Basic Steel Structure Raw Materials
Here’s a clear breakdown of the four key steel structural elements, their roles, and differences:
Function: Vertical load-bearing members that transfer loads from beams/girders to foundations.
Types:
H-Section (Wide-flange): Most common, resists bending in both axes
Tube/Hollow Section: For axial loads, better torsional resistance
Built-Up: Custom plates/welded sections for heavy loads
Key Properties:
High compressive strength
Slenderness ratio (KL/r) critical for buckling resistance
Fireproofing often required
Function: Horizontal members supporting floors/roofs, transferring loads to columns.
Common Types:
Bending capacity (Moment of Inertia, Iₓ)
Deflection limits (L/360 for floors)
Composite action with concrete decks
Function: Primary horizontal members supporting beams or direct loads (heavier than beams).
Key Differences vs. Beams:
Plate Girders: Custom-built welded I-sections for bridges
Box Girders: Closed sections for torsion resistance
Function: Provides lateral stability against wind/earthquakes by forming triangular rigidity.
Common Systems:
Slender members designed for tension-only
Buckling resistance in compression
Gusset plate connections critical
Columns/Beams: Governed by AISC 360 (US) or Eurocode 3 (EU)
Girders: Often require stiffeners to prevent web buckling
Bracing: Reduces lateral drift by 30-50% in tall buildings
Material Savings: Hollow sections use 20% less steel than open sections for same load
Would you like details on connection types (moment vs. pinned) or cost comparisons?
Steel is the backbone of modern construction due to its strength, durability, and versatility. Below are the most widely used steel materials in the building industry, along with their properties and applications.
Properties:
Low carbon content (0.05–0.25%) – Good weldability and ductility
Yield strength: 250–400 MPa (36–58 ksi)
Affordable and widely available
Applications:
Structural beams, columns, and frames
Reinforcing bars (rebar)
Light industrial buildings
Limitations:
Prone to corrosion (requires coatings)
Lower strength compared to high-strength steels
Properties:
Higher strength (yield: 345–550 MPa / 50–80 ksi)
Improved corrosion resistance (small alloy additions like Cu, Ni, Cr)
Better toughness at low temperatures
Applications:
High-rise buildings
Long-span bridges
Heavy industrial structures
Advantages over mild steel:
Lighter weight (reduces material usage)
Better fatigue resistance
Properties:
Forms a protective rust layer (no painting needed)
Yield strength: 345–485 MPa (50–70 ksi)
Alloying elements: Cu, Cr, Ni, P
Applications:
Architectural facades
Bridges (e.g., Chicago’s Corten-clad bridges)
Outdoor sculptures
Limitations:
Not suitable for coastal areas (salt accelerates corrosion)
Initial cost higher than mild steel
Properties:
High corrosion resistance (10–30% chromium)
Yield strength: 205–550 MPa (30–80 ksi)
Aesthetic appeal (polished/matte finishes)
Applications:
Cladding & roofing (e.g., Sydney Opera House)
Handrails & architectural features
Chemical plants & coastal structures (316 grade)
Disadvantages:
Expensive (3–5x carbon steel cost)
Lower stiffness than carbon steel
Properties:
Ultra-high strength (690–890 MPa / 100–130 ksi yield)
Heat-treated for toughness
Used in critical connections
Applications:
Heavy crane girders
Military/defense structures
High-load bridge components
Limitations:
Difficult to weld (preheating required)
Brittle if improperly treated
Properties:
Square (SHS), Rectangular (RHS), or Circular (CHS) tubing
High torsional resistance
Aesthetic and efficient for compression/tension
Applications:
Space frames & trusses
Architectural columns (exposed steel)
Offshore platforms
Advantages:
20–30% lighter than open sections (I-beams)
Cleaner appearance (no sharp edges)
Properties:
Ribbed surface for concrete bonding
Yield strength: 420 MPa (60 ksi) standard
Ductile for seismic zones (A706)
Applications:
Concrete-encased columns
Foundations & slabs
Seismic-resistant structures
Corrosion Protection:
Epoxy coating (for harsh environments)
Galvanized or stainless rebar (marine use)
Budget project? → Carbon steel (A36/A572)
Need high strength? → HSLA (A992) or Q&T (A514)
Corrosive environment? → Stainless (316) or weathering steel (A588)
Aesthetic exposed steel? → Hollow sections or Corten steel
Here’s a clear breakdown of the four key steel structural elements, their roles, and differences:
Function: Vertical load-bearing members that transfer loads from beams/girders to foundations.
Types:
H-Section (Wide-flange): Most common, resists bending in both axes
Tube/Hollow Section: For axial loads, better torsional resistance
Built-Up: Custom plates/welded sections for heavy loads
Key Properties:
High compressive strength
Slenderness ratio (KL/r) critical for buckling resistance
Fireproofing often required
Function: Horizontal members supporting floors/roofs, transferring loads to columns.
