes and steel plates.
  • Forged steels. Forging is the process of shaping metal while still in a solid state. This is done by applying force or heat to steel ingots or billets. The process produces a uniform grain structure to the steel, which upgrades integrity by removing voids and gas bubbles, and increases overall strength.
  • Quenched and tempered alloy steels. Quenching and tempering are processes that strengthen structural steel by heating it while simultaneously cooling in water, oil, forced air, or nitrogen. It creates a tougher, less brittle, higher-strength structural steel.

What are the different shapes of structural steel?

Below are types of structural steel sections commonly used in the construction industry:

  • Angled sections. Right-angled, L-shaped steel sections that come in equal or unequal lengths. These are usually used to support any kind of steel structure, from joining steel bars together to supporting a steel bedframe.
  • Tubular hollow sections. Circular, pipe-like steel sections with high torsional resistance, meaning they are less likely to twist under weight, and are therefore ideal for load-bearing.
  • Flat sections. Otherwise known as &#;plates,&#; flat sections can be attached to other sections to reinforce strength.
  • Parallel flange channels. Parallel flange channels are U-shaped steel sections with right-angled corners; these steel sections have a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning they are often relatively light compared with the loads they can bear.
  • Rectangular hollow sections. Rectangular hollow sections are similar to tubular hollow sections, except they are rectangular in shape. They have high torsional resistance.
  • Square hollow sections. Square hollow sections are less commonly used than tubular or rectangular hollow sections, as their shape is not compatible for fusing with many other structural steel shapes. They are often used in the columns or posts of a structure, however.
  • Tapered flange beams. Also known as I-beams, resembling the letter &#;I&#; at its ends, tapered flange beams are typically used as cross-sections for girders. They have an overall high resistance ratio, but unlike variously shaped hollow sections, do not have high resistance to torsion.
  • Universal beams. Universal beams, known as H-beams for their resemblance to the capital letter, or wide flange beams, are similar in shape and function to tapered flange beams.
  • Universal columns. Universal columns resemble universal beams, but are primarily used for vertical building columns due to their superior load-bearing capabilities.

Pros and cons of building with steel

There are many various advantages of structural steel construction. 

  • Cheap and durable. Steel is cost-effective with significant longevity compared with other materials, and easy to produce in significant quantities. 
  • Strong. Steel also boasts a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning it is lightweight compared with the amount of weight it can itself support. A 40 x 40 square centimeter carrier of structural steel can do the same job as a 100 x 100 square centimeter reinforced concrete carrier.
  • Ductile. Structural steel boasts good ductility. It has an elastic nature that allows it to bend and yield slightly, making sudden failure less likely. Its toughness, or ability to absorb energy, means structural steel can take a beating and carry heavier loads without sagging.
  • Versatile. Last but not least, structural steel is versatile; it can be modified, formed, and molded with relative ease.

But there are a few disadvantages of building with structural steel too. It is susceptible to corrosion, and making it resistant to such processes can be costly. It is also susceptible to fatigue and buckling, with measurable decreases in strength in higher temperatures.

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A Guide To Structural Steel

A Guide To Structural Steel

A Guide To Structural Steel

Structural steel is the backbone of the construction industry, being used in everything from buildings to bridges to homes &#; just about everywhere. This versatile material is known for its exceptional strength and durability, making it one of the best choices in the construction industry. 

Structural steel is also a preferred construction material due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning that it can support heavy loads without adding unnecessary weight to a structure. Structural steel is also resistant to fire, which is another reason why it is often used in building construction.

If you&#;re looking to purchase structural steel in bulk, here are the types you should be in the market for, as well as their benefits to your project.

Structural Steel Types And Their Applications

There are several different types of structural steel, each of which has its own unique properties. Depending on your project, you&#;ll want to source the correct type.

Mild Steel

Mild steel is a type of carbon steel that is widely used in construction, manufacturing, and other industrial applications. Also known as low carbon steel, mild steel typically includes up to 0.25% carbon, with small amounts of other elements such as manganese, silicon, and sulphur. The low carbon content of mild steel makes it relatively soft and malleable, which means it is easy to shape and form using a variety of techniques such as welding, cutting, and machining.

