PROPERTIES OF STRUCTURAL STEEL
Exam■Oriented Notes (SSC JE / Diploma / Degree)
Introduction
Structural steel is a form of steel used for making construction materials in buildings, bridges, trusses,
towers, industrial structures etc. It is mainly designed to carry tensile, compressive and bending loads
safely.
Classification of Properties
• 1. Physical Properties
• 2. Mechanical Properties
• 3. Chemical Properties
1. Physical Properties
• Density of structural steel is approximately 7850 kg/m³.
• It is a heavy and compact construction material.
• Color is bluish■grey.
• Thermal conductivity is high; it conducts heat easily.
• It is a good conductor of electricity.
• Melting point of steel is around 1370°C.
2. Mechanical Properties (Most Important)
Strength: Structural steel has high tensile, compressive and bending strength. Yield stress of Fe 250
grade steel is about 250 MPa.
Elasticity: Steel follows Hooke’s law within elastic limit and regains its original shape after removal of
load. Modulus of elasticity (E) ≈ 2 × 10■ N/mm².
Ductility: Steel can undergo large deformation before failure. This property provides warning before
collapse and makes steel suitable for earthquake■resistant structures.
Toughness: Ability to resist impact and shock loads. Structural steel performs well under sudden
loading conditions.
Hardness: Structural steel has moderate hardness which helps resist wear without becoming brittle.
Plasticity: Steel can be permanently deformed without cracking. Hence rolling, bending, forging and
shaping are possible.
Fatigue Resistance: Steel can withstand repeated cycles of loading and unloading, important for
bridges and machine structures.
Brittleness: Structural steel has very low brittleness; failure is generally ductile in nature.
3. Chemical Properties (Composition)
• Iron (Fe): 97 – 99%
• Carbon (C): 0.15 – 0.25%
• Manganese (Mn): 0.4 – 1.5%
• Sulphur (S): Less than 0.05%
• Phosphorus (P): Less than 0.05%
Low carbon content makes structural steel ductile, tough and easily weldable.
Other Important Properties
• Weldability: Very good due to low carbon content.
• Machinability: Good and easy to fabricate.
• Corrosion Resistance: Poor; requires painting or galvanizing.
• Fire Resistance: Poor; strength reduces at high temperature.
• Recyclability: Structural steel is 100% recyclable.
Advantages of Structural Steel
• High strength■to■weight ratio.
• Uniform quality and predictable behavior.
• Fast and easy construction.
• Long spans are possible.
• Suitable for earthquake■resistant structures.
Disadvantages of Structural Steel
• Prone to corrosion if not protected.
• Poor fire resistance.
• Requires skilled labor for fabrication and erection.
Exam Tip: Structural steel is strong, ductile, elastic, weldable and recyclable material used
extensively in modern construction.