09 Sep Structural Steel vs. Concrete – Which is Better?

Structural Steel or Concrete?

Deciding whether to use concrete or structural steel for a construction industry project is not a choice that should be made without considering the true value of the materials.

The construction of buildings, whether domestic or commercial, requires a huge amount of work. Not just in terms of their structural stability, but their overall aesthetic and long-term benefits can be impacted just by the materials used to build them. You’ll need to consider the most effective option and which process is going to be as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

This blog serves as a guide on whether you should use concrete, or a mixture of structural steel beams, universal columns and other similar steel products.

Is Structural Steel Superior?

As far as structural steel fabrication is concerned, the possibilities with steel exceed that of concrete significantly. Here at Baker Steel Trading, we live and breathe steel fabrication, and specialise in not only providing fit-for-purpose, high-quality, CE-marked products, but offer plenty of other services to make the customer experience a positive one. 

Therefore, it goes without saying we would highly recommend structural steel products. However, in the interest of fairness, we will weigh up factors which people consider when deciding between concrete and universal beams. Both are, as we well know, popular choices. But after reading this guide, it should hopefully be clearer to you why you should use structural steel.

Why you Should Build with Structural Steel

Let’s break down a few aspects to consider.

Strength

Steel: The strength of steel, whether a steel angle bar, hollow section or a steel frame building, is what makes the material so reliable. It possesses the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any building material. We’ve previously written about steel’s tensile strength, and how ductile and malleable it is when heated. Ultimately, you can use less steel and achieve incredible robustness; fewer materials means lower costs.

Concrete: Consisting of gravel, sand, water and cement, concrete is a composite material with a relatively high compressive strength. However, concrete lacks tensile strength on its own. Whereas reinforcing concrete with steel rebar increases its elasticity and tensile rigidness.

Fire Resistance

Steel: Structural steel fabrication can often involve covering steel beams in additional fire-protective coatings to enhance its safety from extreme temperatures. While steel is inherently non-combustible, it is more malleable when temperatures exceed a certain point.

Concrete: This is also a fire-resistant material, thanks primarily to its composition. However, when concrete is used, other components within the construction aren’t fireproof, so it’s important to ensure that all safety regulations and codes are all adhered to within the overall structure.

Versatility

Steel: There are several products and designs possible with steel, largely in part due to how flexible it is. There are I beams, H beams and parallel flange channels all the way through to prefabricated steel frame buildings. Due to the skill and expertise of steel fabricators and welders, many amazing bespoke designs can be crafted out of raw materials.

Concrete: While concrete can be cast into different shapes, there are several limitations when it comes to long, open spans and heights.

Sustainability

Steel: There are fewer greener, eco-friendly materials than steel. In fact, nearly all the structural steel used today is recycled. The lifespan of steel is almost endless, and its structural and physical properties almost never falter as it gets older. 

Concrete: While made from natural materials, and the fact that some concrete can be reused in future mixtures, broken concrete slabs and walls can sometimes be unsalvageable. Therefore, this does take up considerable landfill space.

Corrosion Resistance

Steel: Like all metals, steel is naturally very resistant to corrosion. However, its resistance is extremely improved by adding zinc coatings or primers. Most steel fabrication work will involve intricate, high-quality steel finishing to enhance its longevity and durability.

Concrete: Reinforced concrete is water-resistant, but if given any steel rebar reinforcement inside, this should not be exposed.

The guide above only scratches the surface of what to consider; there are many more decisions which can affect a construction project. However, you should always take the time to weigh up your options, as making the wrong choice could prove damaging in the long run.

Here at Baker Steel Trading, we know full well just how beneficial structural steel can be to your project.

Steel Fabricators Near You

If what you’ve read has convinced you that steel is the recommended choice, then we’d love to hear from you. 

We’d also love the chance to talk to you about our other services including mobile welding, steel fabrication drawings, and how our team can survey, measure, deliver and install any products you need from us.