Characteristics of steel structure

Steel structure is a structural form widely used in the fields of construction and engineering, with the following prominent features

1. High strength and light weight

Steel has high strength and high elastic modulus, and its density to yield strength is lower than concrete and wood. This makes the members of the steel structure smaller cross-section, lighter weight, and easier to transport and install under the same stress conditions. It is especially suitable for structures with large spans, high heights and load bearing weight.

2. Good toughness and plasticity

Steel has excellent toughness and plasticity, can withstand impact and dynamic loads, and has good earthquake resistance. Its internal structure is uniform and is close to isotropic homogeneous body. The actual working performance is highly consistent with the calculation theory, so the steel structure is highly reliable.

3. Efficiency of manufacturing and installation

Steel structural components are easy to be mechanized in the factory, with high finished product accuracy and high production efficiency. The construction site has a fast assembly speed and a short construction period, which is the most industrialized structural form.

4. Excellent sealing performance

The welded structure can be completely sealed and is suitable for making high-pressure containers, large oil tanks and pressure pipelines with high air-tightness requirements.

5. Heat resistance but not fire resistance

When the temperature is below 150℃, the properties of the steel are very small and suitable for hot workshops. However, when the temperature exceeds 300℃, the strength and elastic modulus of steel drop significantly, and the strength tends to zero at 600℃. Therefore, in buildings with special fire protection needs, steel structures need to be protected by refractory materials.

6. Poor corrosion resistance

Steel structures are prone to rust in wet and corrosive media environments, and need regular maintenance such as rust removal, galvanizing or coating. For special environments such as marine platforms, special measures such as "zinc block anode protection" are also required.

7. Environmental protection and reusable

When steel structure buildings are demolished, almost no construction waste is generated. Steel materials can be recycled and reused, and are characterized by low-carbon, energy-saving, green and environmentally friendly.

8. Strong deformation ability

Under the action of horizontal load, the steel frame structure has both overall lateral displacement and local lateral displacement, and has strong deformation ability and is suitable for high-rise buildings.

To sum up, steel structures have become an important choice in modern buildings and engineering due to their high strength, light weight, efficient manufacturing and installation, and excellent sealing performance, but they also need to pay attention to their shortcomings in corrosion resistance and fire resistance.