What Is Structural Metalwork?
Structural steel is a critical building material used extensively in construction for its structural integrity and durability. It includes various structural steel shapes—from steel beams and columns to hollow sections and specialised profiles—all designed to meet demanding construction material requirements. While structural steelwork generally applies to larger steel sections used in building frameworks, ERW tubes (A product we have expertly crafted for over 30 years) often serve in lightweight yet strong applications across industries, from construction to automotive. Here, we’ll cover the fundamentals of structural steel, its uses, and fabrication.
What is Structural Steel?
Structural steel is a critical building material used extensively in construction for its structural integrity and durability. It includes various structural steel shapes—from steel beams and columns to hollow sections and specialised profiles—all designed to meet demanding construction material requirements. While structural steelwork generally applies to larger steel sections used in building frameworks, ERW tubes (a product Top Tubes excels at) often serve in lightweight yet strong applications across industries, from construction to automotive. Here, we’ll cover the fundamentals of structural steel, its uses, and structural steel fabrication.
Key Characteristics of Structural Steel
- Composition and Steel Grades
Structural steel belongs to a category of steel known as carbon steel. This means it contains iron mixed with small amounts of carbon—generally between 0.05% and 0.25%—to achieve the right balance of strength and ductility. Steel grades like S275JOH or A992 specify different mechanical properties suited to particular applications. For instance, higher-carbon steels tend to be stronger but less ductile, while lower-carbon options offer greater flexibility. - Structural Shapes and Uses
There are many structural steel shapes available for construction needs. Steel beams in I-beam and H-beam configurations, hollow structural sections, and steel joists form essential parts of structural steelwork. Each shape offers distinct benefits, with hollow sections, for instance, providing lightweight support. Square hollow sections and rectangular hollow sections offer options for load-bearing applications that maximise material strength while reducing weight.
- While solid structural shapes like I-beams are heavy-duty, ERW tubes offer benefits in modular and lightweight structural designs. Their tubular shape maximises strength-to-weight ratios, ideal for lighter frames in industrial equipment or frameworks where weight reduction is key.
- Ductility and Reliability
Structural steel’s ductility means it can withstand significant stress before failure, making it essential in steel construction for high-stress environments like bridges and high-rise buildings. This flexibility enables structural engineers to design resilient structures that redistribute load under stress. Importantly, structural steel members show gradual deformation under pressure, providing warning signs of structural failure and enhancing overall safety. - Environmental Sustainability
Structural steel is among the most sustainable construction materials. Recyclable and long-lasting, it aligns with green building initiatives by reducing waste and supporting resource efficiency. Steel fabricators can repurpose steel products into new applications, making steel a valuable building material that supports both environmental and economic goals.
How is Structural Steel Made?
The Making Of Steel
Steel production starts with raw iron, smelted to remove impurities, then alloyed with carbon. Structural steel fabrication requires high precision, and steel producers adhere to strict standards to maintain quality. In structural applications, making steel involves precise adjustments in carbon levels to ensure each steel grade meets performance requirements.
Process of Structural Steel Fabrication
The fabrication process in structural steelwork includes cutting, bending, and assembling components to precise specifications. Techniques like welding join steel members securely, ensuring stability in everything from industrial equipment to steel frames. While bolting and riveting are often used, ERW tubes present an alternative with welded together seams created through electric resistance. Cold-formed welded structural hollow sections are ideal for lightweight applications, providing load-bearing strength with minimal weight.
What Are The Types and Grades of Structural Steel?
Different Types and Steel Grades
Structural steel includes various types of structural steel suited to specific environments. High-strength low-alloy steels, weathering steel, and thermomechanically rolled steel are popular in harsh environments, while galvanised steel offers corrosion resistance for outdoor structures.
- Each steel grade is chosen based on its properties and the environment. For instance, weathering steel develops a protective layer for outdoor use, while thermomechanically rolled steel offers added durability.
ERW Tubes and Their Role in Structural Applications
ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) tubes, manufactured by Top Tubes, support lighter structural needs. Unlike hot-rolled I-beams or steel plates, ERW tubes serve as structural components where tubular shapes and thinner walls are advantageous. This process produces steel sections ideal for construction frames and structural components where seamless tubing is essential.
Applications of Structural Steel
How is ERW Tube Used in Industry?
What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages of Structural Steel?
Advantages
Disadvantages
What is ERW Steel Tube?
Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) steel tubes are a versatile and durable product used across various industries. ERW tubes are manufactured by cold-forming steel coil into a cylindrical shape, and then welding the seam along its length (longitudinally) using electric resistance. This process creates a strong, smooth tube with a continuous, uniform surface ideal for applications demanding precision and reliability. Want to find out more? You can now read our article on "What is ERW Tube?"
CE marking of structural steelwork and Compliance with the Construction Products Directive are critical for ensuring quality across EU-based projects. Top Tubes’ ERW tubes are manufactured to meet rigorous standards.
Longevity and Advanced Coatings
The durability of structural steel depends on multiple factors, including the steel grade, environmental conditions, and the type of protective coatings applied. Protective coatings are essential for ensuring structural integrity, especially in harsh environments where steel may rust or corrode over time. Top Tubes’ MAGNAtube® offers an innovative solution for enhanced longevity. This product features a specialised zinc/aluminium/magnesium coating that delivers exceptional corrosion resistance—even in the most challenging conditions, such as alkaline or ammonia-rich environments. Independent testing by Rotech Laboratories demonstrated that MAGNAtube® can extend the lifespan of structural steel significantly, providing up to 20 times the protection compared to standard galvanised steel. This advanced coating technology not only safeguards steel components against corrosion but also supports extended use, making it ideal for applications where structural steel is exposed to the elements.
The MAGNAtube® coating also includes MAGNAfusion® weld repair, which ensures full protection on both the exterior and interior surfaces, delivering enhanced product resilience. As sustainable building practices become more prevalent, products like MAGNAtube® align with green construction goals by extending product life and reducing the need for replacements. This coating’s enhanced corrosion resistance ensures that structural steel products remain resilient, even in harsh environmental conditions, supporting long-term sustainability goals. This combination of protective features helps minimise maintenance, prolong the lifespan of steel products, and reduce overall lifecycle costs, offering a dependable option for construction projects and applications requiring long-lasting, reliable building materials.
