When it comes to deciding on building materials, there are numerous options available.
Steel is one of the most durable materials used in building structures. It gives you various options for design and mold the structure to your taste.
Steel structure building has greater benefits when compared to the likes of a block, wood, brick, etc.
In comparison to other materials, building with steel gives longevity, durability, flexibility, and also helps to maximize interior space.
The use of galvanized steel prevents corrosion and can also outperform over a long period compared to other building materials.
However, if you need to erect a steel structure building for an agricultural, commercial, or industrial purpose, do contact a reputable manufacturer.
The Production of Steel
Steel is a metallic alloy that is primarily made of iron but contains other components.
Steel begins its formation in the ground from iron ore with the removal of impurities.
The presence of these impurities weakens the steel whereas, the removal makes it stronger.
The presence of iron, carbon, and other elements gives hardness to steel, thereby making it useful in different applications.
Elements such as titanium, chromium, nickel, and others are added to alter the features exhibited by steel. These elements are added to molten steel soup to manufacture various qualities.
Extraction of Steel
Steel can be extracted from minerals and rocks which contain iron ore and are found in the ground.
Iron ore in rocks occurs in diverse forms such as limonite, magnetite, hematite, and siderite.
Iron ores are then used to produce pig iron, which is one of the most important materials used in the production of steel.
Steel extraction takes place at the mining site before being taken to an iron-making industry.
Removal of Impurities in the Steel
The removal of impurities is also known as Smelting. It is a two-step process which are;
Raw Steel Roasting
This involves the elimination of large impurities from the extracted raw steel.
In this process, iron ore is being heated to burnout impurities such as Sulphur, which then leads to oxide passing through the second process.
Oxygen Reduction
This process involves the removal of the oxygen element by subjecting the oxide to a high-temperature furnace for the production of metallic iron.
Molten metal is then poured into big molds and allowed to cool till it forms semi-finished slabs, which are then used to make finished steel products.
Addition of Finishing Chemicals
The addition of various chemicals to the molten iron helps to decrease impurities such as phosphorus, Sulphur, etc.
Other chemicals are also added to make special types of steel, such as stainless steel, which is rust-resistant and also used in producing appliances and tools.
Steel Recycling Process
Steel is one of the most recyclable materials in use today and this is because it does not lose its quality during the process of recycling.
When a steel-framed structure is destructed, its parts can be reused or recycled infinitely without losing its appealing qualities or properties – it, therefore, remains durable, flexible, versatile, and strong.
It is beneficial to recycle steel because it is cheaper compared to the production of new steel from iron ore.
When steel is being recycled, an electric arc furnace is used compared to the conventional furnace used during the smelting of iron ore.
Conclusion
One of the common uses of steel today is in the construction of long-lasting buildings.
When it comes to the safety of occupants, assets, protection from external factors, nothing can stand the inherent properties of quality steel.
Therefore, steel structure building is rapidly becoming the preferred option when talking about the construction of structures.
Always ensure to contact a reputable manufacturer for a perfectly suited steel structure building project.