Structural Steel Fabricators – What to Know
Structural Steel as a Construction Material
Structural steel fabricators are sought after in the construction industry for a plethora of purposes. Wherever there is need for a solid steel structure, be it railings, beams, or stairs, you will find structural steel fabricators on the job. Steel fabricators are knowledgeable when it comes to different types of steel and which construction applications are most suited to each type. They will also have fruitful experience with fabrication, erection, welding, and drafting. Structural steel is typically fireproof; this is done by adding an external insulation to the steel in order to prevent its deterioration in emergency situations.
Defining Structural Steel
Structural steel refers to a category of steel construction material which is produced with specified values of chemical composition and strength. Structural steel is typically comprised of two key elements—carbon and iron, however other elements can be added. Increasing the carbon ratio in structural steel results in a material that has low ductility but high strength. It is up to knowledgeable structural steel fabricators to assess what kind of steel is required for the job, as each different kind of material shines in different types of applications. Techniques used by structural steel fabricators include computerized stress analysis, as well as jointing and precision stress analysis.
Types of Structural Steel
Structural steel is categorized by main groups of composition. The different kinds of structural steel are:
- Carbon-manganese steels are made of carbon, iron, and manganese. These are referred to as mild structural carbon steels. They have high ductility and strength and are widely used because they are decidedly economical.
- Quenched alloy and high-strength tempered steels are typically used for structural purposes and are popularly available in ASTM with a grade of A514.
- Low-alloy, high-strength steels are a recent development in the world of steel. Chemical elements are added to steel in order to improve overall strength.