To this day, steel is one of the best construction materials for both residential and commercial usages. On any project, you have lots of different construction materials to choose from. Even steel has many types, including those made in high-quality grades and materials that are available in different shapes.
It’s no secret that steel is very strong. Although the exact strength can vary depending on what kind of steel it is, the best steel can withstand vast amounts of stress and endure. Comparatively, something like metals does not compare. Steel is much stronger.
A highly versatile material, here are all
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The reasons why you should use steel in construction
1. Highly Durable
Steel is one of the most durable construction materials out there. It’s tough, resistant to corrosion, and can withstand some fairly harsh conditions. Compared to other materials that inevitably degrade over time, you don’t have that same issue with steel.
2. It’s Very Malleable
Steel can be formed into various shapes and performs well in a number of uses. It supports other materials to hold weight adequately. It can be bent, segmented, and adapted to various environments. Plus, it will consistently deliver to you strength and durability.
3. Freedom in Design
You can collaborate with steel suppliers like Boss Steel to make the material resemble nearly any texture, color, or shape. There is a real beauty to how steel can look. It can be given different architectural aesthetics depending on what’s most appropriate for the construction project.
4. Function in Design
The way that steel can be extended and span out allows construction designers to craft open spaces. You have more flexibility in terms of what’s possible for a space or building, knowing that steel will be able to handle the weight put on it.
5. Assembles Quickly
Steel materials can be assembled quickly on-site and in all seasons. Minimal on-site labor or specialized knowledge is required. Instead of taking weeks to erect something, steel can cut it down to days in some cases. It’s not uncommon to see some sites report a 20-40% reduction in time use compared to what is the case with on-site construction.
6. Fire Resistance
Steel responds well to fire. It adds fire resistance to structures and through other design and technique advancements, dramatically increases the amount of fire protection. Steel is non-combustible and should preserve the integrity of a structure in the event of a fire, even with prolonged exposure to above-average temperatures.
7. Steel Can Be Lightweight
Some types of structural steel are very lightweight. When this is the case, you can have much smaller concrete foundation. As such, you end up reducing costs and accelerating project schedules. Structure steel compares favorably in this way to other framing materials.
8. Steel is Easy to Adapt With
If a building’s function changes over time, steel has the strength and adaptability to accommodate that. If the floor loads increase, walls are re-positioned, or interior layouts are changed, there’s a good chance that steel can withstand all of it.
9. Span Long Distances
The strength of steel makes it possible to span long distances with it, such as with large, open-concept, and column-free internal construction design. If you have a client requesting columns spaced far apart, steel is one of the few materials that will allow it. It works well with beams, trussed or lattice construction, and in similar environments and designs.
10. Highly Recyclable
Steel, when demolished, can be reused and recycled. Steel can, in fact, be recycled seemingly endlessly without losing its strength and other properties. None of it goes to waste. Furthermore, steel building materials may be in part made by recycled steel. It is estimated that 30-35% of construction steel today is culled from recycled steel, saving on mining natural raw resources.
11. You Can Use Less Material
Another great benefit of steel is because the amount of material you need will be less than other materials. It is still immensely strong when it’s structurally thin. Steel beam depths are approximately half that of timber. Steel walls are typically thinner than space-consuming brick. If you have limited space in construction projects, steel is an alternative.
12. Steel is Earthquake-Resistant
Earthquakes are notoriously difficult to predict in terms of magnitude, frequency, and location. Steel is used as a go-to construction material for cities and areas known to experience earthquakes. This is because steel is very ductile and flexible. Under extreme loads, it will adapt rather than simply being crushed or crumbling.
Many beam-to-column connections in steel-built buildings are designed to resist earthquakes, high winds, and similar incidents.
Also read: How to Make Your Concrete Floor Look Cosy?
