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What are the advantages and applications of steel in civil construction?

Engineering projects utilize a wide range of resources and materials. Buildings vary from masonry, concrete, wood, steel, and other innovations that are gradually emerging. However, steel in civil construction has been gaining space and applicability for more than two centuries.

Engineers seek innovation, striving to reduce costs and construction time, for example, while always increasing efficiency and performance. Steel plays a role in this, bringing numerous advantages.

You may already know a bit about steel, but you may not be aware of the advantages of using this material in construction. Read this text to learn some key points!

What are the main applications of steel in civil construction?

It is a product resulting from the alloying of iron and carbon, which may or may not contain other compounds. As an example of steel in civil construction and its applications, it has strength properties and is a material capable of spanning large spans, with smaller, lighter parts.

In civil engineering, it can be used in two main ways: as the structural body of a building formed by several metal components (beams, pillars, trusses, etc.) or as the reinforcement that complement the concrete reinforced, which help to increase the tensile strength of the structure.

The most visible area of steel use is in civil infrastructure, such as the construction of bridges and viaducts. This is because extreme geometric precision is required to ensure adequate support. This is much easier to achieve with steel, which can be easily molded to suit the project's needs.

What are the advantages of steel in civil construction?

Even though other materials are still essential for the support and conformity of any work, steel is one of the most important components and, in many cases, ideal for different purposes.

Many people research the advantages and disadvantages of using steel in construction. So, keep reading to see some of the main benefits it brings when used in construction.

Ease of transport and handling

THE steel resistance is one of the qualities seen when applying it in a construction, that is, the construction elements do not need to be large or robust to meet the demands of civil construction. The pieces can be smaller and thinner, with a low relative weight, making handling and transporting the material easier.

This improves the construction logistics process. Smaller, lighter materials can be transported in larger quantities with fewer trips, in addition to posing a lower risk of serious accidents during construction.

Corrosion resistance

Another factor that brings great advantages in the application of steel Its high resistance to atmospheric corrosion is evident. To further enhance the material's efficiency, processes such as galvanization provide the compound with highly effective protection and increase its durability four times greater than that of conventional steel.

The result is that, with the right investment, a steel-based structure tends to require less maintenance and maintain its qualities for longer. It's ideal for buildings subject to high pressure and that need to remain functional indefinitely.

Easy disassembly and reuse

When the entire project is based on metal structures, the parts are prefabricated and taken ready to the construction site — facilitating assembly, disassembly and transport of the entire structure, if necessary. It is thanks to this quality that many large-scale buildings and structures can be constructed in a timely manner.

Furthermore, it's a more sustainable and environmentally friendly material. If processed correctly, it can be recycled, achieving the same properties it had initially. Steel is also less harmful to the environment, as it reduces the use of wood and concrete in construction, preventing the formation of debris deposited in nature.

Less construction time

Because all steel construction elements arrive pre-assembled, construction time is reduced. This reduces costs and ensures a faster return on investment for the client.

Steel is present in many construction projects. It can be used in simple buildings, such as reinforced concrete structures, or as the structural body of the building, as shown in the system. Steel Frame. It consists of dry construction, based on the assembly of steel structures and prefabricated walls.

However, it's not limited to this type of work: it's also present in bridges, viaducts, roads, stadiums, and even one of the world's most famous buildings, the Eiffel Tower. It's worth noting that the monument boasts 324 meters of steel.

Greater freedom for innovation

The way construction works is limited primarily by available construction techniques. While some structures are conceivable in theory, they may be unsafe or involve very high construction costs.

Steel, on the other hand, is an excellent material for those seeking innovative and creative structures. Its wide range of applications, high strength, and light weight make it ideal for bolder projects with less conventional shapes.

Optimization of construction costs

The combination of the various factors we've listed so far has an additional positive effect: reducing the final cost of the project. Because the material is easier to transport, durable, and can be manufactured to facilitate assembly, the total cost of a project using steel instead of other materials can be significantly lower, depending on its purpose.

It's easy to see the importance of steel in construction today. Yet, its applications and qualities remain surprising. Over time, new ways of composing steel are expected to also improve its quality. And you can also take advantage of these advances by relying on ideal steel supplier.

The Aço Cearense Group is always prepared to meet the demands of the construction market. We supply high-quality materials with dynamism and efficiency, while always focusing on a sustainable business model.

Want to learn more about steel applications and how to use it to optimize your construction project? Then read other blog posts and learn more about Aço Cearense Group on our website!

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