The Use of High Strength Low Alloy Steels in Construction Engineering

摘要

The use of low carbon-high strength steels in construction engineering is associated with advantages such as lower construction costs, weight reduction, and shorter construction time. Steel is a recyclable and re-usable material which are attractive characteristics. The weldable high strength steels allow for innovative and economic architectonic possibilities. High-rise buildings, offshore platforms, vessels, bridges, car park decks and other large scale constructions can be designed with the use of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels. In this work, the impact of the application of high strength steels in construction is analyzed, highlighting the metallurgical features, mechanical properties and the weight and cost savings as a consequence of the use of HSLA steels. The economic consequences of the strength increase are analyzed as well as some metallurgical aspects that are responsible for the achievement of higher levels of strength, toughness and better weldability. Some examples of construction using HSLA steels are presented.