Large construction jobs require high-quality building materials for the lot development and foundation stabilization. Also, building foundation, floors, walls, roof, and the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems all require high-quality materials.
Then, there is the whole communication and building security system. Steel pipes and tubing are used in many of these building elements for strength and durability.
Steel pipes come in a wide range of sizes and weights to meet user requirements in commercial building projects.
Advantages of steel as a building material
Steel and stainless steel building elements are known for their strength and cost-effectiveness. These materials are also easy to work with for builders.
The available sizes and diameters of steel pipe products and the weight choices make them popular with commercial builders. Many architects and building contractors look for steel tubing for sale when a project is in the planning stages.
Companies such as Varner Pipe, LLC will be asked to bid on these projects and the steel pipe that is being specified.
Steel is a material that has great strength per weight and is impervious to many environmental conditions. To combat rust in wet or below-grade areas, stainless steel pipe can be used.
Steel pipe does not rot or get eaten by insects and it can slow-building fires down. Stainless steel is also considered biologically inert which makes it safer in many situations.
Uses for steel pipe and tubing
Steel pipes and tubes have many uses including building foundations, plumbing, wall support, roof support, signposts, and bollards.
They are used for bridges, flag poles, docks, gate entrances, fences, and oilfield drilling. Steel is also used for building BBQ pits and smokers. Steel culverts last almost forever.
5 classifications for stainless steel pipes
#1]. Austenitic stainless steel
It is the biggest group of stainless steel products. This stainless steel is made by alloying with enough nickel or manganese and nitrogen to maintain the austenitic microstructure at every temperature. This stainless steel cannot be hardened by heat and has a lower yield strength.
#2]. Ferritic stainless steel
This stainless steel does not contain nickel and costs less to produce. It has a ferritic microstructure like carbon steel. This type of stainless steel contains chromium and is not able to be hardened by heat. They are magnetic.
#3]. Martensitic stainless steel
Martensitic stainless steels offer many properties making them ideal for engineering steels, stainless tool steels and creep resisting steels. This grade of stainless steel comes in 4 categories. They can be heat treated and nitrogen-alloyed.
#4]. Duplex stainless steel
These stainless steels have mixed properties and elements of austenite and ferrite steels. They have almost twice the yield strength of austenitic stainless steel.
#5]. Prescription hardening stainless steels
These steels have resistance to corrosion much like austenitic classifications, but they can be hardened to higher strengths than martensitic grades of steel. These advantages are accomplished with a multi-step process. This stainless steel comes in several types.
In addition to the 5 classifications of stainless steel, there are more than 150 grades of stainless steel, with 15 grades most commonly used. There are several standard finishes to choose from.
The architect or building contractor must be knowledgeable. Stainless steels are chosen based on corrosion resistance, fabrication characteristics, product cost, availability, and mechanical properties.
In addition to steel pipes, steel comes in other forms including plate, sheet, strip, foil, bar, and wire. Steel tubing and pipes need fittings and other hardware to fit them together so there are no leaks or weak places where they are joined. And stainless steel pipes need adequate support for stability.
