Steel does not occur naturally. It is an alloy of two materials, i.e., iron and carbon. People started producing it as far back as 1800 BC. However, the large-scale production of it began in the 17th century during the industrial revolution. Today, steel factories produce over 1.6 billion tons of it annually. They produce 96% of it as cast material and 4% of it as ingots. This metal finds its way into various industries where it has multiple uses. They include construction, manufacturing, and the military. More specifically, these industries receive steel supplies as bars, sheets, pipes, plates, and mesh. They also receive them as tubes and roof cladding. Here are 3 reasons to use steel supplies for your next project.
1. Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
Did you know that 88% of the structural steel used today is recycled material? The recycling rate of this steel is almost 100% at the end of its lifespan. That lifespan lasts for more than 100 years. In most cases, it outlasts the structure itself. It is worth noting that an average concrete column occupies 75% more space than a steel column does. Additionally, steel columns allow for longer spans in construction buildings eliminating the need for intermediate columns thereby creating open floor areas. Steel like the ASTM A36 steel is a highly efficient material to use in the construction industry because it optimizes office space and it is recyclable. It is also cheap. For example, it has a lighter weight than timber making it easier and cheaper to transport than timber is.
2. Strength and Durability
Crystal lattices are present in iron atoms making them susceptible to dislocations. In other words, iron atoms can slide over each other easily with a minimal level of resistance to this movement. Consequently, iron is a relatively weak metal compared to steel. The addition of carbon to iron gives steel its strength because carbon increases the resistance to dislocation within the alloyed metal. Some experts even claim that steel is the strongest alloy in the world. They could be right because it has a higher tensile strength than aluminium, gold, silver, and titanium. Steel is also highly durable. For example, it can withstand pressure from hurricanes, heavy snow, and strong winds. It can endure some strong earthquakes as well. More importantly, steel resists rust, unlike iron. Bugs, mildew, mould, and termites rarely affect it at all.
3. Aesthetic Appeal
Stainless steel enhances the aesthetic appeal of your structure for two principal reasons. One of them its colour and the other one is its malleability. These properties are not unique to steel, but steel exhibits these qualities in addition to being strong and efficient. As you already know, stainless steel has a light grey colour. This colour matches your surroundings perfectly without adding anything to it because grey is a neutral colour. Interestingly, stainless steel is available in several colours as well including blue, green, or bronze. However, many people like it as it is. Malleability means that you can mould steel into various shapes and sizes. Doing so would suit the specific designs you have for your structure. Therefore, ordering for steel supplies Brisbane is an excellent idea because beautiful and unique structural designs are a hallmark of this city. Steel helps you build structures that surpass this standard of beauty.
