You want your buildings to stand the test of time, and that means investing in construction materials that are durable — but that will also fit your budget and your schedule. Structural steel fabrication is a popular choice among developers, but if you are new to construction, you might have more than a few questions about this material and method. These frequently asked questions should help you better understand the process of working with structural steel, so you can integrate it into your next building’s plans.
What are the benefits of structural steel over other materials?
Since the invention of steel, humans have used this material for countless applications — and for good reason. Steel is relatively inexpensive to manufacture; it is remarkably strong yet conveniently lightweight; and with proper installation and care, steel can stand the test of time, withstanding immensely heavy loads and some of the harshest weather conditions. Steel fabricators can make a near endless range of sizes and shapes, and steel is easy to assemble and install, allowing construction firms to save time and money. Finally, steel is recyclable, meaning that green developers can find sustainable sources of steel.
What types of structures can use structural steel?
Structural steel is used in all manner of structures, from single-family residences to commercial skyscrapers as well as stadiums, bridges and roller coasters. Because the key components of structural steel are strength, durability and flexibility, there is a wide variety of structures that rely on structural steel components.
How is structural steel fabricated?
Structural steel fabricators start the fabrication process with detailed designs, which are provided by the client. Designs might undergo rounds of feedback to ensure that both client and fabricator understand what is feasible and necessary for a specific project. Once plans are finalized, fabricators will cut and shape raw steel using heavy-duty equipment, tools and techniques. Then, completed structural steel pieces are shipped to the construction site and assembled with welding or bolting.
Are different kinds of steel used in structural steel fabrication?
For the most part, structural steel fabricators utilize alloy steel, which is steel enhanced with different chemical elements to improve certain attributes of the metal. Using different amounts of alloying elements like manganese, nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, silicon and boron, steel manufacturers can increase the steel’s strength, hardness, corrosion resistance and more, which is important in construction applications. However, many steel fabricators also offer products that use stainless steel, which is an alloy with chromium, if steel will be in frequent contact with water, as well as carbon steel, which tends to be the hardest alloy available.
How should a developer choose a structural steel fabricator?
Arguably the most important feature to look for in a structural steel fabrication partner is experience, especially experience working within your industry on projects similar to yours. Location is also of great significance; if you are operating in the Northeast, for example, you might choose steel fabrication in PA to reduce the cost of transporting steel components to your job site. Finally, it should go without saying that you should evaluate vendors based on pricing and customer service. It is important to evaluate these features before the fabrication process begins as it will be difficult if not impossible to change fabricators once a contract is in progress.
How long is the structural steel fabrication process?
Larger and more complex fabrication projects will always require more time to complete than smaller, simpler projects. High-quality fabrication partners should be able to provide a detailed timeline of the process based on your designs and needs regarding budget and schedule. If you need to complete an exceedingly complex project with great speed, you might consider working with several fabrication firms at once.
What challenges should developers watch for in structural steel fabrication?
The most common issue that developers face with structural steel fabrication is a lack of accuracy and precision in the final product, which can result in problems with welding or bolding components together. This is why it is immensely important that you take care in creating and reviewing the designs for the fabricated components you need and selecting a reputable steel fabricator known for producing high-quality results. Better fabricators will work to address challenges before they arise, saving everyone time and money.
Steel is a must-have component of most modern structures, so the sooner you come to understand the processes involved in structural steel fabrication, the better.
