Tag Archive for: steel construction

Top 10 Structural Steel Marvels Around the World

,

October was last month, and the construction sector had a lot to celebrate with SteelDays (October 17–20) and World Architecture Day (October 2)! To commemorate the hard working people in the steel industry and the incredible structures they create, here is a list of the top 10 structural steel marvels around the world (in no particular order).

1. Burj Khalifa (Dubai, U.A.E)

Towering over the city of Dubai at 2,722 feet, the Burj Khalifa is by far the world’s tallest building. Builders used 31,400 metric tons of steel rebar to construct this skyscraper. Laid end to end, this amount of steel would be equivalent to one-quarter of the earth’s circumference.

The colossal tower has 163 floors, which include restaurants, apartments, and business suites. The building also boasts the tallest elevator shaft in the world, which is open to the public if you’re brave enough to ride to the top.

2. Empire State Building (New York, U.S.A)

Despite being surpassed in height by many other towers, the Empire State Building remains an internationally recognized landmark. Completed in 1931, during the height of the Great Depression, the Empire State Building remained the tallest building in the world for 41 years.

The building’s design changed 16 times during the planning and construction process, but thousands of workers constructed the building in a record one year and 45 days, using 60,000 tons of steel. This distinct skyscraper all but defines the famous New York City skyline.

3. Space Needle (Seattle, U.S.A)

This fun futuristic building in Seattle includes a disc-shaped observation deck that resembles an extraterrestrial ship. Built in 1962 for the World’s Fair and in celebration of the “Space Age”, the Space Needle’s tower measures 605 feet tall, and the saucer observation deck measures 130 feet in diameter.

It is one of the most photographed structures in the world and offers Seattle visitors a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and surrounding Olympic Mountains.

4. Petronas Twin Towers (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

These iconic steel structures are the tallest twin towers in the world. Measuring at 1,483 feet, the Petronas Twin Towers are connected by a bridge on the 41st floor and feature incredible views of the city.

While the towers are primarily made of concrete, the glass and stainless steel exteriors are arranged in a traditionally Islamic eight-pointed design, which has solidified the structure’s reputation as an iconic Malaysian monument.

5. Brooklyn Bridge (New York, U.S.A)

Located in New York City, connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge deserves a place among the top 10 as it was the very first steel-wire suspension bridge built in 1869.

The steel was so thick and the construction so challenging that it actually took a decade to complete. This bridge is one of the most recognizable bridges in the country and has become synonymous with its city of origin.

6. The Sydney Harbor Bridge (Sydney, Australia)

In addition to the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbor Bridge all but defines this Australian city. The Sydney Harbor Bridge is the largest steel arch bridge in the world, measuring 440 feet in height and 1,650 feet in length. The bridge officially opened in 1932 and features four railroad tracks, a highway, and two pedestrian walkways.

7. The Chrysler Building (New York, U.S.A)

New York City is simply full of structural steel icons! In addition to the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building is a legendary landmark in the New York City skyline.

Measuring 1,046 feet, the Chrysler Building was the tallest building in the world in 1929; but the title was shortheld, as it was surpassed by the Empire State Building in 1931. While this building is not made entirely of steel, the iconic steel framework defines this structure and is easily recognizable as a staple of New York City architecture.

8. Sears Tower (Chicago, U.S.A)

The Willis Tower (formerly and commonly known as the Sears Tower) was built in Chicago for the Sears Roebuck and Company. During the height of its sales as the world’s largest retailer, Sears decided to build 3 million square feet of office space to accommodate its 13,000 employees.

The 1,454-foot-tall steel building attracts over a million tourists each year and has the world’s highest occupiable floor as well as the highest roof deck; in fact, you can see four states from the deck.

9. The Gateway Arch (St. Louis, U.S.A)

The tallest arch in the world, the Gateway Arch, sits on the west bank of the Mississippi River and reflects St. Louis’ role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the 19th century.

Measuring at 630 feet in both height and width, this unique experience features two trams where visitors can take a short tram ride to the overlook at the top of the arch. The Museum of Westward Expansion is at the base of the arch and shows what life was like during the 1800s.

