Steel And Metal Fabrication: Common Metal "Recipes" And How They Impact The Strength Of Your New Plant
by Katrina Evans
Before your industry begins constructing a new plant, you may want to learn a few things about steel and metal fabrication, specifically how different metal "recipes" affect the strength of steel. This is especially important if you plan to construct a new plant in an area where natural disasters can devastate buildings faster than a breeze knocking over a house of cards. Here are some of the more common "recipes" for steel that a metal fabricator can use to change the strength and durability levels of steel and how that affects the strength of your new plant.
Adding Carbon
Carbon is the most common additive in the fabrication of steel. The more carbon that is added to the smelted metal, the stronger the steel becomes. However, rarely more than 1.5% of the total smelted pot of metal is ever carbon when steel is produced because most steel used for sheets and girders is comprised of .1-.25% carbon. Since other properties of steel, like anti-corrosion, are equally favorable, room is left in the "recipe" for other metals, which help to create steel alloys.
Leave out Phosphorus and Sulphur
Not only are excess phosphorus and sulphur residues damaging to the environment, but they are also bad for the creation and function of steel. If you are looking to buy really strong steel for your plant's construction, be sure to ask the manufacturers if they use sulphur or phosphorus in their steel "recipes." Likewise, if you hire a contractor, be sure to ask the contractors with the lowest bids what kinds of steel and steel composition they plan to use for the construction of your plant. Steel with phosphorus and/or sulphur in it tends to be less expensive because it is less desirable, and that may be why one contractor can bid lower than the others.
Aluminum's Addition
Aluminum is a softer metal that when combined with steel helps the steel flex. Ideally, you want the main frame of your building to be strong, but if you live in an area that is plagued by earthquakes, it helps to have some flexibility in the steel. If a really bad earthquake hits, the building's main structure can move just a little bit without coming apart or tearing the building apart completely. Additionally, reinforcing certain areas of the building in conjunction with the use of a steel/aluminum alloy in the girders can help protect the building from other types of natural disasters (tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.).
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