Why choose steel?

In recent years steel has rapidly become the building material of choice for a whole range of construction projects, from industrial units through to high-rise buildings. The advantages which steel offers to the construction industry are widely recognised by architects and building contractors alike. So with this in mind, here are some of the benefits, steel could bring to your next project;

• Cost

Steel being cost effective is one of the major advantages it has over other traditional building materials. 

Studies have shown that in the construction of a typical city centre office building, choosing to build using steel frame instead of more traditional building materials is 12% cheaper than using concrete.

• Efficiency 

Steel has a fantastic strength to weight ratio, that is unmatched by almost any other traditional building material. When creating an efficient steel design you maximise the high strength to weight ratio. Which will in turn provide more versatile, larger column free internal spaces.

• Fast construction times

Unlike traditional materials steel offers the fastest on-site start. This plus an earlier payback on your investment, providing possible time-related savings which can equate to up to 5% of the overall value of the project.

• Safety

 Accurate fabrication work is carried out off site, therefore steel is safer to use than other materials when building for construction trams. Because of its efficiency steel is only brought onto a site as and when it is required, reducing the risk of accidents and the need for on-site storage. 

• Sustainability

99% of constructional steel used in the UK has either been reused or recycled, steel can be used numerous times without loss of quality, ensuring sustainability for the future. This proves how much better for the environment steel is compared to other materials.

Steelwork engineering services

Here at Steelwork Engineering we provide a wide range of steel products and services, including structural steelwork, mezzanine floors,steel refurbishment,walkways,racking and gantries. If you would like more information on any aspect of our services, or to find out more about the benefits of using steel in your construction project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today. 

Iron and steel has been in production for hundreds of years. From its humble beginnings as a cottage industry, steel now forms the backbone of modern, industrial economies. It is now almost impossible to visualise a world without steel and whether it is used in engines or construction, it plays a part in almost everything we use and make.

Versatility and strength

As regular readers of our blog will know, steel offers unparalleled strength and versatility. The strength-to-weight ratio of steel and its ability to be recycled into new products has helped to make steel the ultimate future-proof product and one that is already playing a crucial role in the circular economy’s development.

Structural steel is so strong because it is an alloy of iron and other material which has had the majority of carbon extracted. Steel has to be strong and as such is available in a wide range of different grades, each of which has its own specific chemical composition and properties, meeting the requirements of different applications.

These days steel is made using two major processes: basic oxygen steel making and electric arc furnace manufacturing. Converters (modern furnaces) have the capability to take up to 350 tonnes of iron ore, coking coal and steel scrap before converting it into steel in just 15 minutes. Electric arc furnaces pass a powerful electric current through cold scrap metal and modern electric arc furnaces having the capability to make up to 150 tonnes of steel at a time.

Molten steel has to be allowed to solidify into basic shapes – slabs, billets or blooms – before it is rolled or formed into finished products. Continuous casting machines are used to draw steel downwards from a mould where it can be automatically cut into the lengths required. To change the shape of a material with the strength of steel, the thickness has to be reduced; resulting in flat or long products.

Although steel has been in production for many hundreds of years, the production process  still continues to develop and evolve in an effort to reduce costs and minimise any impact upon the environment.

Steel products designed, manufactured and installed to meet your specifications

Here at Steelwork Engineering all of the steel work we create is manufactured to the highest standards and to meet CE Marking legislation. This enables us to provide our clients with strong, durable products. If you would like to find out more about the benefits of using structural steel, or to discuss your requirements, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

 

Sustainable steel manufacture and construction from Steelwork Engineering

Here at Steelwork Engineering we often discuss the superior sustainability of steel. With this in mind, we thought we’d explore steel’s sustainability and the benefits offers.

The topic of the environment is rarely out of the news these days; especially when it comes to single use, unsustainable materials such as plastic. Plastic water bottles are an obvious example as although they can be recycled and turned into new bottles, the vast majority still end up in landfill sites whilst also polluting our oceans and rivers. Environmental organisations and increasing numbers of governments are keen to put across the point that by buying products which can only be used once to then be thrown away has a significant, negative impact upon the planet. So what are the benefits of manufacturing, using and reusing a sustainable material such as steel?

Steel is used and not consumed

Steel is almost unique in that it is used rather than consumed. This means that in contrast, other materials or products are fit for a single purpose and when that purpose has been fulfilled and the product comes to the end of its natural life, it is thrown away. This analogy can be used to describe anything from a disposable plastic drinking straw to a building such as a warehouse which is constructed, only to be demolished years later. The point is exactly the same for both: each has an end of shelf life.

However, products such as steel are used rather than consumed. Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of steel is that it is completely recyclable. Once it has been made, it can be recycled and then used again and again without loss of quality. It’s this infinite ‘recyclability’ which helps to make steel so sustainable as once it has been manufactured, it can be remade and repurposed indefinitely.

Steel – the facts and figures

Here are some little known facts about steel – some of which might surprise you:

• 99% of the steel in scrap vehicles has already been recycled.
• Although 85% of all steel is currently recycled after first use, with the next decade global organisations anticipate that this figure will be much closer to 100%.
• Despite efficient scrappage and recycling facilities, the demand for steel is continuing to grow at an incredible rate. However, one third of the amount currently used has been recycled.
• 70% of all steel packaged is recycled in Europe – this is far higher than any other type of packing material.

Contact Steelwork Engineering for more information

Structural steel is the ideal material for use in a wide range of buildings and products, including staircases, mezzanine flooring and fire escapes. We offer a wide range of services covering all aspects of structural steel design, manufacture and installation, designed to provide our clients with sustainable, cost effective solutions. To find out more or to talk through your requirements, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Structural steel buildings designed and manufactured in Yorkshire

Structural steel is everywhere these days; from buildings and bridges, through to warehouses, factories and high-rise buildings. Steel is the preferred building material for the majority of construction projects, mainly because of the many benefits it provides. There are a few downsides to using steel, however as the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages, we thought we’d cover the pros and cons of steel construction.

Let’s get the disadvantages out of the way first and it is well known that steel structural elements require extensive fireproofing treatment. Despite the fact that steel elements – stand-alone structures, for example – are incombustible, their strength is compromised at high temperatures. This can happen during a fire, making steel elements susceptible to buckling. However, this is easily overcome with additional fireproofing measures, whilst appropriate sprinkler systems may need to installed, depending on the type, size or use of the building.

The advantages of steel far outweigh the risks though including:

• Steel has an exceptionally high strength to weight ratio. This means that regardless of the size of the overall structure, the steel sections will be lightweight and small in comparison to other building materials.
• Steel is easy to fabricate and produce. Steel sections are manufactured off-site and delivered on-site ready to be assembled. Not only does this help to reduce construction costs, it also improves the overall efficiency of the construction project.
• Structural steel is incredibly flexible. This means that it can be moulded into almost any shape without compromising on strength.
• In comparison to other building materials, steel is a relatively cost effective option.
• Steel is very strong and can withstand pretty much anything from earthquakes and thunderstorms, to cyclone force winds and ice.

Get in touch for further information

If you’d like more information on the cost and efficiency benefits of structural steel construction, please get in touch by calling