Steel Structures in Harsh Environments

Steel structures play a pivotal role in the construction industry, especially when faced with the challenges of harsh environments. From high temperatures, corrosive agents, to strong seismic vibrations, steel structures are designed to maintain the safety and durability of the structure. In this article, we will detail modern methods and technologies that increase the resistance of steel structures to harsh elements, while ensuring operational efficiency and extending the life of the structure.

1. Overview of steel structures

Steel structure is the main load-bearing frame system in constructions, made from steel materials and connected by bolts, rivets or welds. This is the key factor, ensuring the stability, durability and long-term safety of the construction.

Classification of steel structures

1. Light steel structure:
   • Characteristics: Use small cross-section and light weight steel and square steel.
   • Application: Suitable for civil works such as houses, small and medium-sized factories.
2. Heavy steel structure:
   • Characteristics: Use large cross-section steel and square steel with high load-bearing capacity.
   • Application: Serving industrial projects, high-rise buildings, bridges, roads, factories, and large warehouses.

Outstanding advantages of steel structures

1. Outstanding durability and load-bearing capacity:
   • Withstands heavy loads and harsh impacts from wind, storms, and earthquakes thanks to its high tensile, compressive, bending, and torsional strength.
2. Flexibility in design:
   • Easily adjust, expand or convert the function of the project according to actual needs.
3. Fast and accurate construction:
   • Steel components are precisely manufactured in the factory and quickly assembled at the construction site, significantly reducing construction time.
4. High aesthetics:
   • Brings modern beauty, suitable for many different architectural styles, from classic to modern.
5. Cost-saving:
   • Although the initial cost is higher, there are significant savings in maintenance, repair, and operating costs over the life of the building.
6. Environmental friendliness:
   • Steel is completely recyclable, helping to reduce construction waste and protect the environment.

Diverse applications of steel structures

• Civil: Houses, apartments, villas, schools, hospitals.
• Industry: Factory, workshop, warehouse.
• Transportation infrastructure: Bridges, roads, stations, tunnels.
• Public construction: Stadium, shopping mall, theater.
• High-tech projects: Large-scale projects, high technical requirements and fast construction progress.

Thanks to its diversity and superior advantages, steel structures continue to be the optimal choice in the modern construction industry.

2.2. Corrosive environment and its effects on steel structures

Corrosive environments, such as coastal areas rich in salt, industrial areas with high concentrations of chemicals, acids, alkalis, etc., are major challenges for steel structures. Steel corrosion occurs silently but continuously, reducing thickness, cross-section, load-bearing capacity and leading to risks of unsafe construction. In particular, in marine environments, salt and high humidity are strong corrosive agents, causing steel structures to weaken more quickly if there are no protective measures.

Methods of protecting steel structures in corrosive environments

1. Hot dipped galvanized
   • This is a method of creating a thick and firmly adherent zinc layer on the steel surface through the hot-dip process.
   • The zinc layer acts as an “armor” to protect the steel from direct contact with corrosive agents such as salt and chemicals.
   • Particularly effective in marine environments and heavy industrial areas.
2. Anti-corrosion coating
   • Epoxy, polyurethane or zinc rich paints are applied to prevent moisture and chemical penetration into the steel surface.
   • Epoxy paint has high adhesion, is resistant to acid and alkaline environments, and is suitable for industrial environments.
   • Polyurethane paint has good resistance to UV rays, suitable for outdoor steel structures.
3. Use stainless steel
   • In harsh corrosive environments, stainless steel is the optimal choice thanks to its ability to form a protective oxide layer on the surface.
   • Steels such as Stainless Steel 304 or Stainless Steel 316 are often used in strong chemical environments and marine areas.
4. Periodic inspection and maintenance
   • Regular inspection helps detect signs of corrosion early.
   • Treatments such as cleaning, adding paint, or replacing damaged components help extend the life of steel structures.
   • In particular, joint areas and welds require attention as they are susceptible to localized corrosion.

2.3. Seismic activity and measures for earthquake-resistant steel structure design

Seismic activity is caused by the movement of tectonic plates, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves. Events such as earthquakes and tsunamis can cause serious damage, especially in areas with high seismic frequencies. In these situations, the design of structures to withstand seismic forces and vibrations is crucial to the safety and longevity of the structure.

Outstanding features of steel structures in seismic environments

1. High flexibility
   Steel has the ability to deform greatly without sudden fracture, allowing steel structures to absorb and dissipate seismic energy effectively.
2. Ability to reconstruct the structure
   After an earthquake, steel structures can be easily repaired or replaced without complete demolition.

