Steel structures are the most common in industrial projects because the characteristics of steel work well for industrial purposes. The following is a sample of steel’s advantages to industry:
• Its high strength in tension and compression allows for a small cross section and is, therefore, better for use in long spans.
• Its elasticity makes steel a very good example of a material that complies with Hook’s law.
• Its ductility allows a large degree of elongation before breaking, so it can withstand overload without sudden failure.
• Advanced technology is not required to strengthen it.
• Quality controls for steel are usually good because the rolled cross sections are delivered from factories under quality control systems.
• Its properties allow easier and faster erections.
• It is recoverable from scrap.
• It retains value after demolition.
Steel’s main disadvantage is that it needs periodic maintenance. It is therefore important that the required maintenance be included in the operating budget.
