Four reasons to use structural steel

With an infinite number of decisions to make before starting a new project, the last thing you want to do is choose the wrong material.

The type of material you select will affect a range of factors such as budget, time constraints, building specifications and structural capabilities.

At Edcon Steel we are your structural steel fabrication specialists. We have the stock, the equipment and the know-how to get your next structural steel project completed with minimum fuss.

Here, we outline the key reasons to use structural steel and break down some of the advantages that structural steel offers.

What is structural steel?

A regulated category of steel, known in Australia as 300plus, structural steel must meet industry standards for dimensional tolerances and composition.

Due to its versatile nature and huge size range, structural steel can be seen every day… and everywhere! Typically used for trailers, storage tanks and bridges, structural steel is also commonly used as supporting beams and columns — from home dwellings through to high-rise towers.

The steel you use in buildings is governed by many national and local standards and codes. Your builder or designer will need to consider all this when choosing the right steel for your next project.

We are here to help you to make your journey as easy as possible and to explain the many benefits of this versatile building solution.

Aesthetically pleasing

Structural steel frames provide designers with a wide range of options for addressing a project’s aesthetic requirements. Structural steel can be rolled, curved and integrated into irregular building shapes.

Painting of steel structures will add to the visual appeal of your building and highlight your structure, as well as provide much needed protection of your investment.

Selection of your painted surface is not as simple as ‘I would like my steel painted’. For more information about painting steel, our friends at Dulux have provided a guide.

Structural steel is also both strong and lightweight. This is favoured within the construction industry as it allows for bigger open spaces without being hindered by support columns or reducing the natural light, giving architects greater flexibility in the design phase of the structure.

Room to grow

One of the major benefits of structural steel over other building products is that it has a high strength to weight ratio.

This means smaller beams and posts can span further and hold more weight than other popular building materials.

What does that mean?

It means you can open up your building using steel. Larger rooms, window or door opening are possible using steel beams or lintels than other building materials.

You can find more information about builder’s steel  on our website.

Future adaptability

Structural steel can be fabricated into different shapes while still maintaining its strength.

The use of steel allows for creative and innovative designs.

Architects and other designers use this capability to create structures that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound.

Structural steel also allows for the creation of large-span buildings such as indoor arenas and aircraft hangars, as well as the capability to build very high skyscrapers, bridges and other structures.

It is also easy to future-proof steel frames because they are more conducive to structural addition or modification, such as renovations or expanding the size of an existing building.

Quality and predictability

Steel can last longer than timber or concrete. Unlike timber, steel does not split, crack or creep as it ages.

It is not vulnerable to insect attack and lacks porosity, so mould and mildew cannot grow.

It does not warp, rot or expand when there is an increase in moisture.

However, contact with water must be prevented as corrosion may result and the importance of steel protection..

Australian Steel is made right here, to strict quality standards and supports local communities and can withstand Australian conditions.