Finite Element Analysis of a Pedestrian Steel Arch Bridge - Dissertation Example

What is steel? We are aware that there are thousands of different kinds of steel. We know there is no one material called steel, just as there is no one material called plastic. Steel is the general name given to a large family of alloys of iron with carbon and a variety of different elements. The properties of steel vary based on even small differences in the composition of the steel which can have a dramatic effect on its properties. The properties of the steel can also be modified by different mechanical and heat treatments.

This very attribute of steel leads us to understand why is steel so versatile, keeping in view the range of products and usages Steel has and the broad horizon it covers. Why steel is so versatile? Steel is such a versatile material because we can adjust its composition and internal structure to tailor its properties. So we can produce a steel for paperclips, a steel for bridges, thin strips of steel for razor blades and large beams for columns and skyscrapers. Different mechanical and heat processes can modify this structure.

We will then look at some examples that illustrate how changing the composition and structure of steel can result in different properties – making the steel suitable for a particular purpose. 2. Why Steel? Structural steel has distinct capabilities compared with other construction materials such as reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, timber and brickwork. In most structures it is used in combination with other materials. Weathering steel Weathering steels or weather resistant (WR) steels are colloquial terms used to describe structural steels with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance