Steel Structure Facts
Interesting Facts About Steel & Steel Structures
With so many technological advancements in our rapidly changing world, it can be easy to forget that some of our most reliable materials have been around for thousands of years.
Steel is something that’s all around us so much to the point we don’t even realize it. It’s strength and versatility lends itself to many items, locations and tools we use on a daily basis, but how much do we really know about it? For those that are curious, we compiled some interesting facts about steel that we rarely think about.
- Steel itself is an alloy comprised of iron along with varying amounts of carbon. Developed in the 1700s, it wasn’t popularized until it was made cheaper and more accessible
- Steel and iron both expand when heated, so Paris’ Eiffel Tower is around 6 inches taller in warmer months than during the winter.
- Resistant to corrosion, the material can be used for items that go in & around water while being less susceptible to rust, oxidization or other types of deterioration unlike some other metals. This is why it’s used so often in construction.
- Steel is a great way to remove odour from skin, hence why stainless steel soap-shaped bars are great for any kitchen sink.
- Over 75% of all appliances are made using steel in some capacity.
- Steel is highly recyclable, with over 69% of it recycled every year in North America – more than other materials like paper, plastic and cardboard.
- Steel can be reused multiple times without compromising its properties, never losing its strength when used in a new way after being broken down
- Steel is as lightweight as it is durable – especially for roofs. It weighs half of what an asphalt roof does.
- The steel industry in North America has been successful in reducing its energy intensity by 60% since World War II. This has also contributed to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
- Stainless steel in particular can be used in a variety of ways, as it a flexible substance when heated, liquefied and casted into all types of final shapes. It can be transformed into strips, wiring, sheets, bars, tubes and much more to be used as cutlery, surgical tools, jewellery, industrial materials, heavy equipment, cars, and of course, prefabricated buildings.
- China is currently the largest producer of steel, with near 50% of the world’s steel production
