4 Factors to Consider When Selecting Structural Steel Products for a ...

Overview

• Structural steel acts as the skeleton of a construction project, providing strength and support for the entire building.
• Factors to consider when selecting structural steel products include meeting structural requirements such as load-bearing capacity, span requirements, and deflection control.
• Other considerations include design flexibility, shape and size of steel components, weldability, cost considerations, and sustainability aspects such as recycled content and durability.

Structural steel acts as the skeleton of a construction project and they provide the crucial strength and support that the entire building is built upon. That is why in choosing one, you must take note of the factors to consider when selecting structural steel products for a construction project

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By carefully assessing these considerations and working closely with experienced professionals like Regan Industrial, you can confidently select the right structural steel products for your construction project, laying a solid foundation for the successful completion of the building.

Structural Requirements

When designing a building or any structural element, meeting the structural requirement is important to ensure safety, durability, and functionality. Take note of the following:

Load-Bearing Capacity

The load-bearing capacity of a structure refers to its ability to support and transmit loads safely to the foundation without experiencing failure or excessive deformation. To support heavy loads, structural steel needs to have a higher carbon content by weight.

Manufacturers can adjust carbon levels to achieve desired strength and ductility for specific uses. Construction often uses low-carbon (mild) structural steel, with carbon content between 0.04% and 0.30%. In mechanical engineering, medium- and high-carbon structural steel (0.31% to 1.50% carbon) is preferred for its greater strength and durability.

Span Requirements

Span requirements play a crucial role in establishing the maximum distance that a structural element, such as a beam or a slab, can span without the need for additional support.

In constructing a large industrial warehouse, the roof beam spans are critical to supporting heavy machinery and equipment efficiently. Using high-strength steel beams with appropriate spans optimizes the warehouse layout, creating expansive, unobstructed areas for storage and operations.

Deflection Control

Even though steel is very strong, excessive bending can be problematic — that’s where deflection control comes into play to ensure the stability and safety of a structure.

By carefully calculating and controlling deflection, engineers can prevent issues such as cracking, deformation, or even structural failure. This meticulous approach guarantees that the steel elements perform within acceptable limits, meeting the required performance criteria and ensuring the longevity of the building.

Design and Flexibility

Steel’s inherent strength allows for the creation of innovative and efficient structural designs that can span large distances without the need for intermediate support.

You should also make sure that you check these out of your requirements list:

Shape and Size

Steel comes in a toolbox of shapes – think I-beams for floor support, columns for vertical loads, channel sections for lightweight framing, and flat plates for walls or bracing. Each shape excels at specific tasks. For example, an I-beam with its wide flanges distributes weight more efficiently than a solid bar of the same weight, making it ideal for spanning long distances like floors or roofs.

If a beam is too small, it might bend excessively under heavy loads, causing ceilings to sag or doors to bind. Conversely, an overly large beam might be overkill, adding unnecessary weight and cost to the project.

Weldability

Different steel types have varying weldabilities depending on their chemical makeup, thickness, and how the joint is designed. For instance, some steels have a higher heat tolerance, allowing for cleaner welds.

Thinner steel sections often weld better than thicker ones due to easier heat control. The joint design itself also matters – a simple butt joint is easier to weld than a complex T-joint. By considering these factors and choosing steels with good weldability, construction becomes smoother.

Cost Considerations

The total cost of a project includes not only the initial material expenses but also the costs associated with fabrication, transportation, and installation. There are also others that you have to prepare yourself with but here are the two most common ones:

Material Cost

Material cost is the most apparent expense when selecting structural steel. This includes the price of the raw steel itself, which can vary based on market conditions, steel grade, and quantity required.

Additionally, considering the long-term cost implications, such as maintenance and potential savings from choosing higher-quality steel, can result in more cost-effective decision-making over the lifecycle of the structure.

Fabrication Cost

Fabrication cost encompasses the expenses incurred in transforming raw steel into finished products ready for installation. This includes cutting, welding, and assembling steel components, which require skilled labor and specialized equipment.

Optimizing fabrication processes and choosing steel products that align with efficient manufacturing techniques can significantly reduce overall costs and lead to faster project completion.

Sustainability

Selecting sustainable structural steel products involves evaluating their environmental impact throughout the entire lifecycle, from production to end-of-life disposal. Here’s what you need to know about them:

Recycled Content

Recycled content refers to the proportion of recycled materials used in the production of structural steel. Steel is highly recyclable, and using products with a high percentage of recycled content can significantly reduce the environmental impact of construction.

This practice conserves natural resources, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes greenhouse gas emissions associated with steel production.

Durability

Choosing durable steel products that resist corrosion, wear, and other forms of degradation extends the lifespan of the construction and reduces the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

This not only lowers long-term costs but also lessens the environmental impact associated with ongoing maintenance activities.

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Key Takeaway

Selecting the appropriate structural steel products requires a comprehensive evaluation of various factors to consider when selecting structural steel products for a construction project.

Navigating the world of steel forging can often seem daunting, especially when it comes to ordering forged products tailored to your specific needs. Our comprehensive guide will break down each step in detail – from your initial concept to the final order – so you can confidently order your next steel forged product. 

