Structural Steel

What is the Difference Between Structural Steel and Reinforced Steel?

At Central Metal Source, you’ll find a vast array of high-quality new and surplus structural steel for sale at incredible prices. We offer a wide range of products, like quality steel plates for sale and much more. From new construction projects to distribution and manufacturing, we offer a range of steel for any project. Our company has decades of experience dealing with some of the biggest companies and industries in the world. Plus, all the surplus steel we sell is sourced from across the United States and delivered straight to you.

Before you purchase surplus steel from us, it’s vital to know the differences between structural steel and reinforced steel so you can make an informed decision. Structural steel is used to create the primary framework of a building, such as beams and columns. Reinforced steel (also called rebar) is used within concrete to help strengthen it by creating tension resistance. This type of steel is embedded into concrete structures to enhance the overall strength, while structural steel works alone to support the actual weight of a building. Here’s more information on the key differences between these two types of steel.

• Function: Reinforced steel is used to reinforce concrete by adding tensile strength in areas where concrete is weak, while structural steel forms the main structure of a building.
• Application: Structural steel makes components like beams, columns, and other major structural components. Reinforced steel is usually in the form of a rod or rebar and is embedded in concrete slabs, beams, and walls.
• Individual use: Structural steel can be used alone to create a single building frame. However, reinforced steel must always be combined with concrete.

Structural steel is a versatile metal used in many buildings and other construction projects. Here are some examples of sections of structural steel we may have for sale.

• S-shaped structural steel or rolled beam sections with two parallel flanges.
• L-shaped steel is also called an angle with two faces coming together at a 90-degree angle.
• H shape or beating piles used to construct deep foundations.
• C-shaped structural channels.
• The I beam, also called Universal Beams, are excellent for carrying horizontal loads.
• Hollow steel sections come in square, rounded, or circle sections.
• T beams, load-bearing beams with a T-shaped cross-section.
• Pipe beams or hollow cylindrical beams used for oil, water, or gas projects.

Reinforced steel is used with concrete or masonry structures as a means of reinforcement to provide tensile strength. It usually comes in the form of steel bars. Here are some examples of reinforced steel.

• Hot-rolled bars are rolled in mills to create deformations on the surface to bond and grip with concrete.
• Mild steel plain bars with no deformations are commonly used in smaller projects.
• Cold-worked steel reinforcements are hot rolled bars that have lower density and undergo a cold-working process for projects that make straightness a priority.
• Prestressing steel formed from multiple steel strands to act as tendons through concrete with a high tensile strength idea for bridges or building slabs.

Bridging the Gap Between Manufacturers and Builders

Central Metal Source aims to bridge the gap between manufacturers and builders, providing customers access to surplus steel and much more at great prices. Whether you’re looking for steel sheet piling for sale, beams, or fittings, you’ll find a wide range of useful products designed to cater to a wide variety of industries. Whether it’s oil and gas, energy, manufacturing, construction, or another industry, our goal is to make the process of selling or buying what you need as seamless and affordable as possible.

Your Steel Supply, Simplified

Work with Central Metal Source to experience a customizable experience that allows you to deal with any type of new, recycled, used, or surplus steel and metal for any application. With decades of experience, we will help you connect with the right buyer or seller based on your unique needs, industry, and project. Every product for sale is delivered right to you, cutting out the go-between and ensuring timely delivery.

If you’d like to learn more about the surplus items we sell or our process, register and set up an account so you can start to sell or buy your surplus steel and metal today.