Advantages of Steel As A Structural Material
Advantages of Steel As A Structural Material
1. High Strength
The high strength of steel per unit of weight means that the
weight of structures will be small. This fact is of great importance for
long span bridges tall buildings, and structures situated on poor
foundations.
2. Uniformity
The properties of steel do not change appreciable with time, as
do those of a reinforced concrete structure.
3. Elasticity
Steel behaves closer to design assumptions than the most
materials because it follows Hooke's law up to fairly high stresses. The
moments of inertia of a steel structure can be accurately calculated,
while the values obtained for a reinforced concrete structure are rather
indefinite.
4. Permanence
Steel frames are properly maintained will last indefinitely.
Research on same of the newer steels indicates that under certain
conditions no painting maintenance whatsoever will be required.
5. Ductility
The property of a material by which it can withstand extensive
deformation without failure under high tensile stresses is its ductility.
When a mild or low-carbon structural steel member is being tested in
tension, a considerable reduction in cross section and a large amount
of elongation will occur at the point of failure before the actual fracture
occurs. A material that does not have its property is generally
unacceptable and is probably hard and brittle, and it might break if
subjected to a sudden shock.
6. Toughness
Structural steels are tough that is, they have both strength and
ductility. A steel member loaded until it has large deformations will still
be able to withstand large forces. This is very important
characteristics, because it means that steel members can be subjected
to large deformations during fabrication and erection without fracture
thus allowing them to be bent, hammered, and sheared, and to have