How Steel Is Used in Infrastructure and Buildings
By: Shawn Reed
Tags: Infrastructure, Structural Steel, Steel

Photo by Toro Steel Buildings

Construction is one of the biggest steel-reliant industries, accounting for more than half of the world’s steel demand. Steel has been the world’s most trusted material for several decades, so it is no surprise that it is used for infrastructure and buildings. Whether you are looking at a house, school, metal shop, skyscraper, or garage, it is likely that steel was key to its construction. It is also widely used on roofs and as cladding on exterior walls.

There are countless ways that steel is used in buildings and infrastructure today. The most common applications are:

In Buildings

Structural Sections. Steel is widely regarded for its strength and toughness. In metal buildings, it is used to create a strong, stiff frame. The frame makes up roughly 25% of the steel used in buildings.

Reinforcing Bars. These are used to add stiffness and tensile strength to concrete and make up 44% of the steel used in buildings. Steel binds well with concrete, is strong, and cost-effective. Reinforced concrete is often placed in basements and deep foundations and is used across the world.

Sheet Products. This includes roofing, ceilings, internal walls, purlins, insulating panels for exterior walls and cladding. It makes up 31% of the steel used in buildings.

Non-Structural Steel. You will also find steel in numerous non-structural applications such as interior ducting and heating and cooling equipment. Steel can also be found in internal fixtures and fittings such as shelving, rails, and stairs.

In Infrastructure

Transport Networks. Steel is used in bridges, rail tracks, tunnels, and important buildings such as train stations, airports, fueling stations, and ports. Approximately 60% of the steel used in this application is rebar, with the rest being plates, rail track, and miscellaneous sections.

Utilities Including Fuel, Power, And Water. Over half of the steel used is in the form of underground pipelines to distribute fuel and water. The remaining steel is mainly rebar used in pumping houses and power stations.

Steel is the Sustainable Choice

The need for more and bigger buildings and infrastructure systems continues to grow around the world. However, as we continue to build, we increase global energy-related carbon emissions. Currently, buildings make up 39% of these emissions, with 28% being from their operational needs and 11% from construction and materials.

This is causing adverse effects for the planet. If we want to stop the damage while continuing to build and expand, we need to take some steps. This includes reducing the consumption of natural resources, lowering emissions, and moving towards sustainability and greener alternatives and practices. Fortunately, steel is an excellent choice when looking to construct eco-friendly structures. This is due to the following:

· It is reusable and endlessly recyclable without losing strength.

· Much of the steel used in construction contains recycled steel.

· It is strong, requires fewer support beams, and can provide more usable open space.

· It improves energy efficiency in construction projects and buildings.

· Steel is flexible when combined with other materials.

· It has a smaller impact on the environment as less material is needed.

· It is durable.

· Quick on-site build, particularly with prefabricated buildings.

These features help set steel apart as the responsible choice for ensuring the well-being of the planet and reducing the emissions in construction projects moving forward. Continued use in infrastructure and buildings will help ensure we are able to meet the global demand for construction in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.