10. Beijing National Stadium (Beijing, China)

The Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, is the world’s largest steel structure. The design, which drew inspiration from traditional Chinese ceramics, had to be both impressive and useful in order to withstand Beijing’s earthquake-prone activity. Over 100,000 tons of steel were used to create this stadium, which now holds a capacity of 91,000 and can withstand a seismic magnitude of 8.

Leaders in Steel Manufacturing

Being an AISC-certified steel fabricator, we take great pride in using steel as our main material for manufacturing and construction. We’re known to offer our clients high-grade, durable materials perfect for various bridge projects and needs.

Contact us for a free estimate, or use our industry-leading Bridgescope tool to begin planning your project now!

Exploring the Exposed Steel at Globe Life Field

,
alt=""

The new home of the Texas Rangers, Globe Life Field, is an architectural masterpiece. Since its opening in 2020, the field has become an icon of downtown Arlington. Given the size, scope, and vision of the entire project, it is no surprise that exposed steel was its chosen material.

Globe Life Field’s Architectural Magnificence

Construction for Globe Life Field began in 2017 and took 38 months to complete. Manhattan Construction Company served as a general contractor for the massive project which incorporates 34,000 tons of steel. 15,000 tons of steel were utilized below the roof and 19,000 tons were devoted to the stadium’s state-of-the-art retractable roof.

 In fact, this retractable roof is the largest of its kind and consists of two rail truss structures; the movable portion and the two fixed roofs.

The construction of the roof used various construction methods. Such as the ground-built 600-ton roof trusses hoisted into place using a 2,535-ton-capacity Manitowoc 31000— the largest crawler crane ever built in the United States. 

In addition, W&W Steel Erectors (WWSE) designed, fabricated, and installed temporary shoring towers, allowing for the long-span trusses and the entire roof to be built from the inside of the field.

Engineered with a Vision

The Texas Rangers pictured a field where fans were as close as possible, and architect HKS designed multiple seating options. All with unobstructed views of the field comprised of seven tiers vertically stacked and leading to seven unique front-row experiences.

“It’s all about intimacy and making the spectators part of the game,” said Greg Whittemore, principal at HKS.

Due to facing the challenge of supporting multiple elevated seating decks and suites above the lower bowl, the engineering group, Walter P Moore had to employ multi-story cantilevered steel trusses concealed within each suite divider. In doing so, it eliminated the need for columns as well as any chance of an obstructed view.

Steel’s Use in the Field

The flexibility of steel allowed for more than just concealing support beams, it also allowed for unique asymmetric steel Y-columns in order to make up for insufficient space. The initial concept envisioned connecting two adjacent suites. However, this would have been at the expense of disrupting the flow of the crowd between the suites.

Shruti Sharma, principal at Walter P Moore, explained that traditional straight columns would have punched right through the lower seating, leaving some seats unusable. By angling the support behind the lower bowl seating, the columns support the party suites from below. This ensures connectivity in the party suites and uses all seats in the lower bowl.

The exposed steel throughout the stadium is practical, but it also creates an incredible view. Walter P Moore and HKS intended for a steel support element for the east box truss at the south side of the venue. In doing so, it creates a signature sloping steel truss column that slices through the seating bowl, creating a dramatic structural feature.

The practicality of this amazing view helps reduce the span of the fixed roof truss to 520 ft from 650 ft.

The Need for Exposed Steel

Walter P Moore credits the flexibility of steel with making all of this possible. The strength, durability, and ductility of steel also give it a unique aesthetic, unlike any other modern ballpark. The exposed structural steel creates an impression that emulates historic ballparks from the past.

Flexibility and durability aren’t the only things that make steel so great for construction. Its lightweight nature makes it a versatile tool for various projects and its sustainable properties save companies thousands.

The Power of Steel at U.S. Bridge

The flexibility of steel proved itself throughout the construction of the ballpark, and in many more projects. As an AISC certified steel fabricator, we are proud to manufacture and build with steel as our primary medium. All of our bridges are manufactured with high-quality, long-lasting materials that are available in a variety of design and support types.

