INTRODUCTION TO

STEEL
PROPERTIES, CHARACTERISTICS, AND USES
ABARRA, ALISING, DIAMANTE, ELISAN, KAW, LIM,
MALONES, RAMOS, TROJILLO, VILLARUEL
 INTRODUCTION
Steel is one of the most versatile and
widely utilized materials worldwide,
valued for its exceptional properties that
make it indispensable across numerous
industries. From construction and
architecture to home furnishings, art,
and decorative applications, steel plays a
crucial role in shaping modern life.
Today, we’ll explore the key
characteristics of steel, its unique
properties, and its diverse applications in
both industrial and everyday settings.
 WHAT IS STEEL?
Steel is an alloy mainly composed of iron and carbon,
with small amounts of other elements like manganese,
chromium, and nickel to improve its properties. The
carbon content ranges from 0.02% to 2.14%,
influencing hardness, strength, and ductility.

Steel is essential across various industries, including

construction, automotive, and marine, due to its
outstanding properties. Adding elements like nickel and
chromium enhances its resistance to bending, stress,
corrosion, and increases hardness and weldability.
 HISTORY & DEVELOPMENT OF STEEL
Ancient Beginnings (Before 1st Medieval and Early Modern
Century CE) Advancements (5th – 18th Century)

Early ironworkers in Anatolia and In China (up to 600 CE), steel was produced
Mesopotamia (around 1800 BCE) created using blast furnaces and cast iron
wrought iron and early steel by heating decarburization. European blacksmiths refined
iron ore with carbon-rich materials. India techniques during the Middle Ages, while the
developed Wootz steel, known for its 17th-century cementation process improved
strength, which later influenced Damascus steel quality.
steel.
 HISTORY & DEVELOPMENT OF STEEL
Industrial Revolution and Mass Production 20th Century to Present
(18th – 19th Century)
The 1900s saw the introduction of electric arc
In 1856, Henry Bessemer invented the Bessemer furnaces and the basic oxygen process,
process, enabling inexpensive mass steel increasing production efficiency. Today, steel
production, transforming industries like railroads is vital for infrastructure and technology, with
and construction. The Siemens-Martin open- ongoing advancements in alloys and
hearth process further enhanced quality in the sustainable methods.
1860s.
 WHY STEEL?
Are you considering steel structures for your next project? While wood, concrete, and brick
have their place in construction, structural steel is the preferred choice for many industry
professionals today. It's widely used for buildings, bridges, high-rises, and warehouses. Here
are five advantages of choosing steel:

1. Cost-Effective
Steel frames are often less expensive and can lead to lower foundation costs due to
their superior strength-to-weight ratio. Faster construction also means reduced labor
costs and quicker occupancy, boosting returns.

2. Strength
Steel is both strong and malleable, providing excellent fire and corrosion resistance
and better durability against impacts and vibrations.
 WHY STEEL?
3. Versatility
Steel can be shaped for various needs, making it suitable for both buildings and
infrastructure, especially in challenging weather and terrain.

4. Portability
Easily transported and cut, steel is ideal for remote project sites and on-site
assembly, adaptable for various structures.

5. Recyclable
Structural steel can be recycled, reducing waste and costs associated with
demolition and construction materials.
 WHY CHOOSE STEEL?
Steel is durable, strong, and adaptable, offering cost-effective and
sustainable design solutions for various stakeholders. Its benefits include
easy mass production, uniform quality, lightweight designs, and quick
installation. As the most recycled material, steel is noncombustible,
providing long-term safety and resilience during extreme events like
earthquakes and hurricanes. Choosing steel for your project has many
advantages.

Durability Sustainability
Strength/Resilience Energy Efficiency
Fire Safety Economic Value
Product Transparency Adaptability & Reuse
 STRENGTH OF STEEL
"Strength" in metals refers to various resistance
measurements. The key types include:

1. Tensile Strength
Resistance to tension; for example, steel cables need
high tensile strength to avoid breaking under tension
(e.g., A572-50 has over 70,000 psi).