Earthquake resistant design solutions for steel structures

1. Special load-bearing frame design
   • Moment resisting frame: Increase horizontal load bearing capacity, helping the structure resist strong vibrations.
   • Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBF): This bracing system uses an eccentric configuration to absorb seismic energy, while reducing overall deformation of the structure.
   • Concentrically Braced Frames (CBF): Increases stiffness and stability of structures in case of high intensity earthquakes.
2. Foundation isolation system
   • Isolate the foundation of the structure from the ground through cushions or elastic bearings, helping to reduce the transmission of vibration from the ground to the structure.
   • This method is especially effective for structures such as high-rise buildings, bridges, and critical infrastructure.
3. Shock Absorber Structure
   • Friction Dampers: Use friction to dissipate seismic energy.
   • Hydraulic Dampers: Reduces vibration through energy absorption by liquid.
   • Damping devices help maintain stability and reduce fatigue of steel structures.
4. Flexible structural details
   • Details such as beams and columns are designed with the ability to withstand large deformations while still ensuring structural integrity.
   • Use high strength welds and bolts to ensure no cracking or disconnection during an earthquake.

2.4. Effects of severe weather on steel structures

Extreme weather, including wind, heavy rain, high temperatures or cold, poses many challenges to steel structures. These factors can reduce the strength and lifespan of a structure if proper protection is not provided. Here are the main risks and solutions:

The effects of extreme weather

1. Wind storm
   • Strong winds create lift, drag and torsional forces, which affect the stability of the structure.
   • Wind resonance can increase vibrations, causing structural damage.
2. Heavy rain and high humidity
   • Increases the risk of steel corrosion, especially in salty or acidic environments.
   • Moisture penetrates structural components, affecting steel bonds and surfaces.
3. Extreme Temperature
   • Heat causes thermal expansion, leading to structural deformation.
   • Cold increases the risk of cracking or reduces the load-bearing capacity of steel.

Solutions to protect steel structures in harsh weather

1. Aerodynamic design
   • The building shape is optimized to reduce wind resistance.
   • Curved or beveled structures help disperse wind energy, reducing the risk of damage.
2. Windproof reinforcement
   • Bracing system: Diagonal bracing, transverse bracing and windbreaks are added to increase stiffness and stability.
   • Solid foundation: Foundation reinforcement helps the structure stand firm against the impact of strong winds.
3. Protective coating
   • Anti-corrosion paint Helps protect steel surfaces from moisture and corrosive chemicals.
   • Waterproof layer: Prevents rainwater and moisture from entering, reducing the risk of corrosion.
4. Weatherproof materials
   • Using high strength alloy steel, resistant to temperature changes and corrosion.
   • Corten steel (weathering steel) forms a natural protective rust layer, increasing wear resistance.
5. Periodic inspection and maintenance
   • Detect and handle problems such as rust and cracks early to maintain the durability of the project.

2.5 Material “fatigue” phenomenon

Material “fatigue” is the process of weakening and damage of materials due to repeated cyclic loads over time. This phenomenon occurs when the material is subjected to loads below its strength limit but continuously for a long time, leading to small cracks in the material. For steel structures, fatigue can occur at locations subject to concentrated stress such as welds, bolt holes, cross-sectional transition points, etc.

In cyclic loading environments, steel structures can be designed to resist fatigue by using high-strength materials and increasing the fatigue life of the material. Additionally, monitoring systems can be used to detect cracks early and stop them before they cause major damage.

Designing steel structures in harsh environments requires a close coordination between knowledge of materials, engineering and specific natural conditions. Factors such as high temperatures, corrosive environments, seismic activity and extreme weather all pose their own challenges, but thanks to advances in technology and research, advanced solutions have helped steel structures meet these requirements.

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE HAI LONG CONSTRUCTION AS A STEEL STRUCTURE MANUFACTURING AND INSTALLATION UNIT?

With more than 25 years of experience in the field of factory and warehouse construction, Hai Long Construction is proud to be Leading reputable unit, providing customers with complete construction solutions, meeting all needs and requirements.

• Team experienced engineers, architects and experts, knowledgeable about the design and construction of warehouse factories according to international standards.
• Diverse construction capacity, meeting all project sizes and requirements, from simple to complex factories.
• Possessing a system of modern machinery and equipment, three steel structure factories with a productivity of nearly 50.000 tons/year, ensuring quick, accurate and safe construction.
• Professional construction process, is strictly managed.

You are looking for one Prestigious and professional factory and warehouse construction unit? Please contact Hai Long Construction for free consultation and quote:

• HAI LONG CONSTRUCTION JOINT STOCK COMPANY – MEMBER OF TAIYO GROUP
• Address: Taiyo Building, 97 Bach Dang, Ha Ly Ward, Hong Bang District, Hai Phong City, Vietnam.
• Hotline: 084 6625 888
• Email: info@hailongjsc.vn