Why Construction Sector Has A Big Demand For Stainless Steel
The construction industry is a trillion-dollar business and represents one of the primary commercial sectors in the world. Demand for stainless steel has also risen in the market, with reports stating its value at over $111 billion in 2019 and $100 billion in 2020. One of the main reasons behind the growth of the stainless steel market is the upsurge of its use in the construction sector.
Steel alloys fulfilled the dire need for a reliable and flexible metal in the construction sector. Ductile iron revolutionized the building industry and allowed for feats of architecture that would have previously been impossible. Stainless steel has maintained its hold on the industry ever since and has steadily risen in popularity over the years.
Stainless steel in the construction sector
Stainless steel is an alloy achieved by mixing a variety of raw metals together. The primary metals involved in this integration are iron ore, nickel, chromium, carbon and silicon. Multiple other elements can also be used in the fusion of an alloy to develop different types of steel. The construction industry, in particular, favors a particular alternative known as Austenitic stainless steel, which offers higher resistance to corrosion.
Availability is one of the primary reasons stainless steel is widely used in the construction industry. Companies like Fast Metal in Ohio, for instance, can provide high volumes of stainless steel within a short period. Clients can visit https://fastmetals.com/pages/stainless_steel and browse through a wide variety of options available. Such accessibility proves very beneficial when handling major projects.
The two primary stainless steel grades used in construction are 304L and 316L. The former is the more common of the two, but contractors sometimes opt for 316L in special circumstances. Buildings erected within harsh and potentially corrosive environments, for example, can be boosted by 316L – which has a higher resistance against corrosion.
The reasons behind the demand for stainless steel
A majority of modern buildings around the world feature stainless steel in their construction. According to Grand View Research, the alloy is expected to exhibit a 6.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2020 and 2027. This growth rate depicts a steady rise in the demand for steel. There are multiple reasons that this demand has risen in recent times. Some include:
Eco-friendly incentives - Stainless steel represents one of the more environmentally friendly materials available in the industry. The alloy is 100% recyclable and its production doesn’t involve any toxic run-offs. A large volume of steel products today have been manufactured from scrap metal.
Many companies in construction are making a concerted effort to convert their ventures into green operations. This is due to the multiple incentives available by effectively lowering an organization’s carbon footprint. Implementing eco-friendly applications allows for an improved public image, tax breaks and other financial incentives.
Reliability – The primary characteristics of stainless steel, including its high levels of strength, durability and ductility, make it ideal for a variety of construction needs. Its unique high resistance towards corrosion is especially important when erecting buildings such as chemical plants or oil rigs. Most alternatives will require expensive maintenance or deteriorate in a short time.
Adding stainless steel to any architectural design arguably strengthens the overall build of the structure. This alloy has experienced the test of time and as a result, it has developed a reputation for being highly reliable.
Adaptability and use – The malleability of stainless steel makes it adaptable to different needs and it can be used in the design of various architectural frameworks. The metal allows builders to explore their imagination as it doesn’t insist on a particular rigid shape.