To find out more about U.S. Bridge and our work, please contact us today.

Recycled Steel in Construction

,

Steel is one of the most popular construction materials available. It’s non-flammable and a better choice in areas that might be prone to earthquakes or other natural disasters as it is less likely to warp. It is also stable enough to sustain high winds, which makes it a great option for areas that are often affected by hurricanes.

In fact, it is one of the most durable construction materials available. But its strength and long life span isn’t the only important thing about steel. Its sustainable features make recycled steel one of the best materials available for construction projects.

How it Works

One of steel’s best features is that it can be recycled. In fact, over 90% of a steel building or fixture can be recycled and reused for another project. This is a far higher recycling rate than other common building materials, like concrete or wood. As a result, the steel industry has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 36% in the past 30 years.

Recycling steel is fairly easy. The steel is magnetically separated from other materials and then shipped to steel mills or other factors for recycling. It is then melted down and recreated into the manufacturer’s desired molds. In 2019, recycled steel accounted for about 600 million tons of all steel produced.

The primary issue when recycling steel is identifying and separating different steel grades from one another during demolition. According to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, there are 316 different grades of steel.

Why Recycled Steel

The majority of construction demolition are heavy bulk wastes like concrete which are generally downcycled into general fill. However, many companies are seeing the benefits of using sustainable materials like steel instead of or in pair with concrete.

Nowadays, ninety-three percent of all steel used in construction projects is recycled. Why? Because it poses many benefits for companies as well as the environment including reducing waste by diverting it from landfills and back into other projects.

  • It reduces waste and is eco-friendly. One major benefit of reusing steel from buildings and structures is that beams, columns, and other structural pieces can be used without having to be re-melted or processed. Scrap pieces of steel, on the other hand, can be melted down and made into something new. In fact, 98 percent of a building’s steel is recycled back into other steel projects after the building’s life-cycle ends.
  • It retains its quality. Steel’s quality is not compromised, even after it’s recycled. Reusing steel doesn’t degrade the products’ strength or value and it has a great weight capacity.
  • It saves money. While recycled steel is no different in quality than new steel, it is however cheaper. Its lightweight nature means less use of heavyweight equipment and lifts. Additionally, builders save money on maintenance and repair due to steel’s long life span and durability.

When construction projects have the chance to cost millions of dollars, saving on one of your primary building materials is a huge win. Plus, it conserves primary resources and raw materials by using recycled components.

U.S. Bridge & Recycled Steel

U.S. Bridge prides itself on building structures that last. Construction plays a major impact on a country’s environment including its carbon footprint. Steel is a great material to consider in any project.

We’re confident our durable steel bridges will withstand the pressure and be around for decades. To discover what our professional team can do for your next project, please contact us. Or use our new interactive tool the Bridge Scope to determine your project’s scope today.

World Architecture Day 2021

, ,

Not many people would think of architecture as a vital part of society but it is! It changes the world we live in so many ways. And that’s why it has its own day of celebration. Architecture Day is about recognizing its importance and the work of architects around the world.

What is Architecture Day

Created in 1985 by the International Union of Architects (UIA), World Architecture Day is an international day of architectural recognition and appreciation.

Architects, engineers, developers, and others in the industry come together in various events around the world to showcase their work, collaborate with others, and discuss current issues. Each year is a new theme to highlight areas of concern within the industry or other important topics. This year’s theme, “clean environment for a healthy world”, is inspired by the events of Covid-19.

The Power of Architecture

There are many architectural designs you’ve probably heard of like the Parthenon or Stonehenge. And although buildings and other structures give us a form of protection, how else does it impact our society?

Initially, the climate, location, and resources available dictated the shape and style of a building. However, as time progressed and technology advanced architecture began to evolve as also a representation of culture. It reflects a country’s society, values, and history. A great example of this is Russia’s famous Chapel of Saint Basil. For example, the color and design of the chapel actually hold religious meaning and represent the Heavenly City. Additionally, the nine dome-shaped structures symbolize the assault on the city of Kazan which occurred years before its construction.

