In my last blog post, I talked about ongoing research to make steel even stronger.   In this country, we are lucky that building standards have required structural engineering plans that involve steel and that those standards are enforced.  During our short history as a nation, we have learned many lessons from natural disasters and other events that have tested the integrity of our city buildings and infrastures.  And, although we can’t make structures indestructible, we take what we learn from every event and try to improve upon what we rebuild.

The advantages of incorporating steel in structures was underscored with recent events again, as the sad news of the devastating earthquake in Turkey made its way around the globe.  The country suffered a 7.2 earthquake over a decade ago and rebuilt, only to watch many buildings crumble again as another quake struck recently.  Many of the structures hardest hit were built before the improved standards imposed in 2001.  But many new structures also crumbled. Mehmet Sogancz, the director of the Chamber of Engineers and Architects, surveyed the damage in the city of Van.  He was saddened to see that structural requirements hadn’t “progressed more than an inch since 1999.”  Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan echoed the engineer’s sentiments by noting “the material used is of bad quality… Municipalities, constructors and supervisors should now see that their negligence amounts to murder.”

Many around the world know the long-term costs of cutting engineering corners.  And we can sometimes get away with it.  But even in this country, we recently saw the devastating effects of having chosen to no longer incorporate basements and backyard storm shelters in tornado-prone areas.  The price for cutting corners to construct cheaper structures more quickly resulted in the loss of life.

The promise of steel is incredible.  It can withstand the elements and the passing of time like no other building material.  It makes structures stronger and safer.  And it’s a material that can be recycled over and over again.  And although we are no match for what Mother Nature can dish out, solidly engineered and built structures can protect lives.  Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible earthquake in Turkey.  And we at Powerbilt wish them strength and courage as they find better ways to rebuild.

Who says you can’t make steel even better?  I posted an article on Facebook a while back about civil engineering students and professors at Purdue University researching how to make steel structures stronger.  And as the 10 year anniversary of the terrible events of 9/11 approached and passed, I found myself intrigued by the research and the whole idea of making steel better.  While the researchers at Purdue are striving for structures that can withstand even more, researchers at Xi’an Jiaotong University in China have been studying how extracts from cigarette butts can make steel more corrosive resistant.  Yes, that’s what I said.  Cigarette butts.  And you thought steel innovation wasn’t exciting!

Purdue Looks at Affects of Extreme Heat on Steel:

We already know that steel is the clear winner when you compare its strength to weight ratio to those of other building materials.  Steel is strong.  And it has incredible longevity and requires little maintenance.  Structures made with steel can withstand earthquakes and storms like nothing else.  But architects, engineers and builders were all taken aback by what happened to the towers during the events of 9/11.  No one could have anticipated that any building would have been under that amount of stress.  But what happened that day have prompted many to think about making structures made with steel even better.  Since extreme heat can make steel beams sag, the team at Purdue University has created a dependable full-scale model for testing the affects of fire on the connections between steel floor beams and columns.  Researchers are also testing a new design for nuclear power plants that incorporates a “sandwich” made of steel plates with concrete in the middle.  They have found that the design, often referred to as “armored construction,” can withstand major earthquakes and even attacks from missiles or aircraft.  Now that’s some innovation.

Now, More on the Cigarette Butts:

Researchers at Xi’an Jiaotong University have found a use for all those old nasty cigarette butts that, up until now, have no recycled use.  Chinese researchers were baffled by the trillions of cigarette butts that end up in the streets and landfills of the world, as well as the toxins looming in the butts.  So they eventually turned their efforts to find a use for them in industries, and discovered that extracts from the butts made N80 steel 90 percent or more corrosive resistant.  N80 steel is used a lot in the oil and gas industry.  Does it make sense to collect and boil all the cigarette butts in the world for this application?  Probably not.  But what is interesting from the research is the finding that nicotine was one of the things from the extract that provided that corrosion resistance.  So it makes me wonder what other innovative and less environmentally damaging solutions might provide more corrosive resistance.

This is clearly not our grandparents’ steel industry.

What Gives US Steel the Green Advantage:

1.  Longevity

When compared to the strength to weight ratios of other building materials, steel wins by far.  It will not break, rot or deteriorate like other materials.  Steel does not off-gas toxins during its long lifespan.  And it requires little to no maintenance.  That equals less waste in landfills and less toxins in our environment over the life of those structures.  The steel from buildings that are dismantled have such longevity that they can be used again in new structures.  Those that cannot be reused can be recycled.

2.  Recyclable

Should steel used in a structure outlive its design concept or original purpose, that steel can be recycled.  Steel is the most recycled and recyclable material in the United States.  It can be recycled over and over again into new steel products.  Powerbilt buildings, for example, are made with 80% recycled steel.  And by-products of producing steel can be used in things like road maintenance.

3.  Design Flexibility

Steel structures allow for design flexibility that structures constructed from other materials do not.  That means that more energy efficient elements can be incorporated by architects than if limited to only traditional building concepts.  Steel building frames offer lots of space for easy insulation, since less beams and studs are required.  And Powerbilt’s Energy Star Compliant Green Building even offers color options to reflect heat.

4.  Resources to Transport

In this country, purchasing US steel buildings or products means that less resources were used to ship those materials.  That steel did not guzzle fossil fuels to cross an ocean.  It was made close to home.

