A Close Look at the Different Grades of Structural Steel in El Paso

Steel is used in building almost everything, from the beams that support roofs to the skeletons of entire structures, right down to the tools you use. However, there are numerous varieties of structural steel in El Paso, each with a specific application and function. Learn more about the many types of structural steel and how they are utilized in buildings.

What is Structural Steel? 

The metal used in building and construction is called structural steel. It is defined as steel that has been refined for building construction, as opposed to the stainless steel that is frequently used for making kitchen surfaces and appliances or the steel grade that might be used to engineer tools.

Structural steel is carbon steel, i.e., carbon and iron are in their chemical makeup. Any steel with a carbon concentration of up to 2.1% of its weight is considered structural steel. A steel piece’s yield strength increases with increasing carbon content because it is less flexible or inclined to flex or warp under strain.

Effects of Carbon Content in Steel

Considering steel is less prone to bend under pressure, construction-grade steel should have a reasonably high carbon content. However, the most typical steel type utilized in building materials is low-carbon steel, usually called “mild steel.” It normally has a carbon concentration between 0.04% and 0.3%, making it strong yet bendable.

Strong but slightly flexible qualities are required for steel structures, especially tall ones. Overly rigid structures cannot flex in the face of strong winds or accommodate natural earth tremors, which can be brought on by nearby construction or even earthquakes.

Because of this, although officially classified as structural steel, mid to high-carbon steels with carbon contents ranging from 0.31% to 1.5% are typically used in mechanical engineering and toolmaking. Various alloying components like zirconium, tungsten, cobalt, and nickel may be present in other structural steel types.

Different Grades of Steel

Following are the different grades of steel that are used overall in the construction industry:

High Strength, Low-Alloy Steels

• The mechanical and corrosion resistance qualities of this steel grade are optimized. They have up to 2% manganese content. To change the characteristics, traces of nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, nitrogen, titanium, and niobium may be utilized. These are mostly utilized in steel plates and structural shapes.

Carbon Steels

• If no additional allocation is usually added, the copper content is between 0.4 and 0.6%, manganese is between 1.6% and 1.8%, silicone is between 0.6% and 0.6%, and structural steel is classified as carbon steel. It is frequently utilized in structural tubing and pipe.

Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steels

• Quenching and tempering operations strengthen it by heating and cooling, structural steel simultaneously in water, oil, nitrogen, or forced air. It produces structural steel that is more durable, less brittle, and stronger.

Forged Steels

• Metal is shaped through forging while it is still solid. Steel ingots or studs are subjected to pressure or heat to accomplish this. The procedure results in steel with a consistent grain structure, improving integrity by reducing gaps and gas bubbles and boosting overall strength.

Advantages of Using Steel in Construction

Despite offering you a strong and steady steel foundation, this element is beneficial for the following reasons: 

• Compared to other materials, steel is more affordable, has a longer lifespan, and is simple to produce in large quantities.
• Steel also has a strong weight-to-strength ratio, making it light in comparison to the weight it can hold. 
• The flexibility of structural steel is excellent. Structural steel’s toughness, or capacity to absorb energy, allows it to take a hammering and support greater loads without sagging.
• Lastly, structural steel is adaptable and is relatively simple to modify, form, and mold.

El Paso Structural Steel

Structural steel is one of the best metals and elements to use if you require a strong construction in El Paso that can stay for years. Not only is the structural steel flexible and durable, but it also costs you less and will serve a lifetime. 

If you are looking for a reliable structural steel construction specialist, contact Steel Specialties so our experts can serve you their best services in El Paso!