Steel is among the most commonly used materials for construction, thanks to its strength, durability, and cost-effectivity.
Steel is an alloy made of iron and other elements such as carbon. Different manufacturers produce varying types of steel that differ based on the type and quantity of the components used and the manufacturing process they go through.
In this post, we are going to talk about the different types of steel used for construction:
Different Types of Steel for Construction
Light Gauge Steel
Light gauge steel is a thin sheet of steel used to create structural support in buildings. It is very versatile, making it a preferred choice for constructing structures. This type of steel has a thickness of between .14mm and .40mm. It is mainly used for interior partitions of buildings.
Typical uses of light gauge steel include:
- The walls and roof of buildings
- Interior partitions of buildings
- Floors
- Stairs
- As a ceiling
- As an exterior wall
Light gauge steel is mainly used in construction in thin sheets, meaning that it must be used with other materials to create the desired effect. For instance, it is common to use light gauge steel sheets with wood to make interior walls.
Structural Steel
Structural steel is a type of steel that weighs more than light gauge steel. The thickness of this type of steel ranges from .41mm to .50mm. This type of steel is used in buildings to create frames and light gauge steel. Structural steel is commonly used in the creation of concrete or wooden structures.
Structural steel comes in several different forms, including:
- I-beams
- H-sections
- Castings
- Skewed
- Tees
Structural steel is a popular choice for construction because it is imperative to the structure of a building.
Mild Steel
Mild steel is a type of steel that has a low carbon content. It is widely used for construction purposes for many reasons:
- It is easy to produce.
- It is affordable.
- It is easy to connect.
- It is resistant to cold temperatures (below -50 degrees Celsius).
There are many different grades of steel that fall under the category of mild steel. This helps to discriminate between the different steel types used for construction.
Rebar Steel
Rebar steel is a type of steel that is used for reinforcing concrete. It is an alloy mainly made up of iron and contains silicon, manganese, and trace amounts of other metals. It is commonly used to create structures with a good deal of concrete, such as bridges, buildings, and railways.
Rebar steel comes in the form of thick bars or wires. They are also created in several different forms. This includes:
- Angles
- Beams
- Girders
- H-sections
- I-beams
- L-beams
- Pins
- Rods
- Tees
- W-shapes
Rebar steel is used in conjunction with concrete to absorb tension.
Conclusion
The different types of steel used for construction offer a variety of benefits and are used in many different ways. Building construction is a complex process and thus requires other materials with different properties and strengths.
In this post, we have discussed the different types of steel and how they are used in the construction process. We have also discussed the various properties that each type of steel has. If you are unsure which types of steel you need, it’s best to consult a reliable steel manufacturer or distributor who can help you.
KGS Steel Birmingham is your trusted steel distributor in Birmingham that you can turn to for all your steel needs. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!
