High-strength structural metal is one of the most popular materials used in the construction field today, whether the project is commercial, industrial, or residential in nature. Noting this, structural metal fabrication involves creating structural metal parts for these types of applications, such as I-beams.
Thanks to its ideal strength-to-weight ratio, steel is the most popular metal used in metal fabrication for structural purposes, as just about any type of construction project utilizes the material in some way, shape, or form.
In a commercial setting, the steel is likely what helps form the foundation. In fact, some of the most well-known buildings constructed with structural steel include New York City’s Empire State Building, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, and Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
Here’s a look at some of the types of metal parts that may be used for a structural project:
- Towers, or custom-made parts of a facility that enable more enhanced production
- Platforms, which often form a part of loading bays, storage locations, ramps, or decks in certain facilities
- Walkways (in industrial environments, walkways are typically required to meet various OSHA standards)
- Stairs, when durability and strength are a requirement in either a residential, commercial, or industrial setting
- Structural components that make up the main framework of a particular building (e.g., trusses, girders, and beams)