Structural fabrication is the process that involves cutting, bending, and assembling steel to create different products. With the help of structural steel fabrication various structures of predefined sizes and shapes are formed that are used in making industrial equipment, tools, and various other final products.
Why is Structural Steel Widely Used?
As mentioned above, structural steel refers to steel products, used primarily in the construction industry, that are actually made up of steel of various components. This ensures that structural steel is one of the most strong and sustainable construction materials. It is also a very versatile material and arguably low cost too.
The best part is its ductility which allows for the creation of various predetermined and customised shapes. Thus every type of construction requires structural fabrication work.
Advantages of Structural Steel Use
•Strength: One of the most important reasons to use structural steel is considerable strength. This strength can be further improved by adding various alloys to it. Also the manufacturing process as well as the heat treatment affect its strength. Structural steel strength is also determined by the weight. The lightweight steel is always stronger.
•Malleability: Structural steel is a malleable material. Due to this property, it can be easily customized to meet any project’s specifications. Be it shade fabrication or beam work, the physical and mechanical properties of structural steel can be adapted as needed.
•Cost-effective: Using steel fabrication is much cheaper and faster to produce. With technological advancements, the time to produce a tonne of steel has gone significantly lower. This is why the cost of structural steel is low.
•Scope of Versatility: The versatility that structural steel offers allow designers and architects the freedom to construct innovative shapes of structural steel components.
•Sustainability: Steel is recycled in the construction industry because it is highly recyclable with minimal degradation to the properties. This recycling minimal carbon footprint emits, making steel the world’s most sustainable building material.
Structural Steel Fabrication Techniques
•Bending
This method is performed by fabricators either by hammering or using machines. Machines are mainly used when the project requires several repetitive bending.
•Assembling Structural Steel
In this stage, the structural steel fabrication process includes the combining of the material together to give it a final shape. This process requires welding and bolting.
•Cleaning and Blasting
Once cutting, bending, and welding are done the structure surface is cleaned of the unnecessary elements. After thorough cleaning methods like surface rusting and blasting the steel is finally made ready for painting.
•Painting the Steel
Painting is the final stage of the structural steel fabrication process. This involves painting the material with anti-rust paints to resist corrosion from environmental impacts.
Applications of Structural Steel
Structural steel is extremely resistant to wind, earthquakes, or other natural disasters because of its strength and flexibility. Even under extreme pressure, it will not get damaged. This is why structural is the most common component used in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. With the help of light gauge steel in residential and commercial buildings, the structures tend to last for several years.
The best part is structured steel is cost-effective, and the pre-made parts can be easily assembled. Due to its high strength-to-weight ratio structural steel has extensive use for industrial structures.
At Dave Construction we make use of the best quality structural steel for different constructions. Be it an industrial structure or a high-rise building, our architectural expertise will never disappoint you.