5.  Proactive Industry

In an era when many industries have been reluctant to make more environmentally conscious decisions, the US steel industry has been proactive in adapting more energy efficient practices that reduce greenhouse gases.  Powerbilt, for example, operates under the Enivornmental Protection Agency’s aggressive Energy Star guidelines.  That means that you can be confident that your steel buildings are not only designed to help you be a better steward of the environment, but were manufactured under guidelines that respect it.

Metal buildings not only save you time and money, but they have additional advantages over traditional structures. Because of the unique design and inherent strength of metal buildings, virtually all the space inside your garage or storage area will be usable. And you do not have to do much to maintain your metal buildings. You do not have to paint or stain anything. Insects will not bore into your metal buildings. And your buildings will stand up to weather and fire. An added bonus is that many metal buildings are made with only US steel and come with long warranties. You can feel confident that your metal buildings were made with quality materials and that the companies who make them believe in the longevity and reliability of their products. Choosing metal buildings will give you cost effective, low maintenance and convenient options for your garage and storage needs.

Metal building kits are shipped directly to you in pieces and are easily bolted together. That means you can do the construction yourself and do not have to hire costly hourly labor. Unlike with traditional structures, metal building kits can be erected and usable within a week or two of placing your order. They are shipped quickly to you and you can begin constructing them as soon as they arrive. Many companies that offer metal building kits use exclusively US made steel and labor. And they come with long warranties. Metal buildings have a leg up on traditional buildings in that they are virtually maintenance free. You do not need to paint, put siding on, worry about insect infestation or deal with maintaining a roof of a metal building. Another advantage of metal building kits is that nearly every inch of space inside can be used, due to the unique design and strength of the structures themselves. You can tailor the size, style and color of your metal buildings based on your residential or commercial needs. Metal building kits offer you a cost effective, yet valuable alternative to traditional construction.

Building a traditional structure can take months and sometimes years. You have to enlist architects, interview and negotiate with contracting companies and wade through the permit and inspection processes. Steel buildings offer a quick and convenient solution. Once an order is placed and deposits are received, blueprints for steel buildings will be in your hands within 10 working days. Most designs for steel buildings will then be delivered within a month. Specific drawings for the engineering requirements of your particular state are also available, so you make sure you meet permit requirements. Steel buildings are designed to be easily put together. That means that you can save on the cost of hourly labor. All pieces are pre cut and pre drilled and all steel buildings come with with details instruction manuals. It is not even necessary for you to have a concrete slab poured before you put together your structures; that can be done at a later date. You can tailor the buildings to the needs of your business, as there are multiple sizes and models offered. And, unlike traditional structures, virtually all the space inside steel buildings is usable. Another advantage of steel buildings is that there is almost no maintenance involved. You do not need to paint or roof your steel buildings. Termites and other critters will not bother your structures. Steel is also much more fire resistant than traditional building materials. And, should you have any problems with your steel buildings, they are backed by long term warranties. Steel buildings can be the perfect solution for small businesses, regardless of whether they need retail space, storage or repair and workshop space.

Steel arch buildings are a fast, easy and portable solution. With various models, sizes and colors available, you can tailor your buildings to your needs and uses. You can have the blueprints for most models in 7 to 10 days, and your buildings in about 4 weeks. They can be shipped directly to your location. Once they arrive, you can erect them quickly, as they are made to be easily assembled with ordinary tools and come with detailed instructions. Laying a concrete slab prior to erecting your steel arch buildings is not even necessary; it can be done after. Once your buildings are erected, little or no maintenance is required. You do not have to paint or treat the exterior or interior of your buildings or worry about maintaining roofs and keeping gutters clean. They are fire resistant and can heartily withstand weather. And insects will not find your steel arch buildings attractive. Many manufacturers use only US made steel and labor and offer 30 year warranties, so you can feel confident in the quality of your purchase.

In addition to the cost, convenience and maintenance benefits offered by prefabricated steel buildings, they are a solid green alternative to traditional structures. Steel is the most recycled material in the United States. Steel scrap is used to make new steel. When you choose prefabricated steel buildings, you do not need to cut down any trees. And because of the longevity of steel, you will not need to repair and replace materials like drywall and wood, which end up in the landfill. You do not need to paint, put siding or roofing material on your prefabricated steel buildings. That means you have less waste. Prefabricated steel buildings are also also energy efficient, allowing you to consume less natural resources to heat and cool. Lastly, when you choose prefabricated steel buildings made by companies that use only US made steel, you are making a green choice. Steel made in and used by the US consumes less oil and other resources, since it does not have to be shipped across an ocean. Not only can you feel confident that your prefabricated steel buildings are a solid choice for your needs and budget, but they are a solid choice for our sustainable world.

Once metal building kits are erected, they have some advantages over traditional structures. They are made with special galvalume steel, which allows them to stand up to weather, fire and other natural elements like only steel can. Unlike traditional structures, they require virtually no maintenance. You do not have to paint, side or roof your metal building kits throughout the years. And you do not have to worry about termites and other insects boring through the walls and eaves. Additionally, thanks to the unique design of metal building kits, nearly all the space inside is usable. When you buy metal building kits from a company that uses only US steel and labor, you can also feel good about your purchase. Metal building kits offer you a cost effective, fast and low stress alternative to building a traditional structure for your garage.