The stainless steel

STAINLESS STEEL IN CONSTRUCTION RESISTANT TO CORROSION

Stainless steel is one of the materials used for building construction in some specific cases. What are its uses? why is it considered beneficial?

Traditionally, stainless steel is used for:

– Its ability to be corrosion resistant;
– Its ability to remain unchanged over time.

The reason why it is used in building construction is above all for its resistance to corrosion, just think for example of the components of street furniture such as handrails, parapets, etc … the fact remains that we can find it for example in the construction of internal stairs in public places.

WHAT IS STAINLESS STEEL?
Or even stainless steel, it is an iron alloy, with an added value compared to normal steel, namely an excellent resistance to corrosion, especially in humid air or fresh water.

THE CHARACTERISTIC OF CORROSION
This characteristic is given by the presence of alloy elements, especially chromium, which is able to passivate itself, i.e. to cover itself with a thin and adherent layer of oxides, practically invisible, with a thickness equivalent to a few atomic layers, which protects the metal , or binds, underlying, by the action of external chemical agents.

TYPES OF STAINLESS STEEL MOST USED IN THE BUILDING SECTOR
We add that steel has a chemical composition in which the chromium content reaches a minimum of about 10.5% and for this reason, as mentioned above, it is possible to reach the phenomenon of self-passivation, which makes the material resistant to corrosion. .

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF STAINLESS STEEL IN BUILDING?

Thanks to its physical-mechanical characteristics with high deformability and corrosion resistance, stainless steel is for some applications a valid alternative to traditional materials.

The aspects considered by a designer are :

– Excellent mechanical characteristics;
– High deformability before breaking;
– Ability to absorb large amounts of energy;
– Toughness even at low temperatures;
– Fire resistant;
– No maintenance;
– Complete recyclability.

Among the characteristics required by construction products, the characteristic of fire resistance is increasingly important.

In addition, thanks to its natural resistance to corrosion and durability, stainless steel ensures that all these characteristics remain stable for the entire useful life of the component, without the need for maintenance.

Finally, it is a completely recyclable material, a very important aspect nowadays.

Icomet Costruzioni Metalliche Srl uses stainless steel to create high quality civil and industrial building structures in some specific cases.