Steel is one of the most important materials in the industrial world. From the construction of marine vessels such as ships and barges to the construction of industrial buildings, railroads, bridges and other major structures on land, steel has been used across a wide range of industries.

If you're looking to build with steel, it is important to understand that not all steel products are created equal. Steel comes in a selection of grades that each have unique characteristics and compositions that make them suitable for specific applications.

Here are some key things to consider to pick the best steel for your project. 

The Strength Requirements of Your Project

What are the strength requirements of your project? The strength requirements of your project will depend on what you're building. For example, railroad construction generally requires stronger steel grades than roof truss construction because of the heavier loads that the railroads will carry.

Low-carbon steels generally have lower tensile strengths than steels with higher carbon content. If high strengths are required for your project, settle for steel with high carbon content. This way, you can be sure that the steel will be able to meet the structural load requirements of your project without sacrificing formability.

The Required Level of Corrosion Resistance 

Different grades of steel offer different levels of corrosion resistance. If you're looking for steel to use in marine or coastal environments, stainless steel is an excellent choice. This is due to the fact that it comprises a high chromium content, which reacts with oxygen to form a thin oxide layer that prevents rusting. 

If you intend to use carbon steels, you will need to choose grades that come with corrosion-resistant elements, such as chromium, added to their chemical composition. Alternatively, opt for carbon steels that come with corrosion-resistant paint finishes to prevent corrosion.

The Level of Formability Desired

Compared to steels with high carbon content, low-carbon steels can be processed into many different forms such as plates, bars, sheets, wire, tubing and strips more easily. In situations where formability is desired over strength, lower-carbon steels are favoured over their higher-carbon counterparts.

The surest way to get the appropriate steels for your construction project is to discuss your project needs with a steel specialist ahead of time. They will explain the available options to you and help you choose the right ones for your project.

Contact a company that offers steel sales for more information.