Structural steel is used by many architects, designers, fabricators, and contractors. According to Statista, more than 50% of the steel manufactured globally in 2019 went toward the building and infrastructure sectors. That's because there are numerous benefits to using steel in construction. In most instances, contractors use an extremely strong form of steel known as mild steel, which is perfect for constructing buildings. Structural steel is ductile, tensile, flexible, and cost-effective. Here are some of the ways steel is used by building contractors.

1. For High-Rise Buildings

Structural steel, as mentioned before, has a high tensile strength which makes it very strong. This means that it is a perfect candidate for constructing high-rise buildings. Because of its properties, steel stands up extremely well to external forces like earthquakes and wind. Also, because steel is very flexible, in the event of storms or earthquakes, it's designed to bend rather than break. During the construction of high-rise buildings, steel is used to build the base structure before any other material is added.

2. For Industrial Frames

Contractors who work with steel framing companies can save time and money by using prefabricated steel frames for their projects. With the advantage of these ready-made steel sections, contractors are able to raise structural frameworks in no time. Because steel is already very affordable, utilizing these companies can be worth the extra cost. Once the required steel sections have been made, the actual construction becomes a breeze. Some frames can be constructed in just a few days.

3. For Residential Buildings

Steel structures stand the test of time. They are able to withstand forces like storms, earthquakes, and wind. The plasticity and flexibility of structural steel make it perfect for the construction of homes and multi-family residential dwellings. For the construction of residential buildings, contractors use a technique known as light gauge steel construction. One of the few weaknesses of this type of steel is that it tends to lose its strength when exposed to heat. As such, when contractors use light gauge steel, they use it together with materials that protect it from heat to make the buildings fire-resistant. Building contractors also add other materials to protect the steel from corrosion.

These are just some of the ways steel is used by building contractors. It's perfect for the building of homes, high-rise buildings, and other structures. If you're interested in learning more about the applications of steel in construction, get in touch with us today at Southern Building Systems Inc. We would love to work with you!