Not only can it reflect a country’s past but it is also essential to planning the future. Architecture has the ability to sustain population growth and tackle a number of social problems. In fact, many psychologists are studying how architecture can affect people‘s brains. Research actually shows that the layout and color of a building contribute towards occupant health, mood, and productivity. However, blank concrete buildings can increase stress levels and negativity. To combat this, many new architectural designs include nature or greenery to positively stimulate the brain as well as the environment.

Architecture is more than just a building. It plays an essential role in a country’s society and greatly affects the people around it. Maybe next time you look at architecture you’ll perceive it as more than just a structure but as a work of art. 

Build with U.S. Bridge

At U.S. Bridge we understand the important role bridges play in a country’s economics and success. That’s why you want to work with a well-trusted company with advanced engineering and manufacturing skills. We’re here to help you from the beginning of your project until the end. Get a quote from us for your next bridge project or learn more about our designs.

Construction Industry Leaders: The U.S. Bridge Difference

, ,

Although there are various manufacturing companies across the country, their products and services do not include what we like to call the U.S. Bridge difference. In fact, U.S. Bridge is the oldest company in the United States to be engaged exclusively in the manufacture and erection of structural steel bridges for secondary highways under the same family ownership and management. Our great skill and quality have earned us a reputation as construction leaders in our industry.

Our Services

With over 80 years of working with companies all over the world, we know how to work in various situations and budgets. Our services include project scoping, engineering, renderings, fabrication, shipping, erection, and more. We offer services and direct communication with every step of the project.

In addition, our manufacture of Advanced Bridges (ABR) is certified by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). AISC certifications are familiar to ISO standards but are specifically directed to steel fabrication. So clients can feel confident that they are receiving the best quality materials.

In fact, our permanent galvanized bridges come closer to achieving the new United States federal guidelines for a 100-year service life than any other permanent steel or concrete bridge design.

Our Difference

After successfully fabricating and installing over 3,000 bridges in Ohio, we began to expand our business. In 1987 our services extended outside of Ohio and eventually all across the country. This was when we adopted the name U.S. Bridge to demonstrate our national sphere of operations. Today we are known as construction leaders and our bridges stand in nearly all states within the U.S. as well as in Canada, Central, and South America.

Three important factors contribute to our success. First, the founder of U.S. Bridge was an engineer. From the very beginning, the creation and design of U.S. Bridge were to fit all infrastructural needs with meticulous detail. And unlike many steel bridge manufacturers, we have always maintained our own staff of engineers. This provides a great advantage of trust, speed, and affordability by removing out the middleman.

Second, not only do we fabricate bridges around the world but we also assemble our local bridges with our own employees and equipment. Once the materials ship our team assists in its assembly taking away the stress and saving time for clients. The direct communication provided in each phase of the project is what attracts many clients.

Third, the combination of design, manufacture, and erection enables us to produce more innovations than any other bridge company. This unique arrangement allows us to offer a customizable experience for our clients.

In addition to our certified quality and great communication, we also present more affordable and rapid bridge assembly. We offer prefabricated bridges that allow the use of fewer trucks and small cranes. This saves clients money and essential project time. Not to mention, our group of small, multi-skilled bridge crews (typically 3-4 welders/carpenters/operators) can achieve steel assembly in less than 7 days.

Industry Leaders

Our speed and skills are recognized and often utilized in emergency situations. We often receive requests from companies or cities all around the world for our bride designs.

As construction leaders, we have the title of first in various innovations within our industry. A few years ago we produced one of the longest bridges in Africa– a one-kilometer long bridge in Mafia Island, Tanzania.

In addition, our projects include building the first:

  • 100% hot-dip galvanized truss bridge
  • domestic truss bridge with a 35-year warranty against corrosion
  • computer-designed steel truss bridge
  • panel bridge designed that meets all U.S. permanent specifications
  • all-welded Warren truss (without rivets)
  • truss to be fully assembled in a factory
  • all-welded deck components fully prepared in a factory

Our innovations and experience explain why we surpass our opposition.

