Civil Engineering Materials, Testing & Evaluation - Vol 2 | 28. Steel: Classification and Properties by Abraham | Learn Smarter
K12 Students

Academics

AI-Powered learning for Grades 8–12, aligned with major Indian and international curricula.

Professionals

Professional Courses

Industry-relevant training in Business, Technology, and Design to help professionals and graduates upskill for real-world careers.

Games

Interactive Games

Fun, engaging games to boost memory, math fluency, typing speed, and English skills—perfect for learners of all ages.

28. Steel: Classification and Properties

The chapter covers the classification, manufacturing processes, properties, corrosion behavior, mechanical testing, and applications of steel and aluminum in civil engineering. It highlights the importance of both metals in construction and their different applications based on their unique properties. Additionally, it discusses the modern advancements in steel and aluminum production towards sustainability and efficiency, including the development of green steel and recycled aluminum.

Enroll to start learning

You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.

Sections

  • 1

    Steel: Classification And Properties

    This section discusses the classification and properties of steel, emphasizing its importance in engineering and manufacturing.

  • 1.1

    Classification Of Steel

    This section discusses the various classifications of steel based on carbon content, alloying elements, manufacturing methods, and microstructure.

  • 1.1.A

    Based On Carbon Content

    This section classifies steel based on carbon content, explaining the properties and applications of low, medium, and high carbon steels.

  • 1.1.A.1

    Low Carbon Steel (Mild Steel)

    Low Carbon Steel, also known as mild steel, contains a carbon content of up to 0.25%, offering characteristics like ductility and malleability.

  • 1.1.A.2

    Medium Carbon Steel

    Medium carbon steel is a type of steel characterized by its carbon content, balancing strength and ductility, making it suitable for various industrial applications.

  • 1.1.A.3

    High Carbon Steel

    High carbon steel has a carbon content ranging from 0.60% to 1.4%, making it very strong but brittle and difficult to weld.

  • 1.1.B

    Based On Alloying Elements

    This section covers the classification of steel based on alloying elements, differentiating between plain carbon and alloy steels while explaining their properties and applications.

  • 1.1.B.1

    Plain Carbon Steel

    Plain carbon steel is a foundational type of steel comprising mainly iron and carbon, utilized widely in various construction applications.

  • 1.1.B.2

    Alloy Steel

    Alloy steel is characterized by the addition of alloying elements that enhance its mechanical properties compared to plain carbon steel.

  • 1.1.C

    Based On Method Of Manufacturing

    This section provides insights into the classification of steel based on the method of manufacturing, which results in various types of steel with distinct properties.

  • 1.1.C.1

    Killed Steel

    Killed steel is a type of steel that has been fully deoxidized during manufacturing, ensuring uniform composition and fewer defects.

  • 1.1.C.2

    Semi-Killed Steel

    Semi-killed steel is a type of steel that is partially deoxidized during its manufacturing process, balancing various properties for specific applications.

  • 1.1.C.3

    Rimmed Steel

    Rimmed Steel is a type of steel characterized by poor deoxidization, primarily used where surface finish is prioritized over strength.

  • 1.1.D

    Based On Microstructure

    This section discusses the classification of steel based on its microstructure, highlighting key types and their properties.

  • 1.1.D.1

    Ferritic Steel

    Ferritic steel is a type of steel characterized by its magnetic properties and good ductility, making it suitable for various applications.

  • 1.1.D.2

    Austenitic Steel

    Austenitic steel is a type of stainless steel characterized by its non-magnetic properties and excellent corrosion resistance, widely used in various applications.

  • 1.1.D.3

    Martensitic Steel

    Martensitic steel is a critical type of steel known for its hardness and brittleness, often used in high-strength applications.

  • 1.1.D.4

    Pearlitic Steel

    Pearlitic steel is characterized by its unique microstructure which provides high strength and moderate ductility, making it a versatile material in engineering applications.

  • 2

    Manufacturing Of Steel

    This section explores the processes involved in steel manufacturing including primary steelmaking, secondary refining, and the various casting and forming techniques.

  • 2.1

    Primary Steelmaking

    This section discusses the processes involved in primary steelmaking, focusing on the methods and equipment used to produce steel from iron ore and scrap.

  • 2.2

    Secondary Steelmaking (Refining)

    Secondary steelmaking, also known as refining, involves processes to fine-tune the chemical composition and temperature of steel produced from primary steelmaking.

  • 2.3

    Steel Casting And Forming

    This section discusses the various methods of casting and forming steel to transform molten steel into usable shapes for various applications.

  • 2.1.A

    Blast Furnace – Basic Oxygen Furnace (Bf-Bof) Process

    The BF-BOF process is a primary method for steel production, utilizing iron ore, coke, and limestone to create molten iron, which is then refined into steel through oxygen blowing.

  • 2.1.A.1

    Raw Materials

    The section covers the classification and manufacturing methods of steel and aluminum, highlighting their properties and significance in civil engineering.

  • 2.1.A.2

    Process

    This section delves into the types of steel and their manufacturing processes, essential for civil engineering applications.

  • 2.1.A.3

    Output

  • 2.1.B

    Electric Arc Furnace (Eaf) Process

    The Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) process is a key steel production method that utilizes electric arcs to melt steel scrap, providing an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly approach to steel manufacturing.

