The first use of steel can be traced back to 1,800 BC, over 4,000 years ago. It took millennia for mass steel production to begin, and it would forever revolutionise the way we build, improve, and exist in the world around us.
Steel is both low in cost and high in tensile strength. This makes it a key building component in practically every industry, from buildings and infrastructure to weapons and rocketships.
There are numerous types of steel, each created with a specific application in mind, but structural steel is one of the most common. As the name suggests, structural steel is any steel made for use in construction or building projects.
Jade-Aden Services are the South’s premier structural steel specialists, with over 30 years’ experience constructing steel units, deckings, and frames. In this guide, we explain exactly what makes structural steel distinct from other forms of steel.
What is the composition of structural steel?
Steel is usually sorted into one of four key groups: carbon, alloy, stainless, and tool.
Structural steel is a carbon steel. This means it has a carbon content of up to 2.1% by weight. The exact carbon level depends on how the steel will be used - a higher level means greater strength and lower ductility (aka the ability to be drawn out into a thin wire).
Most steel used for construction is low-carbon steel, commonly known as mild steel. This type of steel usually contains 0.04% to 0.30% carbon content, making it strong enough for most construction purposes, yet more ductile than other forms of steel with higher carbon content. Medium and high-carbon steels can also be considered structural steel, but these are typically reserved for mechanical engineering applications.
What shapes does structural steel come in?
Structural steel can come in a wide variety of shapes. Here are a few common examples:
- I-beam
- Z-Shape
- HSS-Shape
- Angle
- Structural channel
- Tee
- Rail profile
- Railway rail
- Vignoles rail
Of course, thanks to its versatility, structural steel can come in a virtually unlimited number of non-standard shapes, sizes, and thicknesses.
At Jade-Aden, we offer a full design and build service for structural steel units. We have the expertise to create custom steel pieces to meet your specific building needs, from office headquarters to large-scale production facilities. Browse our portfolio for a look at some of our other previous work!
If you want to know more about our structural steel services, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is ready to explain what we do in more detail, answer any questions you may have, and start making your vision a reality.
Get a quote online or call us on 01202 622252.
