Steel is one of the most common materials used in the construction industry. In almost any construction project, you can see this material because it adds form, durability, and strength to a structure. With a combination of carbon, iron, and various other elements, steel does its purpose well in building high-quality construction projects. 

The demand for steel will continue to skyrocket for two reasons: the ever-increasing population that needs quality housing and the growth of high-rise buildings in cities. The various applications of steel, such as structural and non-structural parts of buildings, internal fixtures, reinforcing bars, and many more, is of utmost importance.

There are different types of steel used in the construction industry. This blog post will discuss the various steel types and their particular uses. 

The Different Types of Steel

There are four main classifications of steel based on its composition. You’ll know the specific purpose of each type of steel by what elements are fused to make it. 

Carbon Steel

Carbon is an integral element of any steel, but the uniqueness of carbon steel is the nonexistence of other components in its making. While carbon steel is simple in its elemental makeup, it’s nevertheless a durable type of steel with many uses. There are three categories of carbon steel based on its carbon content. 

• Low Carbon Steel. This category of carbon steel has a carbon content ranging from 0.04% to 0.30%. It’s a common and affordable steel type because of its ductility or stretchability. Low carbon steels come in different forms, such as bolts, wires, and pipes.  

• Medium Carbon Steel. The range of carbon makeup in medium carbon steel is between 0.31% and 0.60%. It also contains manganese of about 0.06% to 1.65%. In contrast to low carbon steels, medium carbon steels have lower ductility and more strength. Heating is required to temper and form this type of steel. 

• High Carbon Steel. This type contains 0.61% to 1.50% carbon, making it the hardest variety among the three types of carbon steels. It’s difficult to cut, bend, and weld due to its strength. High carbon steels are used as sharp cutting tools and brick nails. 

Alloy Steel

Alloy steel is a type that has a mixture of different elements fused for specific purposes. This steel type is durable, corrosion-resistant, and customizable. There are various categories under alloy steels based on their elemental composition. 

• Aluminum. An alloy steel that’s lightweight, ductile, and heat-resistant. Uses include electrical conductors, consumer durables, construction materials, etc. 

• Silicon. An alloy steel known for flexibility and high magnetism. Electrical transformers, generators, and motors used silicon steel. 

• Manganese. Durable and resistant to impact, manganese steels are typical materials in making safety vaults, bulletproof cars, cement mixers, ets. 

• Copper. An alloy steel that’s efficient in conducting heat and resisting corrosion. Applications include industrial heat exchangers and electrical wiring. 

• Vanadium. Used as automotive parts, vanadium steels are vibration-resistant, impact-resistant, and shock absorbent. 

• Molybdenum. This alloy steel type is corrosion-resistant and highly efficient under high pressure. Its applications include in building gas and oil pipelines. 

Stainless Steel

Lustrous and resistant to oxidation, stainless steel is common not only in construction but in various industries. The 10% to 20% chromium content makes this steel type shiny, rust-resistant, and flexible. 

• Austenitic. This stainless steel variety has a high chromium, nickel, and molybdenum content. It’s ductile, durable, non-magnetic, and corrosion-resistant. 

• Ferritic. The chromium content of ferritic range from 10.5% ti 30%, and its carbon content is below 0.1%. It’s rust-resistant and magnetic. 

• Martensitic. This stainless steel type contains carbon of around 1.2%. It’s typically used as cutlery and surgical tools. 

• Duplex. A mixture of ferritic and austenitic stainless steel, duplex stainless steel is stronger than carbon steel. It’s ideal for underwater construction. 

Tool Steel

Tool steel is highly durable and resistant to heat. It contains molybdenum, cobalt, and tungsten. This steel type is used in making hammers and other metal tools. 

• High-Speed. This tool steel is impact-resistant and highly abrasive. You can find this material in power saws and drill bits. 

• Water Hardening. One of the least expensive tool steel types. Its applications are typically in making common tools. 

• Hot Work. This tool steel can resist high heat. You can use this steel in casting and forging. 

• Shock-Resisting. This tool steel contains silicon, carbon, and molybdenum for hardness. You can use it to make riveting and punch tools. 

Final Thoughts

Now you know the four different types of steel used in construction and other industries. If you’re a builder or a simple homeowner who wants to build or renovate a home, you should have an idea about what type of steel to purchase. Every steel type has its own durability, ductility, corrosion resistance, heat-resistance, and other qualities.