Have you ever wondered about the different metals within the Earth and how strong they are? Ever since the beginning of civilization, people have used metals for various applications in construction. Engineers, architects, and building contractors generally rely on metals. Why? Because metals possess vital factors: availability, durability, malleability, and strength. Just think of how storage building central withstand the test of time, such as the Empire State Building.
The professionals can deliver the same strength in terms of steel buildings to your property. As leaders in the metal building industry, you can depend on them to explain the entire engineering, designing, and installing process for you. You can expect them to be strong storage buildings!
Four Ways to Determine the Strength of Metals
When selecting a storage building central, it is imperative to choose a suitable metal for the right project. Each metal has properties that distinguish them from one another. Some metals can rank high in density and others in tensile strength; however, you must understand that you cannot compare metals with direct comparisons on strength. There is no single scale for the strength of the metal. Instead, you can measure it in four different ways.
- Yield strength: the degree to which the beam or rod of material can withstand permanent deformation and bend. Furthermore, it is testing the elastic limits of the metal. That way, you can determine how much stress it takes to exceed that metal’s yield point, so it will not return to its original form if the pressure is removed.
- Impact strength: the capacity of a material to withstand energy upon impact. That refers to the metal’s ability to take a blow without shattering or fracturing the material.
- Compressive strength: the metal’s ability to withstand being compressed or squeezed together. This test determines to what degree the metal can resist size reduction. Another way to examine compressive strength is through the Mohs Hardness Test — a scale from one to ten for softest to hardest.
- Tensile strength: this is how well a material stretches or pulls apart. For example, metals with high tensile strength will resist tension better than low ones, where metals come apart more easily.
What Types of Metals Do Construction Workers Use for Buildings?
Metals have sustainability, strength, and versatility. However, not all metals possess the same amount in each category. Nevertheless, engineers and construction workers use specific types of metals when designing and building structures. These metals serve a wide range of functions in the construction process, especially as metal buildings continue to rise in popularity.
Types of Metals
A material encompassing the four property strengths of metal is impossible considering all the parameters involved. Still, over time, technology develops a system of creating alloys to produce stronger metals that aid the construction process. Keep reading to learn about steel, aluminum, titanium, copper, and iron.
- Steel
Did you know that steel is the most critical engineering and construction material throughout the world? It is the most recycled material in all of North America. According to Visual Capitalist, people recycle and reuse nearly 69% of steel every year. That’s because this strong metal does not lose any durability throughout the process. It remains strong as can be for constructing roads, railways, bridges, and other infrastructure. Stadiums, skyscrapers, and American steel buildings are throughout the country. How is it so strong and durable for American metal buildings? Well, steel is an alloy of carbon and iron, with less than two percent of carb, one percent manganese, and small amounts of oxygen, sulfur, silicon, and phosphorus. Steel has high tensile strength, and other elements such as niobium or manganese add to its toughness. Types of steel include stainless steel, tool steel, carbon steel, and other alloys.
- Aluminum
When you hear of this metal, you might think of the silver foil people use to cover food. However, engineers often use aluminum to increase the strength of a metal. Thus, it is rare to see it on the world’s strongest metals list, but it is one of the most critical materials for metal buildings. Despite its low tensile strength, aluminum resists corrosion more than other materials. Besides foil in the kitchen, solid aluminum is great for the automobile industry and construction for ceilings, walls, doors. Besides American metal buildings, you can find aluminum for projects and resources in the US Army, US Air Force, and NASA.
- Titanium
Did you know that scientists discovered this metal in 1790? It is a poor conductor of electricity, but this metal is resistant to corrosion. Not only that, but it has a high strength-to-weight ratio. Titanium has the highest tensile strength to density ratio of any other metal. You can find titanium in security systems that use plates and frames for reinforcement. It is also common in heating and cooling systems, medical devices, aerospace products, and everyday items.
- Copper
Copper is perhaps the oldest metal dating back to ancient Egypt. But it is one of the essential metals in the construction industry, which is why it is on this list! You can utilize copper for steel buildings in numerous ways, including electrical wiring, piping, cladding, heating systems, and roofing. Copper has a low tensile strength that is corrosion-resistant, and it also acts as a superconductor for electricity.
- Iron
Did you know that iron ranks number six as the most common element in the entire universe? So it’s no wonder that iron is the most abundant element within the complete composition of the Earth. On the periodic table of elements, iron is within group VIII. Its melting point is 2800 degrees Fahrenheit (1536 C). People use iron to manufacture steel and to make alloy steels like carbon steels. Iron is ideal for bridges, chains, cutting tools, and electricity pylons. The two types of iron for construction include cast and wrought iron. Cast iron is for architectural pieces, whereas wrought iron is ideal for beams, girders, rafters, and trusses of metal buildings. i
Buy Metal Buildings Made from the Strongest Materials
When constructing metal buildings, it is essential to utilize the strongest metals in the world. That way, you can rest assured knowing your structure can withstand the test of time. Using steel for your metal building needs means you don’t have to worry about termites, rust, fires, or harsh weather. Do you want a residential, commercial, or agricultural building that delivers the strength of Storagebuilding central? Connect with the best metal buildings dealer today to learn more about prefab metal buildings. You can expect fast delivery and quick installation on your property. With years of dedicated experience in the metal building industry, you can rely on professionals to help you design your building from start to finish. Not only that, but the engineers use the strongest metals in the world, so your metal carport, garage, shed, barn, or home can last a lifetime.