  • 2.1.B.1

    Raw Materials

  • 2.1.B.2

    Process

  • 2.1.B.3

    Advantages

    This section discusses the multifaceted advantages of steel and aluminum in engineering and construction, emphasizing their unique properties and applications.

  • 3

    Aluminum: Properties And Types

    This section details the properties and types of aluminum, elucidating its significance in construction and its various applications.

  • 3.1

    Properties Of Aluminum

    Aluminum is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal with excellent properties and applications in construction.

  • 3.2

    Types Of Aluminum

    This section outlines the various types of aluminum and their properties that make them suitable for different applications.

  • 3.2.A

    Pure Aluminum (1000 Series)

    This section discusses pure aluminum, its characteristics, and applications.

  • 3.2.B

    Aluminum Alloys

    This section discusses the properties and types of aluminum alloys, emphasizing their applications and advantages in engineering.

  • 3.2.B.1

    Wrought Alloys (Work-Hardened)

    This section discusses wrought alloys, particularly their classification into various series based on composition and properties.

  • 3.2.B.2

    Cast Alloys

    Cast alloys are a category of aluminum alloys defined by their good castability and lower ductility, mainly used in architectural components.

  • 4

    Manufacturing Of Aluminum

    This section outlines the extraction and manufacturing processes of aluminum, including the Bayer and Hall–Héroult processes, and its various forming and fabrication techniques.

  • 4.1

    Extraction – Bayer Process

    The Bayer Process is the primary method for extracting aluminum from bauxite ore, involving several key steps from grinding to calcination.

  • 4.2

    Reduction – Hall–héroult Process

    The Hall–Héroult process is the primary method for extracting aluminum from alumina via electrolysis.

  • 4.3

    Aluminum Forming And Fabrication

    This section covers the various methods of aluminum forming and fabrication, highlighting the techniques used to shape aluminum into desired products.

  • 5

    Applications In Civil Engineering

    This section explores the diverse applications of steel and aluminum in civil engineering.

  • 6

    Corrosion Of Steel And Aluminum In Civil Structures

    This section explores the corrosion behaviors of steel and aluminum in civil structures and the techniques for their protection.

  • 6.1

    Corrosion Of Steel

    This section discusses the types and causes of corrosion in steel, as well as protective measures.

  • 6.2

    Corrosion Of Aluminum

    This section focuses on the corrosion behavior of aluminum in various environments, its common forms of corrosion, and prevention measures.

  • 6.1

    Corrosion Of Steel

  • 6.1.1

    Types Of Steel Corrosion

    This section discusses various types of corrosion that affect steel, emphasizing their mechanisms and implications in civil structures.

  • 6.1.2

    Corrosion Protection Techniques

    This section outlines various techniques used to protect steel and aluminum from corrosion in civil engineering applications.

  • 6.2

    Corrosion Of Aluminum

  • 6.2.1

    Common Aluminum Corrosion Forms

    This section discusses the various types of corrosion that affect aluminum, highlighting their causes and prevention measures.

  • 6.2.2

    Prevention Measures

    Prevention measures for aluminum corrosion focus on enhancing its natural oxide layer and avoiding conditions that lead to corrosion.

  • 7

    Mechanical Testing Of Steel And Aluminum

    This section discusses the mechanical testing methods for steel and aluminum, focusing on their significance in determining the material properties required for structural applications.

  • 7.1

    Tensile Test

    The tensile test measures the strength and ductility of materials by evaluating their behavior under tension.

  • 7.2

    Hardness Test

    The hardness test measures the resistance of materials like steel and aluminum to indentation, with common methods including Brinell, Rockwell, and Vickers tests.

  • 7.3

    Impact Test

    The Impact Test evaluates the toughness and energy absorption capacity of materials like steel and aluminum during fracture.

  • 7.4

    Fatigue And Creep Testing

    Fatigue and creep testing are critical in determining the durability and performance of materials like steel and aluminum under various loading conditions.

  • 8

    Comparison Between Steel And Aluminum For Construction

    This section compares key properties of steel and aluminum, determining their suitability for construction applications.

  • 9

    Steel And Aluminum Codes And Standards (India And International)

    This section outlines the codes and standards governing the use of steel and aluminum in construction, focusing on both Indian and international frameworks.

  • 9.1

    Indian Standards (Is Codes)

    Indian Standards (IS Codes) define specifications for various materials, particularly steel and aluminum, essential for construction.

  • 9.2

    International Standards

    This section outlines the essential international standards for steel and aluminum used in construction, emphasizing their importance in material consistency and safety.

  • 10

    Sustainable And Modern Developments

    This section discusses sustainable practices in steel and aluminum production, focusing on green steel and recycled aluminum.

  • 10.1

    Green Steel

    Green steel is produced using renewable energy, minimizing carbon emissions.

  • 10.2

    Recycled Aluminum

    Recycled aluminum significantly reduces energy consumption compared to primary production and maintains material integrity.

  • 10.3

    Composite Use In Construction

    This section discusses the application of steel-aluminum hybrid materials in construction, focusing on their benefits in terms of strength, weight, and aesthetics.

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Steel is classified based o...
  • Aluminum is prized for its ...
  • Understanding corrosion mec...

Final Test

Revision Tests