Steel is an iron-carbon alloy of which the properties vary widely depending on its chemical composition and the thermal treatment applied to it during production. These two characteristics determine its micro-structure, and surface treatments also play a role in its properties.
The mechanical properties of steel can be altered by adding alloy elements (nickel, chrome, tungsten, cobalt, etc.).
There are three classes of steel:
- non alloyed steels, widely used in construction.
- alloyed steels used to obtain targeted mechanical properties depending on use and stress.
- stainless steels.
Non-alloyed steels are commonly used in construction due to their intrinsic properties. They are very commonly used materials for structures and many types of reinforcement, cladding, roofing, plumbing work, joinery, heating equipment and many other applications.
Another remarkable property of steel is its recycling.