Working with U.S. Bridge

When you choose U.S. Bridge, you’ll be working with bridge engineering and construction experts in every step.  With such a full-service solution, it’s easy to see why U.S. Bridge is often the top choice for developers and contractors. Contact us today to start the process or get a quick scope with our exclusive Bridgescope tool!

Once you’ve met our team and reviewed our work up close, it’ll be easy to see why U.S. Bridge is the right choice for your next project.

What Does a Bridge Engineer Do?

, ,

Bridges play a key role in our lives by connecting our communities, promoting commerce travels, and contributing to our country’s economic development. But who designs these bridges and what does a bridge engineer do?

Bridge Engineers

Bridge Engineers are civil engineers responsible for designing and building bridges and other highway-related structures. Typical tasks for bridge engineers include designing and maintaining bridge structures, minimizing environmental impact, and supervising the fabrication process. As well as completing site investigations, data collection, identifying environmental risks, analyzing manufacturing processes, supervising construction, and more.

Although the exact duties of a bridge engineer may differ, it’s safe to say they’ll always play a critical role in any bridge construction project.

Designing and maintaining a bridge is no easy task. That’s why bridge engineers are required to have skills such as analytical thinking, leadership, supervisory skills, organization, and creativity. Not to mention, time management and budgeting skills which are essential for projects with restricted time or resources.

Bridge Engineering: It’s All About The Details

Meetings & Details

Naturally, the first part of any construction project is understanding the full scope. This meeting typically covers topics and details such as bridge series and styles, special enhancements or treatments, railing criteria, etc. This will help the bridge engineer to draw up some preliminary sketches of the bridge’s general framing plan, bridge geometry, and basic construction.

These designs help illustrate the bridge and prepare the project for its next step.

Digital Renderings

One of the most powerful tools for bridge engineers to utilize is technology. Bridge engineers will often use computers to create virtual models to assist in visualizing a project. This helps the team picture the visual impacts of the bridge to any given site as well as the aesthetic qualities. Our bridge engineers are able to model your proposed bridge over a digital terrain model or incorporate it into photos of your existing site.

This aspect is extremely useful, especially if a construction project requires models to help stakeholders buy-in or make a sale.

Final Process

Once a commitment has been made, the design process officially begins and a team is assigned. The project engineer analyzes the proposed bridge including the specified design loads and appropriate load factors, along with applying numerous code checks. Eventually, the bridge engineer begins to sketch the design details and information for the designer. These sketches convey all the information previously discussed and finalized.

The engineer will also markup the general notes and list the design assumptions and pertinent bridge data onto the title sheet.

Part of this process involves reviewing the design calculations and construction plans to verify the scope and specifications. Also checked is the plan content to ensure it reflects the engineer’s design intent and that no conflicts exist and that no omissions have occurred. The final step before submittal is usually the application of the Professional Engineer’s seal and signature.

Designed for Success at U.S. Bridge

At U.S. Bridge, we’ve been engineering and building bridges for over 80 years. Our engineers have the skills and experience to build bridges in many different styles and sizes to fit the needs of your project. Find out more about how U.S. Bridge has everything you need to make your project a success.

Contact us for a free quote or check our exclusive Bridge Scope tool to start building your project today.

What is Modular Construction for Bridges

, ,

At the start of any construction project, you have to ask what materials and method would best accomplish your goal. You’ve probably come across modular bridge construction and you’ve wondered what is it and should you consider it.

We’ve created a brief introduction to modular construction and its benefits to bridge design.

Modular Construction

Modular construction is any construction that is built in a controlled environment, typically a factory, and later installed on-site. The popularity of modular construction is increasingly rising due to its various advantages such as speed, flexibility, and customization.

Modular construction, sometimes known as prefabricated construction, is built with the same materials and similar methods as regular construction, but often comes with additional features unique to prefabrication. For example, since they are manufactured in a controlled environment modular construction has the advantage of ensured quality.

