As any welder or construction contractor will attest, when you're planning a construction project, two of the principal structural materials available to you are steel and concrete. If you are weighing your options, the following information should help you decide. Below are three of the best reasons to choose steel over concrete for your construction job.

4 Reasons to Choose Steel Construction Over Concrete

1. Strength

Steel is one of the strongest structural materials, with a yield stress of as much as 50,000 pounds per square inch (psi) for both compression and tension.  Concrete's compressive strength is only 3000 to 6000 psi, while its tensile strength is only 300 to 700 psi. If you want faith in your building's structural integrity, steel is the way to go.

2. Weight

Steel weighs less than concrete, which makes many tasks easier. It simplifies the construction process, makes transportation less expensive, and lets you choose lighter-duty equipment for both.

3. Sustainability

Steel is considered a green building material because it is so easy to recycle. Steel sold on the market often contains mostly recycled materials when you purchase it, and once the structure reaches the end of its useful life span, the materials can be fully recycled again. Structural steel rarely, if ever, ends up as landfill waste.

4. Versatility

Steel can be used under almost any conditions and can even be modified in the future if your building's structural requirements change. A welder can strengthen existing columns by attaching support steel. Stairways can be added or removed by cutting or patching openings in the floor. These adjustments are not possible with concrete.

If you've settled on steel construction, you'll need a reliable welder. Contact C & C Machine in La Crosse, WI for assistance. They serve businesses in and around the area and offer all varieties of metal fabrication services, including MIG and TIG welding and machine repairs. Visit their website to submit an information request or call (608) 784-4427 to schedule a consultation with an experienced welder.