Direction: In short bond paper, handwrite clearly the answer to the following questions.
Date of submission: On the day of semi final examination
1. What are the typical uses of structural steel?
Uses of Structural Steel
Structural steel is widely used across different industries because of its strength, durability, and
flexibility. Its strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to wear and tear make it an excellent
material for building large, reliable structures. Some commonly used structural steel products
include:
Steel beams (such as I-beams or universal beams)
Steel-framed buildings
Universal columns
Lintel beams
Parallel flange channels
Flitch plates
Railings
Gates
Staircases
These components are essential in many types of construction projects. Below are a few key
areas where structural steel is especially useful:
Bridges
Bridges need to support heavy loads and stand up to various environmental conditions. Structural
steel is a smart choice because of its high yield strength and ability to handle different forces—
like tension, compression, and shear. It’s also highly resistant to corrosion, especially when
treated properly, which is important for bridges built over water.
Transportation
Structural steel plays a big role in the transportation industry. It’s used in vehicles such as cars,
trucks, trains, and even airplanes. Whether it’s for internal parts or exterior panels, steel is
preferred for its strength, flexibility, and cost-efficiency.
Buildings
From high-rise towers to residential homes, structural steel is a trusted material in construction. It
performs well under pressure—literally. When exposed to strong winds or extreme conditions, it
bends instead of breaking, making it ideal for multi-storey buildings and other structures that
require both strength and safety.
2. Name three alloying agents and their principal effects.
Some examples of agents and their general properties added to an alloy are:
Molybdenum: Improves corrosion abrasion resistance, and hardenability
Copper: Promotes resistance to atmospheric corrosion
Silicon: Deoxidizes liquid steels, improves toughness and hardenability. Decreases resistance to
corrosion
3. Draw a typical stress–strain relationship for steel subjected to tension. On the graph,
show the modulus of elasticity, the yield strength, the ultimate strength, and the rupture
stress.
4. Name three mechanical tests used to measure properties of steel. What are the
significance and use of these tests?
Tensile Test
The tensile test is one of the most important methods in destructive material testing, especially
for metals like steel. In this test, a standardized specimen with a known cross-sectional area is
pulled lengthwise using gradually increasing force until it breaks. This test provides crucial
information about the material’s tensile strength, ductility, and elongation at fracture. It simulates
how steel will behave when subjected to stretching or pulling forces in real-world applications,
such as in structural beams, cables, or bolts.
Compression Test
The compression test evaluates how a material behaves when subjected to squeezing or crushing
forces. A standardized specimen is compressed longitudinally under a gradually increasing load
until it deforms or fails. Although not as common for testing metals like steel, this test is highly
significant for materials used in construction such as concrete, stone, and brick. It helps
determine the compressive strength and the material’s ability to withstand heavy loads without
collapsing—critical for designing columns, foundations, and other load-bearing components.
Bending Test
The bending test, particularly the three-point bending method, is used to assess the deformation
behavior of materials when a force is applied in the center of a beam supported at both ends. This
test reveals how the material reacts under bending stress, measuring properties like flexibility,
toughness, and the relationship between load and deflection. It is especially useful in evaluating
steel used in structural applications where bending or flexing is likely to occur, such as in
bridges, frames, or floor systems.
Diego. (2019, March 2). Exploring the stress / strain curve for mild steel - the Chicago Curve.
The Chicago Curve. https://www.cmrp.com/blog/faq/analysis-design/exploring-stress-
strain-curve-mild-steel.html
G.U.N.T. Gerätebau GmbH. (n.d.). Mechanical testing methods.
https://www.gunt.de/images/download/mechanical_testing_methods_english.pdf
ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Alloying element. ScienceDirect Topics.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/alloying-element
Uses of structural steel | Structural steel fabricators. (n.d.).
https://www.bakersteeltrading.co.uk/uses-of-structural-steel/
