Top 10 Uses of Steel in Construction Industry

This article demonstrates the top 10 uses of steel in construction industry. Continue to know more.

Steel has been a part of building materials for centuries and it still remains one of the most popular construction materials for constructing buildings, bridges, skyscrapers and other structures.

Steel binds well to concrete and has a similar thermal expansion coefficient. Steel is strong, durable, corrosion-resistant, fireproof and relatively cost-effective. These properties make steel an ideal material for a variety of constructional applications.

Top 10 Uses of Steel in Construction

Steel has been used in construction projects since antiquity on a large scale due to its strong, durable and recyclable nature. This material is used in a variety of ways within construction industry. Here are the top 10 uses of steel in construction industry.

1. Structural Steel Frameworks

Steel frameworks is one of the most common uses of steel in construction industry. Structural Steel is often used to make frames, which form the foundation of your home. Vertical and horizontal (steel) beams are bolted or welded together to form these frames. Broadly speaking, steel frameworks are used to form the skeletal structure of a building and many different constructional projects. Structural steel is broadly used in constructing of high rise buildings, bridges, industrial sheds, parking garages and foundation of residential buildings.

2. Reinforcing Concrete Structure

Reinforcing concrete structure is also one of the top uses of steel in construction. For this HYSD (high yield strength deformed) bars and TMT bars are commonly used. The reinforcement steel bars helps strengthen the concrete allowing it to better withstand tension. Due to the same thermal expansion, steel bars easily binds with concrete and gives more strength and durability to the structure.

3. Plumbing Solutions

When it comes to plumbing solutions, there are many steel products that are widely used in residential and commercial construction projects. Steel pipes, faucets and overhead showers, handheld showers, shower arms, shower hoses, shower panels and many other items are made by steel. These products are of higher quality and more durable than those made of plastic. Moreover, steel made faucets and showers give a nice look to your room, especially the kitchen and bathroom.

You may typically see galvanized pipes treated with a zinc coating in older homes and commercial properties. These pipes last for about 40 to 50 years. But these are expensive. Also, their cutting, threading, and installation take more time and labor. Therefore, these have now been replaced by new generation uPVC and cPVC pipes, which are relatively cheaper and can be easily installed.

4. Staircases and Railings

Steel is also used to make interior fixtures, such as stairs, railings and shelving. Steel staircases not only look modern and attractive but also provide strength and durability to handle all-day foot traffic. The outdoor steel railings provides more protection against hazard elements. Steel pipes and tubes are used for making balconies and railings on staircases. Steel's long lasting and easy to maintain make it more affordable for home owners. Being a recyclable product, it is also environment-friendly.

5. Doors and Windows

Steel doors & windows are also widely used in residential and commercial construction projects. Steel doors and windows are fire-resistant, termite-resistant and weather-proof. Steel doors are almost maintenance-free and also don’t require to polish after each 2-3 years. Unlike wooden doors, steel doors don’t change it's shape due to moisture or heat and also never age with the passage of time. Steel doors are much stronger than wooden doors and won’t succumb to any exterior forces, ensuring complete security and peace of mind.

6. Architectural Wall Cladding

Steel can also be used in cladding the wall of a building forming a layer of steel on the external surface. Available in a wide variety of colours, style and finishes, steel wall cladding gives a unique look to your building. Steel cladding also provides thermal insulation, weather resistance and excellent protection against hazard elements. Contractors can attach the cladding in a variety of ways:

• Standing Seam: Folded connections between the panels.
• Snaplock: Panels snap together.
• Interlocking: Interlock the joint of panels to create a smoother appearance.
• Flatlock: Lock together, forming a flexible and thin exterior.
• Cassette: Bent and fixed the material using invisible clips that creates a flat look.

7. Sheet Products

Steel is also used as sheeting products in structures such as roofing, internal walls and ceilings. Sheet products are formed by an industrial process that turns metal, such as steel, into flat pieces. These are then used for multi purposes in construction field, such as internal ducts or roof flashings. Contractors use steel sheet products because of their durability and flexibility. It is easy to work on and easy to maintain, making it suitable for construction in areas with more extreme weather conditions.

8. Transportation Structures

There is huge contribution of steel in the construction of durable, strong and load bearing transportation structures. Steel is used to build bridges, tunnels and rail tracks, that are parts of our daily transportation system. It is also used to construct transportation buildings, such as train stations, shipping ports and airports. For these buildings, steel is mostly used in the form of reinforcing bars and structural steel. Other steel applications come from sections, plates and rail tracks.

9. Steel Pipes and Tubes

Steel has high resistance against corrosion and can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for use in piping systems. Seamless Steel Pipes are extensively used in pipeline construction and are used for transporting materials such as water, oil and gases. Steel pipes and tubes are also used in the roof construction of halls and stadiums. People use steel pipes and tubes for creating supporting structures and scaffoldings for construction. Steel pipes and tubes are also used for making railings on staircases and balconies. These are also used in drainage system for transportation of liquid wastes. Steel tubes are a common component of industrial machines, used in conveyor belts, hydraulic lifts, mills and many other machines.

10. Construction Tools

Apart from all this, you can see the use of steel in the tools used in construction works. Many construction tools such as trowel, rake, spade, how, saw machine, mallet, pickaxe, etc. contain steel. Along with this, steel is also used in the tools used by carpenters, plumbers and electricians.

Conclusion

Steel is often used in various types of constructional projects due to its many beneficial properties. It can be used as a load-bearing beam in bridges or as a reinforcement bars in concrete structures or as a structural frame in skyscrapers and other high rise buildings or as a cladding material on exterior walls. This material is strong and durable, which makes it ideal for use in the construction industry. Steel construction is able to endure external forces such as wind, earthquakes and storms.

FAQs on Top 10 Uses of Steel in Construction