The term structural steel can cover a wide range of different steel products, and they can be used in the construction, offshore, and shipbuilding industries. Here we will outline some of the more specific applications that structural steel can be used for.

Bridges

By definition, a bridge is a structure that is used to link up two sections of land, often passing over rivers or other roads. Bridges are constructed in a range of different environments, and their configuration can differ depending on the conditions.

Structural steel is commonly used in the construction of bridges as it offers high yield and high strength, which is of extreme importance for this application as bridges need to be able to withstand extremely large loads.

As bridges are often situated over water, the material used to build them also needs to have a high level of corrosion resistance. Various grades of structural steel offer this, and it also provides longer working life with minimum maintenance.

There is a range of different structures that bridges can be built, and this will depend on how the forces of compression, tension, strength, and shear need to be distributed. The grade of structural steel chosen can be determined by which structure of bridge is required, with varying compression, tension, strength, and shear levels available.

Ships

Ships are used globally to carry precious cargo, and the safety of those on board is a priority. The materials used to build a ship have to have high strength, excellent weldability, good toughness, and a high level of corrosion resistance. It is for these reasons that structural steel is a popular choice.

Structural steel is a tough material, which allows it to be fabricated into some of the unusual shapes required to build a ship. This is also helpful when the steel is welded into different configurations, ensuring that no strength is lost.

The use of structural steel for the construction of ships ensures passenger safety, with minimum downtime due to maintenance.

Buildings

Structural steel can find its use in a range of different building types, from high rise to residential due to its attractive properties. The wide range of alloys and grades of structural steel allows it to be used for various building applications.

This type of steel has excellent resistance against strong winds and earthquakes as it is flexible, so when exposed to these conditions it will bend and no snap. This is beneficial for high rise buildings, which would be more susceptible to damage from these conditions.

The size of the steel is also advantageous for increasing the space available within buildings. As the columns of steel used for construction are relatively small and take up little space, larger rooms and houses can be built.