A Detailed Comparison of Various Steel Types - Stainless Steel, Structural Steel and Aluminum Steel

Abstract

Steel, compared to iron is an alloy of iron with commonly a few percent of carbon to enhance its strength and fracture resistance. The use of stainless steel in the design of structures remains a relevant discussion across different areas. In fact, the importance of structural steel in the glocal world has applications in virtually every sector. Also, aluminum steel has been used widely in residential applications, commercial buildings, and vehicular (automotive) designs. A close comparison of these three sheets of steel will give enlightenment about what brings them together and their applications for such characteristics they possess that seem alike. Many researchers argue about the possibility of their sustainability both in terms of cost, availability, fire resistance, and fabrication. Understanding their behaviors following their comparison will provide accurate answers to these propositions. This paper compares the stainless, structural, and aluminum steels in terms of usage, properties (chemical and mechanical), compares exclusively the structural and stainless steel design provisions, reviews recent research activities, and highlights the important developments.