1. Understand your requirements 

Understanding your requirements is the first and perhaps the most critical step when ordering forged steel products. This involves clearly defining your project goals and outlining the specifications that the product must meet.

Start by clearly defining what you want to achieve with the forged steel product. Are you looking to enhance strength, durability, or resistance to wear and tear in a specific application? Or, are you interested in achieving a precise shape or size that cannot be obtained through other manufacturing methods? Understanding these goals will guide your decision-making process throughout the ordering journey.

Specifications are the detailed descriptions of what you need in your forged steel product and they include:

• Dimensions
• Material choice 
• Weight 
• Application 
• Quantity 
• Tolerances
• Finishing requirements

If you need support with any of the specifications, your steel forging partner will be able to aid you. For example, at Greg Sewell Forgings we often help our clients with choosing the best material and forging process for their products. 

2. Select a steel forging partner 

After defining your project requirements, the next step is to select a reliable steel forging company that can meet those needs. Below are some things to consider when making your choice. 

Track Record: Look for a company with a proven track record in producing high-quality forged steel products. This often indicates a high level of expertise and reliability. They should be able to provide examples of past work that aligns with your project requirements.

Certifications: These can be a good indicator of a company’s commitment to quality and adherence to industry standards. Look for certifications such as ISO (Quality Management Systems) or specific certifications related to steel forging. In addition, ensure product testing is done by an independent third party like NATA (National Association of Testing Laboratories). These can provide assurance that the company has robust quality control processes in place.

Experience: The company’s experience is another important factor to consider. A company with a long history in steel forging is likely to have encountered and solved a wide range of challenges, making them better equipped to handle your project.

Capabilities: The company should have the necessary equipment and technical capabilities to meet your project requirements. Ask about their capacity to handle the size, volume, and complexity of your project, and whether they offer any additional services like design assistance, forging heat treatment, or finishing.

Communication and Customer Service: Good communication is critical in any project. The company should be responsive to your inquiries and able to provide clear, detailed information about their processes and capabilities. They should also show a willingness to understand your needs and work with you to meet your project goals.

For more information on how to choose the best company, read our blog on What makes a good steel forging partner?

3. Enquire about cost and lead time

Once you’ve identified a reliable steel forging company, the next step is to obtain a cost estimation and understand the expected lead time. This will ensure there are no surprises later in the project and help you plan accordingly.

Cost estimation usually incorporates material costs, labour costs, tooling costs, additional processes (such as heat treatment, machining, or finishing), overhead costs, and shipping costs. The steel forging company will supply you with a final figure made up from these components. 

Lead time, on the other hand, is made up of three components: 

• Manufacturing Time: This includes the time it takes to prepare the materials, manufacture the dies (if needed), run the forging process, and complete any additional processes such as heat treatment or machining.
• Inspection and Packing Time: After manufacturing, the parts need to be inspected for quality and packed for shipping, which can add to the lead time.
• Shipping Time: The time it takes to ship the parts from the forging company to your location should also be factored into the lead time.

4. Provide drawing or sample 

The first step in the design phase is to provide the design team with technical drawings, specifications, or prototypes of the steel product you want to forge. This should include all the details you’ve defined in your project requirements, including dimensions, material type, tolerances, and any special features or requirements.

The design and engineering team at a steel forging company are experts in their field. They understand the intricacies of the forging process, how different materials behave under forging conditions, and how to optimise designs for manufacturability. Take advantage of this expertise by seeking their advice and feedback on your design.

In addition, the team can also help you modify your design to better suit the forging process. This could involve changes like adding draft angles to make part removal from the die easier, adjusting dimensions to ensure even material flow, or altering features to reduce the need for complex tooling. These changes can improve the quality of the final product, increase production speed, and reduce costs. 

5. Receive sample confirmation 

Before proceeding to full-scale production, it’s common to produce a small batch of samples for testing. This allows you to verify that the forged parts meet your specifications and have the required physical and mechanical properties. Sample testing can involve a variety of checks, including dimensional checks, visual inspection, and destructive and non-destructive testing.

Once the samples have been tested and meet all specifications and quality requirements, you should receive sample confirmation from the forging company. This is your opportunity to examine the sample parts closely and confirm that they meet your expectations in terms of dimensions, weight, material, surface finish, and other key features. 

If any issues are identified during sample testing or inspection, it’s crucial to communicate these to the forging company promptly. They can then adjust the forging process or die design as needed and produce new samples for testing.

6. Place your order 

To finalise your order, you’ll typically need to sign a formal purchase order with the steel forging company. This document should detail the scope of the project, including the final design specifications, quantity of parts to be forged, material type, delivery dates, and pricing. Before signing, make sure you understand all the terms and conditions and ensure that they align with your previous discussions and agreements.

The purchase order should also include the payment terms. It’s common for steel forging companies to require a deposit before starting production, especially for large or custom orders. The remaining amount is typically due upon completion of the project or at agreed-upon milestones.

Discover Greg Sewell Forgings

At Greg Sewell Forgings, we have 90 years of experience providing Australia with forged steel products. Our experienced and dedicated team works closely with every client to ensure they receive all the support they need during the forging process. From product design to forging testing, we are there to provide an end-to-end service.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Industrial Steel Products(fr,ko,ms). Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.