According to United Nations reports, the world’s population is expected to increase by 2 billion in the next 30 years, from 7.7 billion currently to 9.7 billion in 2050, respectively. The increasing population will be accompanied by rapid urbanisation. As a result, the need for buildings and infrastructure will continue to grow worldwide. Construction is one of the most crucial steel-using industries, accounting for more than 50% of world steel demand! From houses to car-parks to schools to buildings and skyscrapers, all structures rely on steel for their strength. Steel is also used on roofs and often as cladding for exterior walls.
Steel is one of the most preferred building materials for many large construction contractors. It is more durable than wood when treated properly. It is not significantly heavier than the preferred wood types, such as oak, and it does not require the depletion of our woodlands to use for the building. As one of the leading steel merchants in Brisbane, we offer construction contractors and various others a wide range of steel products.
But, what are the benefits that make this iconic metal one of the most used metals currently?
1) Strength and durability of the steel
Corrosion, hurricanes, extreme weather conditions, you name it – steel can handle it all. Structural steel has one of the highest stress yielding forces of 50,000 pounds per square inch outweighing other materials. Given the impressive tensile force and compressive strength, high-quality steel will result in a building that can withstand whatever nature throws at it. Additionally, they are also non-flammable and can resist buckling or warping, which makes them a prime choice for areas prone to earthquakes. Since structural steel is manufactured, it has uniform quality and strength. Various advances are being made that keep steel ahead of other construction materials in terms of standard strength. Who knows you might even discover that using steel in building construction can lower your insurance costs.
2) Versatile metal
Steel material is widely used in several sectors, such as construction, infrastructure, mechanical equipment, automotive and, increasingly, aerospace, and other transportation sectors. While steel may seem to be hard and immobile, it can offer a balance between strength and versatility of structural form. With the help of modern steel technology, metal can be sculpted into any variety of forms. Various types of steel are even lighter than wood. The impressive strength of steel allows it to be more space-efficient than concrete in various construction sites. Such material is a perfect fit to design structures and software. As a result, steel can be found everywhere from bridges, buildings, and tunnels to vehicle transports.
3) Efficient and resourceful
Structural steel can be assembled easily, quickly, and efficiently during all seasons. Components of steel are already pre-manufactured off-site with minimal on-site labour. A whole steel frame can be erected in a few days, with a 20% to 40% reduction in construction time relative to on-site construction. However, the reduction of construction time depends on a project’s scale. On challenging sites, steel allows fewer points of contact with the earth, which reduces the amount of excavation. Structural steel has a lighter weight than other framing materials such as concrete, which enables a small and simple foundation. Such efficiencies contribute to economic benefits, including reduced site management costs and an early return on investment.
4) Strength, beauty & design freedom
Steel offers architects an array of designing freedom in colour, texture and shape. The combination of strength, durability, beauty, precision, and malleability offers architects a broad parameter to explore ideas and develop unique solutions. The long-spanning ability of steel offers large open spaces that are free of intermediate columns and load-bearing walls. It can bend at a certain radius, which often creates segmented curves, arches or domes that sets things apart. After manufacturing, the outcome of steel is more predictable and repeatable, which can eliminate the risk of on-site variability.
5) Cost-effective
Steel is quite popular in the residential construction sector and this has partly to do with the increase in balances priced options. It might not be as cheap as concrete but can offer more value for money by combining reasonable prices with unparalleled durability. The efficiency of steel and lack of waste byproducts helps lessen the overall cost of the project.
If you are looking for high quality and durable steel supplies in Brisbane, this is the right place! Our technicians have years of experience in the steel supply industry, which enables them to match your requirements with the most competitive prices available. Additionally, we specialise in a large range of plywood, sheeting products, steel, RHS & other building supplies in the Sunshine Coast as well.
