Catalog

Steel angles: what are their main applications?

Cantoneiras de aço: quais as suas principais aplicações?

Among the immense variety of materials used in construction, steel stands out for its strength, versatility, and durability. And within this universe of possibilities, one element acts as a true wild card: steel angles.

This is an angular piece, characterized by two perpendicular flanges. Its structure is what makes it so valuable for various types of construction, as these flanges provide rigidity and strength to the material, allowing it to withstand loads and forces efficiently.

The main function of steel angles is to provide structure and support in various construction projects. They are used in various stages, from foundations to finishing and final details. This versatility is one of the factors that makes them so widely used.

Want to learn more about steel angles? Keep reading to find out!

What are steel angles?

As mentioned, they are essential components in civil construction, as they provide structure and support in a wide variety of applications. These angle pieces play a crucial role in reinforcing structural elements such as beams, columns, and slabs, ensuring resistance and stability.

Furthermore, steel angles are used to secure various elements, such as windows, doors, shelves, and furniture, providing adequate support and security. This versatility allows the pieces to be adapted to the specific needs of each project, allowing them to be easily cut and shaped during installation.

It's also worth noting that one of the great advantages of steel angles is their durability, making them a cost-effective option in the long run. They don't require frequent replacement and are capable of withstanding significant loads and forces over time, ensuring the integrity of constructed structures.

What are they for?

Steel angles have a variety of applications in construction, providing structure and support. These angles play a key role in reinforcing structural elements such as beams, columns, and slabs, providing strength and stability to the building.

Furthermore, they are used to fix various elements, such as windows, doors, shelves and furniture, ensuring that these elements are adequately supported — thus, there is greater safety and durability.

Thanks to their versatility, steel angles can be adapted to the specific needs of each project, as they are cut and shaped as needed, facilitating the installation process.

What are its applications?

As you saw, the steel angles have several applications in civil construction. Below, learn about some of them in more detail!

Structural reinforcement

These pieces are used to reinforce beams, columns, and slabs. As you might imagine, these structures need to support heavier loads than originally designed, and that's where steel angles come in. They're attached to the areas requiring reinforcement, providing greater rigidity and load-bearing capacity.

They're also especially useful when cracks, fissures, or signs of weakening occur in structural elements. When properly installed and secured, steel angles redistribute forces and improve support capacity, thus preventing potential failures and more serious damage.

Fixing elements

As we said, steel angle brackets are used to fix windows, doors, shelves and furniture, ensuring that these elements are well supported and secure.

When installing windows and doors, for example, they are fixed to wall openings to serve as support. This provides a stable and sturdy base for attaching the frames, ensuring proper installation and operation.

When assembling shelves and racks, steel angle brackets are used to secure the structural parts. They are fixed to the wall and shelves, providing a secure and stable connection. This is especially important to ensure the shelves can support the weight of the objects placed on them.

Metal structures

Steel angles are also used in metal structure projects, serving as connecting elements between profiles and reinforcing connections.

Furthermore, they are used to reinforce connections between different structural elements, being fixed, for example, in critical areas of joints to improve resistance to bending, torsion and traction, which will guarantee the overall stability of the metal structure.

It's worth noting that the versatility of steel angles allows them to be easily adapted to the needs of each project. They can be cut and shaped to fit the specific dimensions of joints and connections, providing a customized solution.

Finishes

The pieces can also be used in construction finishes, bringing aesthetic and functional details, such as reinforcing corners and protecting edges.

Therefore, in areas where walls meet at angles, steel angles are installed to reinforce and protect these corners. This prevents damage and wear on the edges, and creates a smooth transition between surfaces, contributing to the durability of the finish.

Steel corners are also used in flooring and wall coverings. They are installed at the edges of floors to protect against impacts and wear, maintaining the integrity of the floor and providing a more attractive aesthetic.

Finally, the pieces are also used in wall coverings, such as tiles, to reinforce joints and ensure a uniform appearance.

Construction of supports and racks

Steel angles are used in the manufacture of supports and racks for equipment, ensuring the stability and safety of objects.

In construction, for example, they are used to create vertical or horizontal structures that support objects such as shelves, countertops, and tables. They are fixed to the wall or suitable bases, providing a solid base for the items they support.

When it comes to racks, steel angles are used to build structures for storing a variety of objects. These racks can be used in industrial, commercial, or residential settings to store everything from heavy materials and equipment to everyday household items like clothes, shoes, books, and more.

