In construction, steelwork is very common. If you're going to be entering the construction industry yourself or want to know more about steelwork before hiring someone to do a construction project for you, these are some of the basics that you'll want to know.

It's More Commonly Used Than Many People Think 

You may think you can spot buildings that have been constructed with steel pretty easily. Although buildings that are constructed almost solely from steel are easy to spot, steel is often used in ways that aren't as obvious. Sometimes, steel beams are used for the structural part of a construction project, and then other materials are used to complete the exterior. Between this and the fact that all-steel buildings are becoming more popular, steelwork in construction might just be more popular than you think. If you get involved in the construction industry, you might find yourself working with steel more frequently than you thought you would. If you're having a construction project done and haven't really thought about using steel in the process, you may find that your contractor will recommend it.

There Are Different Types and Grades of Steel

You might assume that all of the steel that is used in construction is virtually the same, but this is not the case. Carbon steel is made from a mixture of steel and iron, and it can contain various concentrations of carbon. Low-carbon steel is often used for decorative purposes, such as making wrought iron railings, fences, and gates. Medium-carbon steel offers a nice mixture of being strong and durable while also being fairly easy to work with, so it's commonly used for a variety of different construction projects. When the strongest steel is needed, such as when making support beams, high-carbon steel is often used.

Of course, carbon steel is not the only type of steel that is used for construction purposes. Galvanized steel that doesn't corrode is commonly used in construction projects when corrosion and rust are a concern, and alloy steel is sometimes used as well. Those who are familiar with steelwork normally know which types of steelwork are best for different projects and can typically provide excellent recommendations about which steel should be used for any given project. With a bigger project, multiple types of steel might end up being used.

These are just the basics that you'll probably want to know about steelwork in construction. If you get involved with construction, then you'll probably learn more about steelwork and its use in the construction industry.