Every construction project requires special attention. The builders must make a series of decisions to ensure the long-term stability of the construction. The project typically needs proper planning, efficient engineers, and skilled laborers to transform the blueprint into reality. Out of all of the decisions, choosing the right material takes priority. Many builders weigh structural steel bought from the Steel Dealers and reinforced concrete. A lot of analysis goes into this selection. They may consider the following:

• The cost of the material
• Durability 
• Ease of availability 
• Resistance to high temperatures

Engineers would include but not limit the criteria to the above factors. This post will give an understanding of the differences between structural steel and reinforced concrete.  

Materials used

Let us look at the things that make them both. Structural steel is of two types—Mild carbon and high carbon respective to their composition. The former is mostly used in automobile components and MS chequered plate while the latter is used in building framework and steel pipes. Generally, high-carbon steel contains more than 0.5% of carbon.

Reinforced concrete is a sum of naturally powdered materials, pastes, and other secondary raw materials that go into them. Even though their composition might vary, they would consist of the above materials. They are used along with SAIL TMT Bar to enhance the tensile strength of the whole structure.

Durability and strength

There is no big difference between the strength of both materials. Structural steel would have a minimum strength rating of around 400 MPa (Megapascal) and may go up to 500 MPa. Reinforced steel would have 415 MPa. However, they can contribute only up to 60 MPa on their own. 

Structural steel and reinforced concrete both work well together. Concrete makes the building immune to high compression force at times of natural disasters. The building will stand strong during earthquakes. Structural steel resists strong winds so that the roof would not tear off when there is a storm.

Availability of the materials

Structural steel needs rebars that are available in abundance. You can recycle the components without any loss of their essence. You may be surprised at this fact. Most of the buildings you see today have at least 25% of recycled components. Thus, structural steel is abundant and would not run out of stock that easily. On the other hand, concrete is slightly tricky to get on time. There are still difficulties in streamlining the import-export of the concrete and its transportation.

Cost of the materials   

Given the fact that steel is readily available, it needs a lot of processes to bring it to use. The steel goes through many levels of fabrication to fit the needs of the specific project in question. It tends to increase the cost involved in custom making the steel. It is the reason why MS plate price in chennai is high. But, concrete is a natural substance that requires less processing. They consist of different minerals that are pounded into fine powder. Once all the additions in the material have been made, it is ready for use. All you have to do is add water to it. 

Even though one material gets the upper hand in some criteria, it is always wise to choose material to suit the project. Concrete may be less costly but structural steel offers resistance and durability. Irrespective of their advantages over the other, both the materials must be used in coordination to increase the overall strength of the building.