Steel structures are primarily composed of steel and represent one of the main types of building frameworks. These structures are characterized by the use of steel beams, columns, trusses, and other components, all fabricated from steel sections and plates. The main method of connecting various components includes welding, bolting, or riveting.
1. High Material Strength and Light Weight
Steel offers high strength and an excellent elastic modulus. Compared to concrete and wood, its density-to-yield strength ratio is relatively low. As a result, steel structures require smaller cross-sections under the same stress conditions, resulting in lighter overall weight. This makes transportation and installation easier. Steel structures are especially suitable for large spans, tall buildings, and structures designed to bear heavy loads.
2. Excellent Toughness, Plasticity, Uniformity, and High Reliability
Steel’s superior toughness and plasticity make it ideal for resisting impact and dynamic loads. It also provides good seismic performance. The material’s internal structure is uniform, nearly isotropic, and homogeneous, ensuring that the actual performance of steel structures aligns well with theoretical calculations. Therefore, steel structures are highly reliable.
3. High Level of Mechanization in Manufacturing and Installation
Steel components are easy to fabricate in factories and assemble on construction sites. Factory-based mechanized production ensures high precision and efficiency, while on-site assembly is fast, reducing construction periods. Steel structures are regarded as the most industrialized form of construction.
4. Excellent Sealing Performance
Due to the welded nature of steel structures, they provide complete sealing capabilities. This allows for the construction of high-pressure vessels, large oil tanks, pressure pipelines, and similar applications requiring superior air and water tightness.
5. Heat Resistance but Limited Fire Resistance
Steel maintains its properties with little change at temperatures below 150°C. Therefore, steel structures are suitable for hot workshops. However, when exposed to thermal radiation around 150°C, insulation panels should be used for protection. At temperatures between 300°C and 400°C, steel’s strength and elastic modulus decrease significantly, and its strength approaches zero at around 600°C. For buildings with special fire protection requirements, steel structures must be protected with fire-resistant materials to enhance their fire rating.
6. Poor Corrosion Resistance
Steel structures are susceptible to rust, especially in humid or corrosive environments. Regular maintenance, including rust removal, galvanization, or protective coatings, is typically required. For offshore platform structures exposed to seawater, special measures such as “zinc block anode protection” should be implemented to prevent corrosion.
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