What does SS mean in ENGINEERING

Structural Steel has several benefits compared to other materials. It is lighter weight than concrete, allowing for easier installation; it is fire-resistant and resists moisture better than wood; it has superior strength-to-weight ratio; it allows for more freedom in designing structures; and requires less maintenance over time.

Structural Steel is most commonly made from molten iron ore that is combined with alloying elements such as carbon, silicon, manganese, nickel and chromium. The resulting alloy mixture is then formed into different shapes.

Structural Steel comes in a variety of forms such as hot rolled shapes (I beams, H beams), cold rolled shapes (angles & channels), galvanized sheet, plate or bar stock.

Structural steels are designed to meet specific requirements including yield strength (ksi or MPa), tensile strength (ksi or MPa), elongation percent in 2" or hardness rating (Brinell). Common grades used in construction include A36, A572 GR 50 & A992.

The strength of structural steels varies depending on the grade used but generally ranges between 36 ksi to 50 ksi yield strength. Higher grade steels can have strengths up to 100 ksi but will usually require special welding techniques or heat treating processes to maintain their desired results.