Advantages of welded steel pipe used as a structural material in construction

In modern society, welded steel pipe has been widely used as a structural material in construction. As it is well acknowledged, steel is a versatile building material, which has led to its inclusion in nearly every stage of the construction process from framing and floor joists, to roofing materials. The advantages of using steel in construction include its strength, environmental friendliness, lower insurance premiums, design flexibility and recyclability. Other advantages of steel include energy-efficiency, durability, and resistance to water, fire and insect damage.

It is believed that many people are wondering how to choosing the proper structural steel materials for your next project. In fact, there are a few commercial issues under considerations. Budget can be a big factor, but when it comes to choosing the best material for the job at hand, there are many other things to consider before you place your order. Hot dipped galvanized steel pipe has been considered popular a lot among many users today. For one thing, the galvanization process protects the steel from rusting damage that can occur during transportation, installation and service. The zinc layer on the surface of pipe can form a barrier protection for steel products to extend the service life in applications. For the other thing, this layer is also resistant to wear and scratches, which makes the steel look more attractive. Unlike other structural steel materials, galvanized steel is immediately ready for use when it is delivered. No additional preparation of the surface is required, no time-consuming inspections, additional painting or coatings are needed. Once the structure is assembled, contractors can immediately begin the next stage of construction without having to worry about the galvanized steel materials.

When it comes to building framing, structural steel pipe is a better choice, for the design of a steel I-beam will almost always cause it to be lighter than the lightest, structurally sound wood beam design. A steel I-beam weighs less than glulams, LVL, and Parallam beams. In addition to decreasing the labor required to build with steel, the lighter-weight advantage reduces materials shipping costs, and can also simplify the design of a building’s foundation and other structural support systems, which can further reduce project budgets.

Today, innovation in steel pipe production, combined with greater competition to meet rising steel demands, has brought steel pipe prices lower than they’ve been in twenty years. According to the American Institute of Steel Construction, “In 1980, 10 man-hours were required to produce a single ton of steel. Today that same ton of structural steel requires substantially less than a single man-hour.” Thus, these cost savings can be being passed on to consumers.