One of the first decisions to be made in structural frame construction is what material to use. This will affect the project long-term including its overall cost, durability, longevity, safety, and usability. Two of the most popular building materials for this are construction steel and reinforced concrete which are both strong and effective materials. However, features including their cost, type of material, resistance to fire, and availability set them apart. Weldform Structures compares these two materials on those aspects to determine their suitability for specific applications.
Construction Steel vs Reinforced Concrete: Key Differences
Construction steel has recently gained popularity due to its strength, flexibility, and durability allowing it to resist fire, seismic force, and other stresses. This ensures a high level of safety and security and makes it ideal for projects built on large open spaces, such as factories and warehouses.
Reinforced concrete combines the compressive strength of concrete with the tensile strength of steel reinforcement, creating a versatile material known for its durability and capacity to handle both compression and tension. It is frequently used in structures designed to bear heavy loads and endure harsh environmental conditions.
Below are the key differences that impact where these materials are used.
Material
Construction steel is primarily composed of iron and carbon, but may also contain a small percentage of other elements to enhance its properties. It is classified into mild carbon and high carbon steel, each with distinct applications. Mild steel is versatile – used in construction, automotive, and furniture industries. High-carbon steel, on the other hand being stronger, is used for building frameworks, studs, and other critical components.
Reinforced concrete consists of a mixture of water, aggregates (sand and gravel), cement, and steel rebars. The steel reinforcement improves tensile strength and flexibility, reducing the amount of concrete needed for foundations and columns.
Strength
Among building materials, steel boasts the highest strength-to-weight ratio. Steel has a tensile strength of 60 900 psi, while high-performance concrete typically measures between 300 – 700 psi. In terms of tension and shear strength, steel is eight times stronger, making it ideal for heavy load structures including bridges and high-rise buildings.
Conversely, while concrete is strong in compression, it requires steel reinforcement to handle tensile forces. This makes concrete suitable for bridges, dams, and other civil engineering applications.
Fire Resistance
Both reinforced concrete and steel are fire-resistant materials. Most concrete types can withstand temperatures up until 400°C – beyond that, however, they will degrade rapidly. Meanwhile, steel still retains 50% of its strength at a temperature of around 590°C, and will completely melt at 1400°C. However, various factors can affect the flammability of the structure regardless of the material used. Steel structures can weaken under extreme heat due to internal stresses, while reinforced concrete, although non-combustible, is often used with flammable materials.
Design Flexibility
Concrete is highly versatile in design allowing for the creation of intricate architectural details. It can also be used in combination with other materials to create a wide range of shapes and forms. However, it will need considerable formwork before it can be laid out.
In comparison, the design advantage of steel lies in its high strength and ductility. These features allow it to create curved or irregular shapes in long spans and for large open spaces.
Cost-Effectiveness
Steel is not a naturally occurring material so it undergoes a complex manufacturing and fabrication process before it can be transformed into sheets, structural beams, pipes, roofing material, rods, and more. This makes it initially more expensive. In contrast, reinforced concrete is less processed. Its aggregates are sifted through crushing equipment and mixed with additives then it’s ready for use.
With this in mind, reinforced concrete presents a more cost-effective option for small-scale applications. However, when long-term repair and maintenance costs are taken into consideration, structural steel becomes a more viable option.
Construction Speed
Concrete construction involves a step-by-step process, with each cycle taking up to 28 days for pouring, curing, and form removal. The good news is that construction technique innovations such as precast concrete elements are now helping to expedite this process.
For steel structures, the prefabrication of steel components off-site allows for instant use once onsite, shortening the construction period. The lightweight nature of steel also makes it easier to transport and assemble, making it beneficial for projects with short time frames.
Choose the Right Material for Your Project
Both reinforced concrete and construction steel have distinct benefits. Steel offers toughness, weldability, and high tensile strength, while reinforced concrete is cost-effective and made from readily available materials. Ultimately, factors such as budget, time constraints, and project type should be taken into consideration to choose the most suitable material.
At Weldform Structures, we are committed to providing top-quality steel for construction purposes. If you want to learn more about our steel products and services, contact us today!