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The Role of Stainless Steel Profiles in Structural Engineering

Stainless steel profiles are used in a range of industries and applications to provide strength, structural support, and durability. There are a variety of different profiles that suit various purposes, and these profiles offer numerous structural engineering advantages.

An introduction to stainless steel

Stainless steel is a durable, long-lasting non-ferrous alloy made of chromium, iron, and usually, nickel. Other elements, such as titanium, manganese and molybdenum can be added to stainless steel profiles to increase heat resistance, improve anti-corrosive properties, and add extra strength. Stainless steel is either hot or cold rolled. Cold rolled steel is the stronger option as there’s no heat used in the manufacturing process, so there’s no risk of fractures during cooling.

At SPS, you’ll find a wide range of stainless steel, including ferritic,austenitic, and martensitic grades as well as nickel, duplex and super duplex alloys. These different grades and alloys can be used in everything from the manufacturing of surgical instruments to oil and gas pipelines.

 

Properties of stainless steel

Stainless steel profiles have numerous advantageous properties due to the nature of the metal. Stainless steel is extremely durable, has a high tensile strength, and is resistant to corrosion. It is also temperature resistant to both hot and cold, is long lasting so it requires little maintenance, and is environmentally friendly as it can be recycled. Additionally, stainless steel profiles can be polished or left dull, making them an aesthetically pleasing option.

Advantages and disadvantages of using stainless steel profiles in structural engineering

 

As with any material used in construction or industrial environments, stainless steel profiles have pros and cons when used in structural engineering.

Pros

  • Stainless steel profiles are extremely reliable as they are consistent and uniform in their strength-to-weight ratio. 
  • The ductility and tensile strength of stainless steel profiles provide excellent support and stability in a range of applications. 
  • The corrosion-resistant properties ensure that structures are not compromised by wear and tear, rust, cracking, or decay.
  • The lightweight nature of stainless steel decorative profiles makes them easy to incorporate, even in the case of an extension.
  • Stainless steel profile cutting can ensure that the exact specifications required for a structural engineering job are available. Precise cuts ensure that there’s no structural weakness due to profiles requiring add ons to fit or accommodate certain designs.

Cons

 

  • If stainless steel profiles are subjected to too much pressure, they will buckle and cause a structure to collapse. 
  • Although stainless steel stands up to hot and cold temperatures well, its strength is significantly compromised in a fire. If a fire reaches 400ºC, stainless steel becomes subject to creep that leads to deformations and deflections. Therefore, the cost of fireproofing stainless steel in structures can be higher than when this material is not in use.
  • Steel is an excellent conductor of heat, so in the case of a fire it may transmit enough heat to another area, causing the fire to spread.

 

Due to its strength, ductility, and aesthetic appeal, stainless steel is used in countless applications in structural engineering. It can be used in oil and gas pipelines, in beams, columns and supports in industrial and commercial environments, and in nuclear, chemical, and food and beverage industries. It plays an integral role in the supportive structure of bridges, barriers, offshore platforms and walkways, seawalls, piers, and other structures that withstand the elements, and it’s also used to reinforce concrete, curtain walls, tunnel linings and even swimming pool linings. Additionally, stainless steel decorative profiles are a popular option for architectural structures that require stability or reinforcing that’s aesthetically pleasing, too.

Applications of stainless steel in structural engineering

Due to its strength, ductility, and aesthetic appeal, stainless steel is used in countless applications in structural engineering.

It can be used in oil and gas pipelines, in beams, columns and supports in industrial and commercial environments, and in nuclear, chemical, and food and beverage industries. It plays an integral role in the supportive structure of bridges, barriers, offshore platforms and walkways, seawalls, piers, and other structures that withstand the elements, and it’s also used to reinforce concrete, curtain walls, tunnel linings and even swimming pool linings. Additionally, stainless steel decorative profiles are a popular option for architectural structures that require stability or reinforcing that’s aesthetically pleasing, too.

The stainless steel profiles for your structural needs

Stainless steel profiles can play an integral role in structural engineering by creating support and stability under pressure. SPS stocks a wide range of stainless steel and nickel alloy plates in a variety of lengths, widths, and thicknesses to ensure we can accommodate your needs. We also offer stainless steel profile cutting and accept custom orders on request.

Posted by Killian Ward
12th December 2023

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