2. Yield Strength
The force a material can withstand before permanent
deformation; A36 steel has a minimum yield strength of
36,000 psi.
 STRENGTH OF STEEL
"Strength" in metals refers to various resistance
measurements. The key types include:

3. Compressive Strength
Resistance to being squeezed; steel can match the
compressive strength of materials like concrete but has
higher tensile strength.

4. Impact Strength
Ability to absorb energy without breaking, often measured
by the Charpy test (related to toughness).
 STRENGTH OF STEEL
"Strength" in metals refers to various resistance
measurements. The key types include:

5. Shear Strength
Resistance to forces pushing in opposite directions; high
shear strength materials are harder to cut.

6. Torsional Strength
Resistance to twisting; hollow shapes have high torsional
strength compared to beams.

7. Corrosion Resistance
Ability to resist environmental wear, often enhanced
through galvanizing.
WHEN TO USE STEEL
LONG-SPAN INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURES
STRUCTURES BUILDINGS REQUIRING STRUCTURES IN
RAPID SEISMIC ZONES
Bridges, large halls, Where flexibility and CONSTRUCTION
auditoriums. ease of modification Steel's ductility is
are important. Steel's prefabricated advantageous in
HIGH-RISE nature allows for resisting earthquake
faster erection. forces.
BUILDINGS TEMPORARY
STRUCTURES
Where its high
STRUCTURES
strength-to-weight Steel can be easily Steel members can be
ratio minimizes column WHERE DESIGN easily modified or
disassembled and
sizes and foundation FLEXIBILITY IS strengthened.
reused.
loads. NEEDED
 STEEL REINFORCEMENT IN
CONSTRUCTION
Steel reinforcement, commonly known as rebar, is essential for
enhancing the tensile strength and durability of concrete structures.
Here are four common types used in construction:

1. Deformed Bars
With surface deformations that improve bonding with concrete,
these high-strength steel bars are ideal for high-stress
applications in beams, columns, and slabs.

2. Welded Wire Fabric (WWF)

This grid of welded steel wires provides excellent tensile
support for flat concrete elements like slabs and walls.
 STEEL REINFORCEMENT IN
CONSTRUCTION
Steel reinforcement, commonly known as rebar, is essential for
enhancing the tensile strength and durability of concrete structures.
Here are four common types used in construction:

3. Epoxy-Coated Bars
These deformed bars are coated with epoxy for corrosion
resistance, making them suitable for harsh environments, such
as marine or industrial settings.

4. Stainless Steel Rebars

These are used in highly corrosive environments where epoxy-
coated bars may fail. They offer superior durability, making them
ideal for critical infrastructure like bridges and tunnels.
 TYPES OF STEEL AND THEIR USES
1. Mild Steel
Used in general construction and 4. Rebar
manufacturing where high strength isn't Provides tensile strength in concrete
critical. structures to prevent cracking.

2. Stainless Steel 5. Structural Steel

Ideal for environments requiring Essential in constructing buildings and
corrosion resistance, such as marine, bridges requiring high strength and
food processing, and medical durability.
applications.
6. Tool Steel
3. Galvanized Steel Used for manufacturing cutting tools,
Suitable for outdoor structures, roofing, dies, and molds needing high hardness
and fencing due to its weather and wear resistance.
resistance.
 TYPES OF STEEL AND THEIR USES
7. High-Carbon Steel
Known for its high carbon content,
11. Nickel Chromium Steel
offering strength and hardness.
Notable for its strength and shock
resistance.
8. Medium Carbon Steel
Balances hardness and strength with
12. Aluminium Steel
moderate carbon content.
High aluminum content, providing a
smooth finish for furniture.
9. High-Speed Steel
An alloyed steel known for toughness
13. Chromium Steel
and metal cutting capabilities.
Features high chromium for elasticity
and corrosion resistance.
10. Cobalt Steel
Similar to high-speed steel but with
higher cobalt for enhanced performance.
 STEEL VS CONCRETE: COMPARISON
CONCRETE STEEL CONCRETE STEEL

