The use of metals in civil construction It has been a common practice for many years. Since ancient times, they have been used in various applications, such as structural supports, roofing, cladding, finishing, among others.
Over time, technology has evolved, and manufacturing has become more efficient and cost-effective, allowing them to be used in an even wider variety of projects. Therefore, it's not uncommon to see countless metal buildings around.
To demonstrate its effectiveness, we've prepared this article on the importance of this material, its different types, where it can be used, and the benefits for those who choose it. Learn more below!
What makes this type of material important is precisely the properties of metals in civil construction. These properties are divided into mechanical and physical. Some examples include high tensile, compressive, and flexural strength, durability, ductility, and malleability, among others.
Metals are widely used in various construction stages, from the structure to the finishes. This is because they can support heavy loads and offer great resistance.
For this reason, they're used in beams, pillars, roofs, stairs, bridges, and other places that require these specific features. They're also used in the manufacture of window, door, and gate frames, providing high strength and security.
All this thanks to its unique properties and ease of maintenance and repair, which guarantees greater durability and useful life for buildings.
In civil construction, a variety of materials are used, including those made from pure or modified metals. We've listed the main ones below so you can learn more about them and understand how indispensable they are in some projects.
Steel in civil construction is one of the most used alternatives in the sector, due to its high resistance, durability, and ease of forming. Because it's more sophisticated, it's an excellent alternative to iron, used in beams, columns, trusses, sheets, rebar, wire, and anything else that requires customization, with greater precision.
Stainless steel is made from steel, nickel, and chromium. It adds value to buildings, offers high durability and versatility, and requires low maintenance. It's ideal for various applications such as guardrails, handrails, interior decoration, coverings, sinks, etc.
Because it's lightweight, strong, and durable, it's often used in roofing systems, building facades, windows, and doors. Aluminum is valued for its corrosion-resistant properties and can be painted in a variety of colors. Therefore, it's used in everything from decorative elements to supporting structures.
Its characteristics include hardness, antibacterial properties, and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for water pipes, gutters, and coating systems. It can conduct electricity and is widely used in electrical wiring and grounding systems, drinking water, fuel gas, heating, and cooling.
It's a hard, durable metal, widely used in drainage systems, such as manhole covers and grates. Furthermore, it's known for withstanding compression and heavy loads. Therefore, it's used in grates, gates, stairs, handrails, and street furniture.
Zinc, also called galvanized steel, is applied in coating systems such as roofs and walls. It's also renowned in construction for its ability to withstand weather exposure. Therefore, it's widely used in marine environments.
These are just a few examples of the most common metals used in construction. Depending on the specific application, alternatives such as titanium, nickel, and magnesium can also be used.
Have you noticed any similarities between all metals? They share similar characteristics that make them highly valued in construction. Therefore, they are ideal for a wide range of structural applications, bringing benefits to projects. Among these benefits, we've highlighted the main ones below.
Metals are known for their high strength and durability. Therefore, metal structures can withstand heavy weights and pressures, as well as earthquakes, strong winds, and other extreme weather conditions.
Because they are easily formable, they can be molded in a variety of ways, adapting to different applications, especially complex shapes. Therefore, they can be customized to meet specific project needs.
Some metals are light compared to other building materials, making them ideal for applications requiring low weight. This lightness can reduce the overall weight of the structure, leading to cost savings.
Most options are highly corrosion-resistant and can withstand harsh environmental conditions for many years. Not to mention, they can be coated with other materials, such as paint or ceramic coatings, which further increases their durability.
Have you heard that metals are recyclable? They can be reused indefinitely, making them a sustainable choice for construction. This reduces the amount of waste produced and the energy required to produce new materials.
The use of these components, mainly iron and steel for civil construction, allows manufacturing in industry, making installation faster than creating parts in situ. Thanks to this, construction time is reduced — you just need to look for the suppliers certain.
While they may initially cost more compared to other building materials, metals tend to be a cost-effective option in the long run due to their durability and strength. Thus, there are cost reduction in maintenance and repair.
The advantages of using metals in construction are numerous, making this material a popular choice for a variety of applications. In particular, look for the best supplier, one who can guarantee the quality of all the points discussed throughout this text. Now you know what type of work to use it for and which is the best option for your project.
Read others blog contents about materials for your construction project. And if you liked it, share this article on social media to let everyone know about the benefits of metals!
EN 
PT_BR 
