Characteristics of Steel Structures

The characteristics of steel structures are based on hot-rolled sections (angle iron, I-beams, channel steel, pipes, plates, cold-formed thin-walled sections, and steel cables as basic elements). These elements are connected into basic components through steel structure welding, bolted, or riveted joints, following certain patterns. These basic components are then joined together using welding, bolts, or rivets to form a structure capable of withstanding external loads.

High strength with low weight. Steel has many times the strength of materials like wood, brick, and concrete, so when subjected to the same loads and conditions, structures made of steel have less self-weight, require smaller cross-sections, and are more convenient for transportation and installation.

② Excellent plasticity and toughness. Steel exhibits good plasticity, which means it generally does not suddenly fail due to accidental overloading or localized overloading, but rather shows significant deformation warnings in advance, allowing for corrective actions. Additionally, steel boasts excellent toughness, adapting well to dynamic loads acting on the structure, thereby providing a reliable guarantee for the safe use of steel structures.

③ Material uniformity. In the welding of steel structures, the internal structure of the steel is uniform, with the physical and mechanical properties in all directions being essentially the same, closely resembling an isotropic body. Within a certain stress range, the steel is in an ideal elastic state, aligning well with the basic assumptions used in engineering mechanics, thus ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the calculated results.