Not fire resistant, but can be

Large cross sections Small cross sections Fire resistant
fireproofed

Less resistant to seismic and wind More resistant to seismic and wind Off-site fabrication allows less
Strict quality control on site
loads loads quality control on site

Low tensile strength, high High tensile and compressive

Lower construction cost Higher construction cost
compressive strength strength

Durability is affected by weather and

Less prone to corrosion Prone to corrosion More durable
rusting

Does not require highly specialized Concrete structures need The steel components in structures
Skilled workforce
workforce construction joints, expansion joints, are joined by rivets, welding, nuts and
contraction joints, etc bolts

High self weight Low self weight

Can undergo sudden failure due to
Ductility prevents sudden failure
brittleness
 STEEL VS CONCRETE: COMPARISON
STEEL CONSTRUCTION
 STEEL VS CONCRETE: COMPARISON
CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION
 KEY PROPERTIES OF STEEL IN
CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS
1. High Compressive Strength
Foundations & Structural Support: Concrete excels in compression,
making it ideal for foundations, columns, beams, and load-bearing
walls.

2. Durability & Longevity

Weather and Fire Resistance: Concrete withstands weathering, fire,
and decay, suitable for outdoor and industrial uses.
Low Maintenance: After curing, it requires minimal upkeep,
benefiting long-term projects.

3. Cost-Effectiveness
Affordable Material: Concrete is often readily available and more
economical than many alternatives, especially in large-scale
projects.
 KEY PROPERTIES OF STEEL IN
CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS

4. Reinforcement Benefits
Enhanced Tensile Strength: Combining concrete with steel
rebar improves its performance under both compressive
and tensile stresses, making it versatile for various
applications.

5. Sustainability
Eco-Friendly Innovations: Advances like high-performance
concrete and recycled materials can reduce the
environmental impact, though traditional production
remains energy-intensive. Balancing this with sustainability
goals is crucial.
 COMPARISON OF STEEL WITH OTHER
MATERIALS

1. Steel vs. Concrete

Strength: Steel has superior tensile strength and ductility,

while concrete excels in compressive strength but needs
reinforcement for tension.
Construction: Steel allows for faster assembly through
prefabrication, saving labor costs, whereas concrete is time-
consuming and weather-dependent as it's poured on-site.
Durability: Steel requires corrosion protection, while
concrete is fire-resistant but may crack and need
maintenance.
 COMPARISON OF STEEL WITH OTHER
MATERIALS

2. Steel vs. Wood

Performance: Steel has a high load-bearing capacity and low

deformation risk, while wood is weaker and susceptible to
rot and pests but is renewable and aesthetically pleasing.
Environmental Impact: Steel production is energy-intensive
but highly recyclable; wood has a lower carbon footprint if
sourced responsibly.
Construction: Steel supports large spans and modern
designs, while wood is better for smaller projects that
prioritize ease of construction.
 COMPARISON OF STEEL WITH OTHER
MATERIALS

3. Steel vs. Masonry (Brick/Block)

Load Capacity: Steel can span greater distances, allowing

flexible designs, whereas masonry needs additional support
for long spans.
Construction Efficiency: Steel’s prefabrication speeds up
assembly, while masonry requires more labor and time.
Thermal and Acoustic Properties: Masonry offers better
thermal mass and sound insulation, while steel may require
added insulation.
 KEY PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE IN
CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS
1. Structural Strength & Load-Bearing Capacity

Concrete is ideal for foundations, columns, beams, slabs,

and bridges due to its high compressive strength.
Reinforced concrete (RCC) is used when both compressive
and tensile strength are needed.

2. Durability & Longevity

It is highly resistant to weathering, fire, chemicals, and pests,

making it suitable for dams, tunnels, roads, marine
structures, and high-rise buildings.
 KEY PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE IN
CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS
3. Versatility & Workability

Concrete can be cast into various shapes and sizes, making it

useful for architectural designs, precast elements,
pavements, bridges, retaining walls, and urban
infrastructure.

