A simple overview of the iron and steel materials you will see on a construction site and what each one is typically used for.
Walk onto any construction site and you will see several kinds of steel being used. Each has a different shape and purpose. Knowing the basics makes it easier to talk to engineers, contractors and suppliers.
Reinforcement steel
TMT bars
TMT (Thermo-Mechanically Treated) bars are ribbed steel bars placed inside concrete. Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension; the steel takes the tension. TMT bars are used in footings, columns, beams, slabs and staircases. Read more in understanding TMT bars and their uses.
Rods and wire
Smaller rods and binding wire are used for stirrups, ties and tying reinforcement bars together before concreting.
Structural steel sections
Angles
Angles are L-shaped sections. They are common in frames, trusses, racks, brackets, gates and window or door frames.
Channels
Channels are C-shaped sections used for frames, purlins, supports and heavier fabrication.
Beams (I-sections)
I-sections have a tall web and two flanges, which makes them efficient for carrying loads over a span. They are used in sheds, mezzanine floors and steel-framed structures.
Pipes and tubes
Steel pipes and hollow sections are used for railings, columns in light structures, gates, frames and furniture. Round, square and rectangular shapes are common.
Sheets and plates
Flat steel is called a sheet when thin and a plate when thicker. Plates are used as base plates and stiffeners in structures; sheets are used for doors, shutters, covers and sheet-metal work.
Mild steel versus other steels
Many structural items are made from mild steel (MS) — a low-carbon steel that is easy to cut, weld and shape. This is why "MS angle", "MS channel" and "MS pipe" are common names in the market.
Which ones do you need?
That depends on what you are building. A house mainly needs TMT bars and binding wire, plus some angles or pipes for gates and railings. A shed or workshop needs structural sections, sheets and plates. Always follow your engineer's design.
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This article is general information. For structural decisions, always follow the advice of a qualified engineer.