Plumbing and duct systems

Steel angles also play an important role in the construction of supports and structures for pipes and ducts, helping with fixing and proper support.

In plumbing systems, they are fixed to the wall or ceiling to create supports that hold the pipesThey provide stability and prevent pipes from moving or becoming loose, ensuring a safe and long-lasting installation.

For ventilation, air conditioning, or exhaust ducts, steel angles are used to create supports that hold the ducts securely in place. These structures ensure that the ducts remain properly aligned and supported, preventing damage and ensuring proper airflow or other transport.

Structures for carpentry and metalwork

Finally, steel angles are used in the construction of carpentry and metalwork structures, in order to guarantee the rigidity and support necessary for this type of work.

In carpentry, they are used to create robust structures, such as shelf supports, workbenches, and cabinet frames. They provide stability and strength, ensuring the durability and safety of furniture and built structures.

In metalworking, steel angles are used in the construction of metal structures such as gates, railings, stairs, and protective structures. They are fastened and welded to create a solid, sturdy base capable of withstanding loads and ensuring the integrity of the structures.

What are the benefits of steel angle iron?

Steel angles offer a number of benefits that contribute to their widespread use in a variety of applications. Here are some of the main benefits!

Resistance

Steel is a material known for its high strength, which makes angles made from this material capable of withstanding heavy loads and providing robust and durable structures.

Depending on the steel alloy used, angle irons can be corrosion resistant. Stainless steel, for example, is known for its corrosion resistance in harsh environments. This contributes to the durability of structures, especially in locations with high humidity or exposure to chemicals.

Versatility

Steel angles can be easily cut, bent, and shaped to suit the needs of each project, allowing for flexible adaptation to different applications and the creation of customized structures.

Stability

By using steel angles, you can ensure structural stability, whether for shelves, furniture, supports, or metal structures. This is because they provide reliable support and prevent unwanted movement.

Durability

As mentioned, steel is resistant to corrosion and deterioration, ensuring the longevity of angle irons. Therefore, they can be used both indoors and outdoors, maintaining their properties over time.

Ease of installation

Steel angles are easy to install and can be secured with welding, screws, rivets, or other suitable methods. This provides practicality and agility in the construction process.

Competitive cost

Steel is a widely available material and has a competitive cost on the market. Therefore, these angles are an economical solution for structural reinforcement, fastening elements, and other applications.

Aesthetics

In addition to yours structural qualities, steel angles can contribute to an industrial and modern aesthetic in architectural and design projects. They can also be painted or coated to match the desired style and aesthetic.

Sustainability

Steel is a recyclable material, which contributes to environmental sustainability. Therefore, steel angles can be reused or recycled at the end of their useful life, reducing their environmental impact.

What are the differences between stainless steel and carbon steel angle iron?

These two options differ primarily in terms of chemical composition, corrosion resistance, and specific applications. Below, check out the main differences and choose the angle that best fits your project!

Chemical composition

Stainless steel angle iron is made from stainless steel — an alloy that contains chromium (usually in an amount of at least 10.5%) and, in some cases, other elements such as nickel and molybdenum.

On the other hand, carbon steel angle iron is made primarily of iron and carbon, with the presence of small amounts of other elements.

Corrosion resistance

Stainless steel is known for its excellent corrosion resistance. This is explained by the chromium present in the alloy forming a protective oxide layer that prevents the metal from oxidizing. This makes stainless steel angles highly resistant to corrosion in humid or aggressive environments, such as coastal areas or those exposed to chemicals.

Carbon steel angle iron is more susceptible to corrosion and may require additional protection, such as coatings or painting, to prevent damage caused by oxidation.

Application

Stainless steel angles are frequently used in environments where corrosion resistance is crucial, such as the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, and maritime industries. They are also widely used in architectural, decorative, and furniture applications due to their aesthetic appeal and durability.

Carbon steel angles are more commonly used in structural applications, in civil construction, in the automotive and manufacturing industries, where mechanical strength is more important than corrosion resistance.

Price

In general, carbon steel angles are more economical than stainless steel angles. This is due to the difference in chemical composition and the manufacturing process involved. Stainless steel is a more complex alloy and requires a more rigorous production process, resulting in higher costs.

As we've seen, steel angles are essential in civil construction, providing structure, stability, and support for various types of buildings. Their versatility, strength, and ease of installation make them a reliable ally for engineers, architects, and builders.

Did you enjoy learning more about the specific features of steel angle iron? Now, discover our product catalog and request a quote from the Ceará Steel Group!

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive our exclusive content

    Related articles