In addition, because it takes place simultaneously in a factory and on-site, modular construction can be completed in half the time of traditional construction. This rapid construction phase and versatility allow them to be used in various situations.

The combination of ensured quality, speed, and flexibility is why modular construction is often considered a durable and efficient option for builders.

The Benefits of Modular Bridges

Modular bridges are relatively modern and thus have many misconceptions. Despite popular belief, modular bridges do not require the use of already premade sections of limited sizing and options. The great thing about modular bridges is their customization and flexibility.

Every modular bridge is specifically designed custom to your project and design. This customization process makes it a preferred and sometimes even, required option for some bridge projects.

Not to mention, since most of the bridge is premade in a safe environment, the likelihood of weather delays or traffic disruption is significantly decreased. Additionally, it provides workers with safer and more comfortable working conditions. Thus modular bridges offer easy and effective project management. It’s an ideal option for any construction project with time or budget constraints.

Build your Next Bridge with U.S. Bridge

As an industry leader in bridge manufacturing and engineering, we’ve built solutions that can be utilized for any bridge project. We’ve developed Bridge Kits, a DIY solution for accelerated bridge construction that is engineered, designed, manufactured, and galvanized per AISC certifications.

We work with environmentally friendly materials to build strong, long-lasting bridges. Coupled with extensive experience, our team designs, and manufactures high-quality bridges custom to your project.

We’ve been engineering bridges for decades. If you’d like to know more about our Bridge Kits and accelerated bridge construction, please contact us for a free quote or use our exclusive bridge design tool Bridge Scope today.

Earth Day: Reducing Environmental Impact of Construction

, ,
Earth Day: Environmental Impact of Construction

It’s no surprise that construction has a huge impact on the environment. Although many structures can not be built sustainably today, we should still try to reduce our environmental footprint for tomorrow. However, you may be surprised to find how easy it is to reduce the environmental impact of construction, especially bridge construction!

Here are some ways bridge construction can reduce environmental impact, and ways U.S. Bridge aims to build sustainable, eco-friendly bridges.

Use Sustainable Materials

Steel Bridge

This easily adaptable material is a popular choice for many bridges due to its affordability, strength, and positive environmental impact. The great thing about steel is that it is both lightweight and incredibly durable. Its lightweight means that often, no cranes or large machinery is needed for steel construction — thus less invasion on surrounding environments.

Steel’s enduring nature guarantees it can withstand large amounts of weight which is why it can be used for any construction project. And as added bonus, the weight of steel makes installation easier by keeping road disruption at a minimum.

Steel’s Environmental Benefits

One of the best parts about steel is that it is the most recyclable material in the world.

Almost all steel construction incorporates recycled steel, which has proven its strength as equivalent to virgin steel. Its popularity and eco-friendly status are often why steel is considered affordable for many project builders. Additionally, builders save money on maintenance and repair due to steel’s long life span, as it does not degrade over time as quickly as other materials.

Plastic Bridges

Many countries around the world are striving to reduce their environmental impact within their industry. From this idea, construction companies are testing the effectiveness of using recycled plastic to construct a bridge.

Located in Scotland, the Easter Dawyck Bridge is the longest in the world built using recycled plastic. This completely recyclable bridge was constructed by recycling over 100,00 lbs. of waste and can hold the weight of vehicles up to 88,000 lbs.

The Easter Dawyck Bridge wielded great results as the recycled material is both light and extremely durable. Reports indicate that it does not corrode, does not rust, does not require painting nor any form of treatment or maintenance.

There are many benefits to using recycled plastics in road applications such as reduced energy consumption, reduced waste to landfills, and alleviating the need for use of creating new materials for future projects. However, there is still much uncertainty about the performance and long-term durability of recycled plastic bridges with different traffic loading and environmental conditions.

So why don’t we see more recycled bridges? Its biggest obstacle is the high price tag that comes with making it. That’s why U.S. Bridge sticks with steel.

