Steel is one of the most widely used materials in the construction industry. Besides its strength, its sustainability is also one of the reasons it is used in most construction projects these days.
There are different types of steel, and each one of them has unique properties and uses. If you want to learn more about them, we will give you a short introduction to the most common types of steel used in the construction industry.
Different Types of Steel Used in Construction
You may have asked the question, “What steel is used in construction,” once in your life. To give you the answer, there are many types of steel used for construction. We have compiled a list to help.
1. Light Gauge Steel
As its name implies, light gauge steel is a type of steel widely known for its lightweight. Engineers can use it for different structural factors such as flooring, purlins, load-bearing walls, wind-resistant walls, steel frames, and many more.
Due to its flimsiness, it is incredibly safe to use. Professionals recommend light gauge steel for places where termites are present because it does not decompose and rot like wood.
2. Structural Steel
Another type of steel used in the construction industry is structural steel. You can see it in different infrastructures such as residential buildings, commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, bridges, churches, and the like.
It is one of the strongest types of steel so that it can be formed into different shapes such as angled sections, hollow sections, I-shaped beams, H-shaped beams, columns, and many more.
Some of the most famous structural steel structures are Burj Khalifa, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and The Empire State Building.
3. Rebar Steel
The next type of steel is rebar steel; it is among the significant types of steel used in construction. Rebar steel is best used as a reinforcement for concrete structural members.
You might be asking why we use steel reinforcement in concrete for construction. The answer to that is because concrete, as strong as it is in resisting compressive forces, is weak in fighting tensile forces.
The primary role of rebar steel is to provide added tensile strength in structural members such as slabs and beams. Still, it also supports certain structural members—such as walls and columns—in fighting compression forces.
4. Alloy Steel
Alloy steel is formed by combining carbon steel, metal elements, and non-metal elements. Due to its strength, resistance to corrosion, and toughness, you can also see it in different construction projects.
It is commonly used in large infrastructures such as bridges and skyscrapers. In addition, it can also serve as reinforcement for concrete structural members. Alloy steel is very versatile as it is also used to make small construction materials such as screws, bolts, nails, and many more.
5. Mild Steel
The most common type of steel used in construction is mild steel. Besides its undeniable strength, it is also affordable and not hard to find. Like alloy steel, it is also versatile and can be used for a wide range of construction purposes.
Mild steel is commonly used in constructing buildings because it does not crack even when subjected to powerful bending forces. It provides strong resistance to different calamities such as earthquakes.
6. Tool Steel
Tool steel is a type of alloy and carbon steel. Its properties make it a suitable type of steel for making tools. Some of its remarkable characteristics are its resistance to abrasion, hardness, and resistance to deformation.
Hammers and knives are some construction tools made from tool steel. Although it is not directly used as structural parts or reinforcements, it is still essential in construction.
If you ask which steel is best for construction, they are essential, and they are equally necessary, to complete many construction projects. All types have properties that make them useful in different ways.
With the uses of the types mentioned above and, it can be seen why steel is so widely used for industrial purposes. So, if you need high-quality steel services, we offer metal fabrication in Colorado Springs. We also have other services! Contact us now, and we will gladly assist you with what you need.