Common Types:
Bending capacity (Moment of Inertia, Iₓ)
Deflection limits (L/360 for floors)
Composite action with concrete decks
Function: Primary horizontal members supporting beams or direct loads (heavier than beams).
Key Differences vs. Beams:
Plate Girders: Custom-built welded I-sections for bridges
Box Girders: Closed sections for torsion resistance
Function: Provides lateral stability against wind/earthquakes by forming triangular rigidity.
Common Systems:
Slender members designed for tension-only
Buckling resistance in compression
Gusset plate connections critical
Columns/Beams: Governed by AISC 360 (US) or Eurocode 3 (EU)
Girders: Often require stiffeners to prevent web buckling
Bracing: Reduces lateral drift by 30-50% in tall buildings
Material Savings: Hollow sections use 20% less steel than open sections for same load
Would you like details on connection types (moment vs. pinned) or cost comparisons?
Steel is the backbone of modern construction due to its strength, durability, and versatility. Below are the most widely used steel materials in the building industry, along with their properties and applications.
Properties:
Low carbon content (0.05–0.25%) – Good weldability and ductility
Yield strength: 250–400 MPa (36–58 ksi)
Affordable and widely available
Applications:
Structural beams, columns, and frames
Reinforcing bars (rebar)
Light industrial buildings
Limitations:
Prone to corrosion (requires coatings)
Lower strength compared to high-strength steels
Properties:
Higher strength (yield: 345–550 MPa / 50–80 ksi)
Improved corrosion resistance (small alloy additions like Cu, Ni, Cr)
Better toughness at low temperatures
Applications:
High-rise buildings
Long-span bridges
Heavy industrial structures
Advantages over mild steel:
Lighter weight (reduces material usage)
Better fatigue resistance
Properties:
Forms a protective rust layer (no painting needed)
Yield strength: 345–485 MPa (50–70 ksi)
Alloying elements: Cu, Cr, Ni, P
Applications:
Architectural facades
Bridges (e.g., Chicago’s Corten-clad bridges)
Outdoor sculptures
Limitations:
Not suitable for coastal areas (salt accelerates corrosion)
Initial cost higher than mild steel
Properties:
High corrosion resistance (10–30% chromium)
Yield strength: 205–550 MPa (30–80 ksi)
Aesthetic appeal (polished/matte finishes)
Applications:
Cladding & roofing (e.g., Sydney Opera House)
Handrails & architectural features
Chemical plants & coastal structures (316 grade)
Disadvantages:
Expensive (3–5x carbon steel cost)
Lower stiffness than carbon steel
Properties:
Ultra-high strength (690–890 MPa / 100–130 ksi yield)
Heat-treated for toughness
Used in critical connections
Applications:
Heavy crane girders
Military/defense structures
High-load bridge components
Limitations:
Difficult to weld (preheating required)
Brittle if improperly treated
Properties:
Square (SHS), Rectangular (RHS), or Circular (CHS) tubing
High torsional resistance
Aesthetic and efficient for compression/tension
Applications:
Space frames & trusses
Architectural columns (exposed steel)
Offshore platforms
Advantages:
20–30% lighter than open sections (I-beams)
Cleaner appearance (no sharp edges)
Properties:
Ribbed surface for concrete bonding
Yield strength: 420 MPa (60 ksi) standard
Ductile for seismic zones (A706)
Applications:
Concrete-encased columns
Foundations & slabs
Seismic-resistant structures
Corrosion Protection:
Epoxy coating (for harsh environments)
Galvanized or stainless rebar (marine use)
Budget project? → Carbon steel (A36/A572)
Need high strength? → HSLA (A992) or Q&T (A514)
Corrosive environment? → Stainless (316) or weathering steel (A588)
Aesthetic exposed steel? → Hollow sections or Corten steel
Q: How can I get a quote for my project?
A: You can contact me anytime, via WeChat, WhatsApp, Email, or phone. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Email: jack@xingyasteel.com
Phone: +86 17305413116
WeChat: 17305413116
WhatsApp: +86 17305413116
Q: How long can I get the price?
A: If possible, please provide project CAD drawings, pictures or specific requirements. We usually quote within 6 hours. If you want to get a quote as soon as possible, please let us know via WeChat, WhatsApp or email so that we can prioritize your inquiry.
Q: Can we visit your factory?
A: Of course, we welcome you to visit our factory or production line on site to understand our strength and quality. We will arrange a professional team to serve you. You just need to send your itinerary and leave the rest to us.
Q: Do you provide customized product services?
A: Of course, our professional R&D team can design and produce the products you need according to your specifications and drawings. For example: special size, special control, OEM, etc.
Q: Where is the loading port?
A: Normally, we ship from Tianjin Port, Qingdao Port and Shanghai Port. Of course, we can also accept the port you specify.