Iron+&+Steel


 * IRON & STEEL **

Iron and steel are two metals commonly used in constructions. Iron is a metal extracted from the iron ore hematite. The properties of iron can be modified by alloying it with various other metals and non-metals. Iron is the most widely used of all the metals (95% of worldwide metal production). It is an indispensable metal in engineering applications because its low cost and high strength. Iron is used for many applications like construction of machinery and machine tools, the hulls of large ships, and structural components for buildings. It is very important to say that iron is soft in its natural. For this reason, iron is combined with carbon and obtained as result Cast Iron. It can also resist compression, fire and corrosion. All these advantages led to the use of cast iron in architectural designs.

Steel is an alloy of iron, with carbon content and is one of the strongest materials used in construction. Its use became more common after efficient production methods produced in the 17th century. Is a relatively inexpensive material and is currently one of the most common materials used in buildings, infrastructure, tools, ships, etc. it is very important to say that steel is very resistant in compression (not easily broken). Also, steel is very strong in tension and it resists bending for these reasons are used in bridges, columns, etc.

Even as Swinbourne wrote “the old cast iron buildings died out. ** I'm not really sure whether the new skyscrapers killed them or the new esthetics” ** **.** In my opinion both things happened. We should consider that the world is in constant change. Humanity are always innovating and creating new products, techniques, materials, etc. always with the goal of improving the quality of life of people. For this reason, humanity is always looking for the bestbuilding materials based on the needs of people at that time. At some time, the iron was a material of much use to construct objects, bridges and buildings. However, the needs and tastes of people changed and appeared materials such as steel. With this, people used much steel on the construction of these new skyscrapers because it provides better cover for buildings.

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