Environmentally-Friendly Construction Methods

Just using sustainable materials isn’t enough. Take the step further and ensure that you are incorporating environmentally-friendly methods in bridge construction processes.

Develop a green design that considers the long-term impact of the bridge, along with the economic aspects, to ensure that the positive benefits can be maintained over the long term. This means that you should consider the environmental issues and conditions that can arise during its lifespan, construction phase, and maintenance.

Ask yourself if you are doing all you can to limit the effect of stormwater and other runoff? What steps can you take to better manage construction waste? Partner with other companies that may use your leftover products so that nothing goes to waste.

Accelerated Bridge Construction and Bridge Kits

An easy way to reduce your environmental impact in bridge construction is with accelerated bridge construction. The installation and construction process of a bridge consumes large amounts of fuel, increases exhaust emissions, incurs traffic delays, and affects pavement performance. Using accelerated bridge kits to quickly build a safe and dependable bridge will significantly cut the environmental footprint of the project. Not to mention, it saves builders time during the installation phase of construction.

Building with an Impact at U.S. Bridge

Here at U.S. Bridge, we believe in building bridges that positively affect the community and that will last decades. That’s why we offer a wide selection of prefabricated bridges specifically designed for your project. We work directly with companies around the world — without middlemen — to engineer, manufacture, and construct steel bridges.

If you would like to know more about our construction process or bridge design feel free to contact us. Also, check out our exclusive bridge scope tool designed to provide a free quote in just five minutes!

Why Steel is the Best Galvanized Metal for Construction

Steel Is The Best Galvanized Metal

Naturally, everyone wants to use the best material available when building something that will last for decades. That’s why more people are choosing galvanized steel for construction. Steel is the best galvanized metal for construction, and there are many reasons why.

Galvanized steel has all of the advantages that steel construction already has, plus the added benefit of protection from the galvanization process. Today, we’ll breakdown some of the main reasons to use galvanized steel in bridge construction.

What is Galvanized Metal?

What exactly is a galvanized metal? Galvanization is a process that protects metal by submerging it in molten zinc, thus adding a protective layer. The first benefit of galvanized metal is its known attribute of preventing future corrosion and thus ensuring less future maintenance.

As such, in the long run, businesses and governments are saving money by keeping their steel galvanized and protected. In addition, the galvanization process is environmentally-friendly and resistant to weather conditions. It’s beneficial for long-term durability and versatility.

Repairing worn-out bridges is time-consuming, expensive, and a hassle. However, galvanizing metal before installing the bridge helps to avoid this issue, especially if the metal is steel.

The Best Galvanized Metal for Construction is Steel

Any metal can be used for galvanization, though iron and steel are the most common. However, for construction, the best material is steel. Galvanized steel construction comes with all the natural benefits of steel, plus the added advantages of a galvanized material.

Steel is an effective material used frequently in construction due to its affordability, durability, and sustainability.

Affordability: Steel provides builders some expense cuts for their project budget. Its lightweight nature means less use of heavyweight equipment and lifts. Additionally, builders save money on maintenance and repair due to steel’s long life span and durability.

Durability: Although steel isn’t as heavy as other materials, such as concrete, it by no means diminishes its strength. Lightweight steel proves time and time again that it can handle a multitude of weight. That’s why it is often used in construction for railroads, bridges, and other infrastructure.

Sustainability: Steel is one of the most recyclable materials in the world. Very often the materials used for steel construction will come from recycled steel. However, this does not make it any less durable. Recycled steel’s strength and resilience is equivalent to new steel products.

Rely on the Experts in Bridge Construction

In our decades of experience, we’ve built bridges in over 50 countries around the world. We design bridges with the highest quality steel, custom-built to fit your needs.

Not only are we leaders in bridge design, engineering, and manufacturing, but we also are on-site at every bridge construction to oversee the process. No middlemen, just long-lasting steel bridges.

U.S. Bridge’s team of dedicated experts ensures bridges are made to fit your custom needs and is engineered to last for decades. Contact us today or try out our exclusive bridge scope tool for a quick proposal!