Despite appearing to be a uniform material, structural steel hides a wide variety of varieties, each with its own unique properties and applications. These differences allow designers and engineers to create more efficient, durable and customized structures.
Carbon structural steel
It is the type of steel most commonly used in structures. Its composition is mainly based on carbon, which gives it adequate strength properties. Carbon steel can be customized to meet specific strength and flexibility requirements, making it a versatile material for many structural applications.
Higher strength structural steel
Specifically developed for applications requiring higher tensile strength. It is commonly used in the construction of bridges and machinery structures, where it is important to maintain the structure under dynamic loads and varying operating conditions.
High strength steel (HSS)
It is characterized by a very high yield strength, which makes it possible to minimize the weight of the structures while maintaining adequate strength. It is used when weight reduction is important, for example in aerospace and automotive structures.
Acid resistant steel
It is used in chemically aggressive environments where there is a risk of corrosion. Its alloy composition contains additives such as chromium, nickel and molybdenum, which increase its resistance to chemicals. It is commonly used in the chemical and food industries and in the manufacture of sanitary equipment.
Boiler steel
Designed to operate at high temperatures and pressure. It is mainly used in the power industry for boilers, heat exchangers and other heating system components.
Steel for screws
Particularly suitable for the manufacture of screws, nuts and other fasteners that must have a high tensile strength. It is a key material in the manufacture of structural fasteners, as it guarantees stability and safety.
Of course, the types of structural steel listed above are only an overview of the varieties available. There are many other specialized steel grades tailored to specific applications. All these materials play a key role in modern construction and engineering, enabling increasingly sophisticated and efficient structures. Understanding the variety of structural steels is key to achieving optimum performance in the design and construction of modern structures.