4. Availability & Cost-Effectiveness

Made from abundant materials such as cement, sand,

aggregates, and water, it is economical for large-scale
projects and cheaper than steel and composites, while still
offering strength and durability.
 COMPARISON OF CONCRETE WITH
OTHER MATERIALS

1. Concrete vs. Steel

Strength: Steel has higher tensile strength, while concrete

excels in compressive strength.
Cost: Steel is generally pricier than concrete.
Durability: Steel can corrode without protection; concrete
may crack.
Fire Resistance: Concrete withstands fire better than steel,
which loses strength at high temperatures.
Sustainability: Steel is more easily recycled than concrete.
 COMPARISON OF CONCRETE WITH
OTHER MATERIALS

2. Concrete vs. Wood

Strength: Concrete is stronger and more durable.

Cost: Wood is cheaper initially, but concrete lasts longer with
less maintenance.
Durability: Wood is vulnerable to rot and insects; concrete is
more resistant.
Fire Resistance: Concrete is fire-resistant; wood is
combustible.
Sustainability: Wood is renewable, but deforestation is an
issue; concrete contributes to carbon emissions.
 COMPARISON OF CONCRETE WITH
OTHER MATERIALS

3. Concrete vs. Masonry

Strength: Concrete can be engineered for higher strengths.

Cost: Masonry can be more expensive due to labor and
material costs.
Aesthetics: Masonry offers diverse aesthetic options.
Durability: Both are durable, but masonry may need more
maintenance.
Sustainability: Masonry materials can have high embodied
energy.
 COMPARISON OF CONCRETE WITH
OTHER MATERIALS

4. Concrete vs. Composite Materials

Strength: Composites can have higher strength-to-weight

ratios.
Cost: Composites are typically more expensive.
Versatility: Composites can be tailored for specific uses.
Durability: Composites are highly durable and corrosion-
resistant.
ALTERNATIVES FOR CEMENT AND STEEL
Alternatives to Steel:

Bamboo: This sustainable, lightweight grass has impressive

tensile strength, making it suitable for low-rise buildings,
scaffolding, and concrete reinforcement.

Fiberglass Reinforcement: Lighter and non-corrosive,

fiberglass offers higher tensile strength than steel, ideal for
concrete structures in harsh environments, such as bridges
and coastal buildings.

Engineered Wood: Products like glulam and CLT have high

strength-to-weight ratios and stability, making them popular
for framing and beams. They provide a renewable, carbon-
sequestering option compared to steel.
ALTERNATIVES FOR CEMENT AND STEEL
Alternatives to Cement:

Ashcrete (Fly Ash): This sustainable option uses fly ash, a

coal combustion byproduct, offering improved strength and
durability while reducing reliance on traditional cement.

Geopolymers: Made from industrial waste like fly ash and

slag, geopolymers provide excellent strength and chemical
resistance, with a lower carbon footprint compared to
traditional cement.

Micro Silica: A byproduct from silicon metal industries,

micro silica enhances strength and corrosion resistance.
However, it complicates the construction process due to
reduced workability.
 AVAILABLE STEELS THAT CAN BE ORDERED IN MANILA
Structural Steel

Grades: ASTM A36, PNS 49

Applications: Building frames, bridges
Suppliers: SteelAsia, Puyat Steel,
Cathay Metal Alloy Steel

Stainless Steel Grades: 4140, 4340

(chromoly)
Grades: 304 (food-grade), 316 Applications: Gears,
(marine), 202 (budget-friendly) aerospace parts
Applications: Kitchen equipment, Suppliers: Eagle Steel,
medical tools Eng Beng Iron Works
Suppliers: Atlas Steel Trading,
Metalworld Inc.
 AVAILABLE STEELS THAT CAN BE ORDERED IN MANILA
Carbon Steel

Grades: Low/medium/high carbon (e.g., 1018, 1045)

Applications: Machinery parts, automotive components
Suppliers: Cargill Steel Philippines, Manila Fastener Corporation

Galvanized Steel Tool Steel

Applications: Roofing, Grades: D2, H13

outdoor structures Applications: Molds, cutting
Suppliers: Cathay Metal, tools
Wilcon Depot Suppliers: Cutting Edge Steel
Works, Shopee/Lazada
THANK
YOU!