Specialized Steels for Specific Environments
Specialized Steels for Specific Environments
Without a doubt, one of the most fundamental elements in the construction of civil and industrial structures is high-quality steel, which possesses the necessary strength and resistance to withstand various stresses, the high weight of the structure, and diverse environmental conditions. However, a crucial question that needs to be addressed is where and for which projects, and to what extent, each type of steel should be considered. The success of civil and industrial projects hinges on the appropriate and correct use of the required materials. Choosing the right steel for a project, especially in environments with specific climatic conditions, is one of the most important decisions that affects the lifespan and performance of the structure.
In our country, due to the diverse climate and weather conditions, we must have different operational solutions for various projects in different locations. For each project, we must provide the required materials with precision and careful calculation to ensure the strength of structures in all civil and industrial projects.
In this article, we will examine the types of steel suitable for different climatic conditions and help you choose the best option. So, as always, stay with SAFA.
Factors Affecting Steel Selection
Choosing the right steel for a project is a very important decision that directly impacts the performance, durability, and final cost of the structure. Several factors are involved in this selection, and a deep understanding of them is essential for informed decision-making. In the following, we will examine three main factors affecting steel selection:
1. Weather Conditions
Weather conditions are one of the most significant factors influencing the choice of steel. Fluctuations in temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, solar radiation, and air pollution can severely affect the corrosion and deterioration of steel.
Temperature: Extreme temperature changes can induce thermal stresses in steel, leading to cracking and failure. Steels selected for regions with large temperature variations must have high thermal resistance.
Humidity: High humidity provides a suitable environment for the growth of bacteria and fungi, which, in addition to humidity itself, can create specific environmental conditions that accelerate the corrosion process of steel. Moreover, humidity, combined with air and air pollutants, increases the corrosion rate.
Precipitation: Acid rain and precipitation containing corrosive chemicals can severely damage the steel surface and cause corrosion.
Wind: Strong winds carrying abrasive particles such as heavy pollutants, sand, and dust can damage the steel surface and cause abrasion.
Solar radiation: Direct sunlight can increase the temperature of steel and cause significant problems with the mechanical properties of steel in the long term.
Air pollution: Air pollutants such as acid gases, sea salts, and other suspended particles can cause steel corrosion.
2. Type of Structure
The type of structure and its application is very important in selecting steel. The steel used in each structure, depending on the load, working environment, and operating conditions, requires specific mechanical and chemical properties.
Buildings: For buildings, high-strength, tough, and corrosion-resistant steels are selected. The type of steel used in different buildings such as residential, commercial, and industrial buildings varies. However, all of them must have high strength against weight and high pressure.
Bridges: Bridges are subjected to dynamic loads and corrosive environments. Therefore, steels with high strength, high toughness, and good resistance to fatigue and rust are suitable for use in the construction of various types of bridges.
Tanks: Tanks are used to store various materials such as water, chemicals, and oil. The steel used in tanks must have good resistance to corrosion, internal pressure, and high temperature.
Marine structures: Marine structures are exposed to corrosive marine environments. Therefore, stainless steels or steels with suitable protective coatings are selected for these structures.
3. Surrounding Environment
The environment in which steel is placed has a significant impact on the choice of steel type. The presence of corrosive chemicals, acidic or alkaline soils, contact with seawater, and other environmental factors can cause steel corrosion.
Environments with high levels of pollution: In corrosive environments such as refineries, chemical plants, and wastewater treatment plants, highly corrosion-resistant steels such as stainless steels are selected.
Acidic or alkaline soils: Acidic or alkaline soils can cause steel corrosion. For structures located in these types of soils, steels with suitable protective coatings should be used.
Seawater and pools: Seawater contains various salts that cause rapid corrosion of steel. Additionally, the presence of chlorine and minerals in pool water can accelerate the rusting process of steel. Therefore, for such structures, stainless steels or steels with suitable protective coatings should be selected.
