Structural Steel Career Guide and Counseling

Question: Structural Steel? can anyone give me some information on structural steel for low rise and medium rise structures? all the sites on the net are advertising their products rather than telling me what it does

Answer: Structural steel is a mild steel that contains from 0.2 to 0.4% carbon . (Structural must not be too hard in case it fractures or too soft in case it bends). Less than this it becomes soft steel as used in tin plate etc and increasing to 0.6% it becomes hard steel as used in axles, rails etc.

Question: In-situ, precast concrete and structural steel for concstruction of low and medium rise framed structures? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using precast concrete, in-situ concrete and structural steel? Also does anyone know where I could get some more information on this. like a case study or something?

Answer: Depends on the circumstances. Steel frames can be erected quickly on site but may have long lead time, be inflexible and require secondary fire protection. Prices are currently high. In-situ concrete has some of the disadvantages of steel such as lead times and lack of flexibility (once production starts) but can be quick on site, has in-built fire protection and can have higher thermal mass - helping to regulate building temperature. Precast concrete requires a lot more site work but can more easily accomodate late design changes and irregular frameworks. Its good in fire, has thermal mass and modern formwork systems can increase productivity. Timber framing is also an option for low to medium rise buidings. I've linked some websites of trade bodies which I think have the examples and case studies that you are looking for.

Question: Book on basics of structural steel construction? I have been working in the construction industry for a few years, mostly with concrete. I am about to be launched into a role heavily involved with structural steel, but have little experience with steel. Can anyone recommend a book that would familiarize me with the basics, i.e. materials, methods of erection, tools used, etc?

Answer: Check the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). They have books pertaining to design, construction, scheduling, estimating, and project management of steel construction. Also, if you are willing to drop about $100 on a fantastic textbook, there is one titled "Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods." I used it for a course in college and still use it as a reference guide. Hope this helps!

Question: what is the cost of light gauge cold formed galvanized structural steel house .p/sft.for covered area 3000sft? I want to compare the cost for conventianal and cold formed construction.I have heared it is cheaper .I want to introduce this technology for earth quake area.secondly structural steel frame with composit wall and roof panel are though cheaper but have less life .so pl inform the cost ,rough ,for getting an idea.

Answer: www.steel.org can give you a place to start, you're really looking for what I think is called the structural steel framing alliance. Manufacturers of light gage steel framing include Clark and Dietrich, looking for those companies will also give you some leads. However, I am not aware of it being galvanized, as you say. It might be made from continuously galvanized sheet steel, but that is not the same as hot dip galvanized. Really that doesn't matter much because the steel is behind a wall, not exposed to moisture. Finally, the cost of steel framed housing is slightly more than wood. If it were cheaper it wouldn't have an industry alliance behind promoting the use. That is based on my recollection, I can't point you to any specific documents on the cost being slightly more.

Question: What is the rustproofing method for structural steel that uses a foam-like substance? A brand name or ingredient will do. My construction company will use it on an existing indoor steel structure. Thanks!

Answer: There are many different polyurethane treatments, If there is a need for cosmetic application there is a "powder coating" and galvanization treatment with polyatomic atoms that act similar to a platted (chrome/nickle) look and corrosion resistant There are a wide variety check out 3M or Dow. Also chrome in a can will work if there is any heat issues( ceramic coating)

Question: how can one prepare structural steel construction technalogies? now i am doing clerical job in civil structural steel construction field.I am interested to learn the technalogies of basic knowledge of fabrication and erection of structural steel fabrication and erection.

Answer: read a steel manufacurer's stock book and look up a glossary of terms used in the industry. or look at steel web site with the terms.

Question: Will Jet Fuel Burn At Such A High Temperature To Liquify Structural Steel? I am not asking for answers like 'Jet fuel can weaken structural steel by 50%-60%, which led to the fall of the World Trade Centre in 9/11.' The reason behind asking this question is because it is reported that liquified steel was seen dripping from the building. So i want to know what caused to steel to liquify in a matter of minutes. Please do not give 'crappy' answers to this questions.

Answer: Steel melts at around 2500 degrees F. To have it melt and drip and stay a liquid while it drips requires even more heat. Wikipedia reports that the maximum temp of jet fuel burning is 1796 degrees F.

Question: how to do the marketing for structural steel designing & detailing business in USA? hi i want to know how to do the marketing for designing & detailing of structural steel.

Answer: This is an excellent book for anyone marketing a service or starting any business http://astore.amazon.com/mwer-20/detail/0471783935/103-6324135-9835818

Question: Can someone explain the structural steel beam designation LB21x120? There are no W,S or M shapes that are 21x120. Is this a custom designation? I cannot find a reference to LB in the Manual of Steel Construction.

Answer: It is what is called a "historical shape" as designated by AISC and probably dates back to the earlier 20th century (1920s). It is a beam 21 inches deep by 120 lbs/linear foot.

Question: How do I determine elastic modulus of structural steel? Tensile Strength KSI is: 58 (Grade B) or 62 (Grade C). Yield Strength 46 (B) or 50 (C) and % Elong on 2" 23 (B) and 21 (C). If that helps.

Answer: You have to look it up, maybe start with Matweb. This is a stress/strain, so the actual data curve is needed to give the data. A lot of structual steel can be a A36, meaning a 36ksi yield.