Despite its low carbon content, mild steel is still strong and durable, with a tensile strength of around 400 MPa (megapascals). It is also resistant to corrosion and other forms of wear and tear, although it is not as corrosion-resistant as other types of steel such as stainless steel. In addition to this, mild steel is on the more affordable end of the scale when it comes to steel products.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is a type of steel that contains varying amounts of carbon as the primary alloying element. In general, carbon steel contains between 0.05% and 2.0% carbon by weight, although this can vary depending on the specific grade and application.

Carbon steel is one of the most widely used types of structural steel in construction, manufacturing, and other industrial applications due to its strength, durability, and versatility. It is a popular choice for everything from building frames and bridges to automotive parts, machinery, and tools. It&#;s also divided into a number of classes, including:

  • Low. Also known as mild steel, low carbon steel contains between 0.05% and 0.25% carbon by weight. It is relatively soft and malleable, which makes it easy to form and weld, but of course is not as strong as other types of steel.
  • Medium. Medium carbon steel contains between 0.3% and 0.6% carbon by weight. It is stronger and harder than low carbon steel, but also more difficult to work with due to its increased hardness.
  • High. High carbon steel contains between 0.6% and 1.5% carbon by weight. It is extremely hard and strong, which makes it ideal for applications such as cutting tools, springs, and high-strength wires.
  • Ultra-High Carbon Steel. Ultra-high carbon steel contains between 1.5% and 2.0% carbon by weight. It is the hardest and strongest type of carbon steel, but also the most brittle and difficult to work with.

Stainless Steel

While not as commonly used as mild or carbon steel, stainless steel is a popular choice for certain structural applications. It is highly resistant to staining, making it ideal for structures in harsh or corrosive environments. Due to stainless steel containing a minimum of 10.5% chromium by weight, stainless steel has some unique characteristics including its resistance to corrosion, staining, and rust.

Similarly to carbon steel, There are several different grades of stainless steel, each with its own unique properties and applications. Some of these common grades are:

  • Austenitic Stainless Steel. This is the most common type of stainless steel, and is characterised by its high levels of chromium and nickel. It is highly resistant to corrosion and staining, and is often used in applications where hygiene and appearance are important.
  • Ferritic Stainless Steel. Ferritic stainless steel contains high levels of chromium, but lower levels of nickel than austenitic stainless steel. It is less corrosion-resistant than austenitic stainless steel, but is still highly durable and is often used in applications where strength and heat resistance are important.
  • Martensitic Stainless Steel. Martensitic stainless steel contains higher levels of carbon and lower levels of nickel than other types of stainless steel. It is extremely strong and hard, but is also more brittle and difficult to work with.

High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel

HSLA steel is a type of carbon steel that contains small amounts of alloy elements such as copper, nickel, and chromium. These elements enhance the strength and toughness of the steel, making it ideal for structural applications that require high strength and durability.

Alongside its strength, HSLA steel also has good ductility, which means that it can be bent and shaped without breaking. This makes it easier to work with than other high-strength materials such as brittle cast iron or high-carbon steel. It also has a number of classifications, including low-alloy steels, high-strength low-alloy steels, dual-phase steels, and transformation-induced plasticity steels &#; all HSLA structural steels with a range of strengths and treatments to create solid steel product.

Weathering Steel

Lastly, we will mention weathering steel in our list of structural steel types. Also known as COR-TEN steel, weathering steel is a high-strength, low-alloy steel that is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. The composition of weathering steel is similar to that of traditional carbon steel, but with the addition of small amounts of copper, chromium, and nickel. These elements work together to form a stable, corrosion-resistant layer of rust on the surface of the steel, which gives it its characteristic appearance and protects it from further damage.

Due to its durability, weathering steel can withstand prolonged exposure to the elements without significant deterioration. This makes it an ideal material for outdoor applications where longevity and durability are important.

Shop All Steel Types With Australian Steel Traders

At AST, not only do we provide a range of steel products &#; including structural steel &#; but we can also help you select the right steel for the job. Get in contact with our expert team of staff today and find the steel solution for you.

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