Types of Specific Environments
Since selecting the appropriate steel for a project, especially in environments with specific weather conditions, is a critical engineering decision that affects the lifespan, performance, and safety of the structure, we will now examine in more detail the types of steel suitable for various weather conditions separately.
1. Normal Climate
Mild carbon steel: Due to its affordable price and good mechanical properties, this type of steel is widely used in indoor and outdoor structures with moderate climates. However, its resistance is limited in corrosive environments. However, the cases mentioned for such a situation are for an environment where the overall conditions are such that the climate is normal and ordinary on most days of the year.
Low-alloy steel: Adding alloying elements such as copper, nickel, and chromium to mild carbon steel increases its corrosion resistance and strength. This type of steel is more suitable for structures exposed to various stresses and rust.
2. Hot and Dry Climate
Austenitic stainless steel: Due to its unique and special crystalline structure, this type of steel has very high resistance to corrosion and oxidation at high temperatures. This type of steel is suitable for applications such as chemical storage tanks, industrial equipment in hot and dry areas, and some building components in such areas.
Galvanized steel: By creating a protective layer on the steel surface, it protects against any dryness and high temperatures of such areas. This type of steel is very suitable for lightweight metal structures, roof coverings, and railings in hot and dry areas.
3. Hot and Humid Climate
Austenitic stainless steel: As mentioned for hot and dry climates, austenitic stainless steel is also suitable for humid environments due to its high resistance to high temperatures. In general, we recommend that you use austenitic stainless steels for projects that are implemented in specific areas with very hot climates.
Steel with organic coatings: Organic coatings such as paint and resin create a protective layer on the steel surface that protects it from moisture, ultraviolet radiation, and other environmental factors. These coatings are widely used to protect steel structures in humid environments.
4. Cold and Dry Climate
Low-alloy steel: Adding specific alloying elements to mild carbon steel increases its resistance to low temperatures and sudden temperature changes. This type of steel is suitable for structures located in cold regions.
Galvanized steel: Galvanized coating prevents the steel from freezing and cracking and is an ideal option for metal structures in cold regions.
5. Cold and Humid Climate
Duplex stainless steel: This type of steel is a combination of austenitic and ferritic properties and has very high resistance to a wide range of corrosion, including pitting and crevice corrosion. It is suitable for applications such as chemical storage tanks, marine equipment, and offshore structures in cold and humid regions.
Steel with organic coatings: Organic coatings, along with other protective measures such as the use of sacrificial anodes, can protect steel from corrosion in cold and humid environments.
6. Environments with High Dust Levels
Galvanized steel: The galvanized protective layer prevents wear and corrosion caused by suspended particles in the air.
Powder-coated steel: Powder coatings have very high resistance to abrasion and corrosion and are suitable for structures exposed to heavy particle abrasion.
7. Stormy and Turbulent Environments
High-strength steel: To withstand the forces caused by strong winds, high-strength steel is used. This type of steel also has good resistance to fatigue.
Strong welded connections: Strong welded connections increase the structure's resistance to dynamic forces.
8. Earthquake-prone areas
High-ductility steel: Steels with high ductility and flexibility increase the ability to absorb energy from earthquakes and prevent the sudden failure of the structure and skeleton.
Flexible connections: The use of flexible connections allows the structure to move in response to vibrations and prevents damage caused by the failure of the structure.
SAFA: A Producer of Steel Products Tailored to All Your Needs
Selecting the right steel for each project requires a careful assessment of environmental conditions, the type of structure, and the forces acting on it. Engineers and contractors of various industrial and civil projects must, based on these factors and using their knowledge and experience, use the best type of steel for each project.
SAFA is always with engineers and contractors, providing expert advice in the field of construction, production, and selecting the right materials for your project needs, and providing you with the best and highest quality steel products you need.
With the advice of SAFA's expert consultants, you will no longer have any concerns about selecting the best materials needed for your projects. To contact SAFA's experts and consultants, please visit the "Contact Us" page on the SAFA website.