Steel is one of the most widely used construction materials in the world. Countries like the Philippines rely on steel to carry out most of their infrastructure projects. It is estimated that around 20 billion tons of steel are produced every day to meet the demand.
Today, we have several types of steel suited for different types of projects. From flat carbon products to stainless steel, experts are off the view that the demand will only increase in the future.
Transportation
Engineering industries typically use wrought steels that are designed to meet certain standards in terms of corrosion resistance and strength level. And since the products made from engineering steels are also capable of handling a good amount of stress, they are made keeping elasticity and ductility in mind.
Although the manufacturing and engineering industry consumes a large portion of such kinds of steel but the most share goes to the manufacturing of transport vehicles. Steel application in vehicles accounts for over half the weight of an average car.
However, the steel used in vehicles today is called advanced high-strength steel. This type of steel is designed to offer strength and withstand extreme impacts, keeping the passengers safe. The reason steel is used for vehicle sectors is because it is lightweight and does not require much energy to fabricate.
As a result, the production of carbon dioxide emissions is low. There are several different parts in a vehicle that uses steel for instance doors, body, interior, axles, gearbox, and engine. Additionally, steel is also a preferred material for marine applications as it is able to resist rust better than brass, galvanized steel, and bronze.
Construction
In countries like the Philippines, the majority of steel products eventually end up as construction products. Using steel in the construction industry allows engineers to come up with sustainable structures at a low price. As mentioned earlier, steel can take different forms to meet the particular demand of every project.
Furthermore, steel can also be surface-treated or alloyed differently to resist the elements, which otherwise damage it. This allows the engineers to use the steel for any infrastructure project existing in any kind of environment.
There was a time when America was the biggest manufacturer of steel. At the time, World War II was at its peak in Europe, and the urgency to re-develop and repair cities was high across the globe. While countries like Europe were in ruins, America was busy keeping up with the increasing steel demand.
However, at the turn of the 20th century, things changed significantly. Countries that were once in ruins were now producing steel on their own leading to the introduction of more efficient techniques. Although the American inventors had helped sustain the production and demand of steel by contributing to railways and high-rise buildings but the competition was too tough.
Despite the ongoing struggle of engineers to come up with alternatives, steel is still the most widely used material, especially for construction projects and industrial doors.
Energy
Steel due to its excellent durability is also used in the energy sector. Natural gas, electric, wind power, and even nuclear sectors require steel to function properly. Steel is also used in extraction resources for the production of energy. It is present in offshore platforms, forklifts, quarrying equipment, and earthmoving vehicles, etc.
Energy sectors usually exist in demanding environments. Therefore, nothing but steel can meet its demands. Moreover, energy projects are expensive and engineers would like to cut the costs wherever possible. That is another reason steel is preferred since it can be fabricated easily and speedily without breaking the bank.
Packaging
The introduction of steel to the packaging industry is invaluable. People all over the world buy and sell things that need to be protected against certain elements and only steel is the right choice for that purpose. Additionally, steel is also recyclable, which further reduces the costs and greenhouse emissions.
Steel packaging is mostly used for food items. These are lightweight and easy to open and usually made from low carbon and cold-rolled steel strips with finished surfaces. Then, the steel is plated with tin to prevent corrosion. Another reason steel is used for packaging is because it is scratch-resistant and features a protective coating.
Therefore, it does not allow bacteria and external elements to enter through cracks or pores. This reduces the probability of food-borne illnesses and increases the food’s shelf-life. Once you are done consuming the food inside, you can use the metal containers for several other purposes.
Final Word
Steel is a highly demanded material in the transportation, packaging, and construction industry. Engineers, architects, and contractors prefer it to others due to its strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and low cost. This not helps with expanding the application but also makes life easier and convenient for the people living or working in these buildings.